First-time buyer deposits for UK property

Buying a home is a significant milestone, particularly for first-time buyers navigating the UK property market. One of the critical steps in this journey is understanding and saving for the house deposit.

This initial payment, typically a percentage of the property’s purchase price, plays a pivotal role in securing a mortgage and determining the affordability of your new home. With varying deposit requirements and benefits tied to the size of your deposit, it’s essential to be well-informed. In this article, we delve into the average first-time buyer deposit in the UK, explore minimum and maximum deposit amounts, and offer practical tips for saving effectively.

We understand that the hardest part of buying your first home is the deposit so we hope the information here will help you in achieving your dream!

What is a house deposit?

A house deposit is the initial payment made by a buyer when purchasing a property. It is a percentage of the property’s total purchase price, usually paid upfront to secure the transaction.

This sum is typically required by mortgage lenders to demonstrate the buyer’s financial commitment and reduce the lender’s risk. The deposit amount can vary, but for first-time buyers in the UK, it commonly ranges from 5% to 20% of the property’s total sale value.

A higher deposit often results in better mortgage terms, including lower interest rates. Saving for a deposit is a crucial step in the home-buying process, influencing affordability and mortgage eligibility.

What is the minimum deposit for a UK mortgage?

The minimum deposit for a UK mortgage is typically 5% of the property’s purchase price. This is known as a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage, meaning the mortgage covers 95% of the property value while the buyer contributes the remaining 5% as a deposit. For example, if purchasing a home valued at £200,000, the minimum deposit would be £10,000 (5% of £200,000).

While 5% is the minimum, a higher deposit is often advisable. Many lenders prefer a 10% deposit, which is common for first-time buyers aiming for an 90% LTV mortgage. With a larger deposit, borrowers are more likely to secure better interest rates and favourable mortgage terms from their bank or mortgage broker.

Government schemes like Help to Buy have historically supported buyers with smaller deposits, although these programs often come with specific eligibility criteria and restrictions.

It’s important to note that mortgage availability and terms can vary based on market conditions, lender policies, and the buyer’s financial profile, including credit history and income stability.

Higher deposits not only improve mortgage accessibility but also reduce monthly repayment amounts, making homeownership more affordable in the long run. For those looking to minimize borrowing costs and increase their chances of mortgage approval, saving for a larger deposit is a strategic approach.

What is the average deposit for a UK mortgage?

The average deposit for a UK mortgage varies depending on several factors, including property location and market conditions. As of recent data for 2024, the average deposit for first-time buyers is around 15% to 20% of the property’s purchase price.

This translates to approximately £55,000 to £65,000, given the average UK house price of around £275,000 to £325,000. In London and other high-demand areas, the average deposit can be significantly higher due to elevated property prices. Conversely, in less expensive regions, the average deposit might be lower.

These figures highlight the importance of substantial savings for prospective homebuyers aiming to secure favourable mortgage terms and manage affordability.

What is the maximum deposit for a UK mortgage?

There is no strict maximum deposit limit for a UK mortgage, as buyers can technically offer as much as they wish. However, the typical maximum deposit ranges from 30% to 40% of the property’s purchase price. Offering a larger deposit significantly reduces the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which can result in more favourable mortgage terms, such as lower interest rates and reduced monthly repayments.

For example, on a property worth £300,000, a 40% deposit would amount to £120,000. High deposits like these not only minimize the borrowing amount but also demonstrate strong financial stability to lenders, potentially increasing the chances of mortgage approval.

While extremely large deposits (over 50%) are less common, they do occur, particularly among cash-rich buyers or those with substantial equity from selling a previous property. These buyers benefit from the lowest possible interest rates and the greatest flexibility in mortgage options.

Ultimately, the size of the deposit depends on individual financial circumstances and goals, but a larger deposit is generally advantageous in securing better mortgage deals and reducing long-term financial commitments.

Mortgage examples

Mortgages depending on the region of the UK that you are purchasing in can vary widely due to the significant difference in property prices nationally.

With that being said, the general rule of thumb is always the same. The only factors that will differ are:

• The property price
• The deposit amount
• The interest rate of the mortgage
• The mortgage term
• The mortgage type

Here are the current average numbers for each region of the UK as of 2024:

Region	Average deposit required
Greater London	£108,850
South East	£59,000
East Anglia	£52,750
South West	£49,250
Scotland	£39,750
West Midlands	£37,500
Wales	£36,500
East Midlands	£36,250
Morth West	£35,500
Yorkshire and the Humber	£33,250
Northern Ireland	£32,000
North East	£30,000

Below are some example figures for property values and mortgage rates as of 2024. These would be the expected outgoings for the circumstances detailed but do not include stamp duty or any mortgage upfront fees.

Property value	Deposit	Deposit amount	Monthly repayments (30-year loan @ 5%)
£300,000	5%	£15,000	£1,531
£300,000	10%	£30,000	£1,450
£300,000	15%	£45,000	£1,369
£300,000	20%	£60,000	£1,289

What are the benefits of saving for a bigger house deposit?

Saving for a bigger house deposit offers several significant benefits for prospective homebuyers. Firstly, a larger deposit reduces the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which can lead to more favourable mortgage terms. Lenders often offer lower interest rates to buyers with higher deposits, resulting in substantial savings over the life of the mortgage.

A bigger deposit also means smaller monthly mortgage repayments, easing the financial burden on the homeowner and improving long-term affordability. With lower repayments, buyers can manage their household budgets more effectively and potentially pay off their mortgage much faster.

Furthermore, a higher deposit increases the chances of mortgage approval massively. Lenders view borrowers with substantial deposits as lower-risk, enhancing their attractiveness as applicants. This is particularly important for first-time buyers or those with less-than-perfect credit histories.

Additionally, saving for a larger deposit can provide a buffer against potential market fluctuations. In the event of a downturn in property values, buyers with higher equity are less likely to face negative equity, where the outstanding mortgage exceeds the property’s market value.

Overall, a bigger deposit offers financial security, better mortgage options, and increased flexibility in managing homeownership costs.

5 top tips for saving for your house deposit

1. 1. Set a Clear Goal: Establish a specific savings target based on the price range of the properties you’re interested in. Knowing the exact amount you need for your deposit will help you stay focused and motivated. Consider aiming for at least 10% to 20% of the property value to improve your mortgage options and affordability.
   2. Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that outlines your income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back, such as dining out, online subscriptions, or non-essential shopping. Allocate a fixed amount each month towards your house deposit fund and treat it as a non-negotiable expense.
   3. Open a Dedicated Savings Account: Set up a separate savings account specifically for your house deposit. High-interest savings accounts or ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) can help your money grow faster. Automate your savings by setting up a direct debit from your main account to your savings account each month.
   4. Reduce Debt: Pay down existing debts to free up more of your income for saving. High-interest debts, such as credit card balances and personal loans, should be prioritized. Reducing your debt improves your credit score and increases the amount you can borrow when the time comes to apply for a mortgage.
   5. Boost Your Income: Look for ways to increase your earnings to accelerate your savings. This could involve taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items. Consider asking for a raise or seeking a higher-paying job if feasible. Additionally, look into government schemes like the Lifetime ISA, where the government adds a 25% bonus to your savings, up to a certain limit, which can be used towards your first home.

Implementing these strategies requires discipline and commitment, but with a clear plan and consistent effort, you can steadily grow your deposit fund and move closer to achieving your goal of homeownership.