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ustin Mark and his husband Bryan, along with their friends Nate Hanak and Stephanie Strother, decided to buy a house together in 2024. This unconventional decision allowed them to pool their resources and get more bang for their buck.

    Mark, 39, credits the success of their joint venture to open and honest communication from the start. "We had Zoom calls frequently to ensure everybody was on the same page," he explains. "We put all our personal finances on the table so that we knew what everyone was comfortable with."

    The group found a multi-unit building in Chicago for $800,000 and decided to put down 40% of the total home value, splitting the down payment 50/50 between each couple. This allowed them to lower their monthly payments despite high mortgage rates.

    To manage their finances, they established an operating agreement that outlines how expenses are split. They also separate their taxes and insurance. "We have an operating agreement that lays out the terms of how finances are split," Mark says. "It's a very old building, so we did run into a plumbing emergency not long after purchasing the building. We split the cost of the sewer line clean out."

    The property has four kitchens, six bedrooms, and two half baths. Each couple has a primary unit with an identical footprint, but they look different. Mark's unit features dark wood trim and a Chicago prairie style, while Nate and Stephanie's unit is lighter and more modern.

    The fact that each couple has their own kitchen and bathroom makes it easy to feel like they're living their own lives. "We refer to it as the 'forever home,'" Mark says. "It does feel like it's a very long-term living solution." With plenty of space, they can grow within the building if needed, making it an ideal setup for a long-term living arrangement.