For many couples property and money issues are an important aspect of any relationship. Making sure that you are both on the same page when it comes to property investment will come a long way in preventing complicated disputes in the future.

A couple shoud first decide whether they want to invest in property together or separately. Australian Property Investor journalist Nicole Navarro says, "When many couples tie the knot or unite at a more established stage in life with property portfolios or other significant assets, not all of them choose to merge their possessions."

She adds: "For a multitude of reasons some couples prefer to merge together in love but remain divided with their property portfolios."

There seems to be two types of couples that typically keep separate portfolios - the'uncertain' and the 'been burnt before', explains Navarro. The first group usually comprises those in their late 20s or 30s who like to keep their major assets separate, while the second profile consists of those who have already been through a tough relationship break-up and are wary about sharing assets again.

Issues to consider before investing property separately or together:

Existing facilities: If you already have joint facilities, investing on your own won't prove to be that fruitful.

Taxation: Will investing as individuals give you a better tax position in the short, medium and long term?

Capacity: Do you have the ability to meet large levels of borrowing on your own?

Character: Do you have a good track record and relationships with your current lenders?

Investing separately can sometimes mean a bigger property portfolio can be built, but it can also mean the opposite. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to borrow more as an individual and you can also benefit from tax breaks by having separate portfolios.