Can I co-borrow on a mortgage with a partner or parent?

Yes — adding a co-borrower lets lenders combine both people's income, which can raise how much you qualify for. The lender also weighs both credit profiles and debts, and typically prices the loan off the lower of the two credit scores, so a co-borrower with weak credit can actually hurt your rate. Everyone on the loan is fully responsible for the debt, and if a co-borrower has their own future borrowing plans, this mortgage will show on their credit and affect their DTI. There's also a difference between being on the loan and being on the title (ownership) — you can structure these separately, and it's wise to put expectations about payments, ownership shares, and an exit plan in writing. For an unmarried couple or a parent helping a child, a written agreement and a clear title arrangement prevent painful disputes later.