Answer Base

Instead of the combined income, the couple, taking out a loan and paying back a certain sum, is it possible for both parties to take out a separate loan for a lesser sum - coming to a larger sum when combined - and paying their separate loans back separatly so that payments are less of a drain on the income? simple example: instead of 1 x $100 paying back $30 you take 2 x $75 paying back $12 x 2 possible if you end up living together?

It is possible to do this. if the lender is only prepared to loan you a certain amount as joint holders of a loan, it might be possible borrow more if one of you takes out a loan from a lender and your partner / friend takes out a loan with another lender. however, it is normally more cost effective to take out a joint loan.