Answers · UK 2025/26
How much deposit do I need for a house in the UK?
The minimum mortgage deposit in the UK is typically 5% of the purchase price, but 10–15% gives access to better rates. The average UK first-time buyer deposit in 2024 was around £53,000 (≈20% of average FTB purchase price).
Full answer
UK mortgage lenders typically require a minimum 5% deposit (95% loan-to-value). At 5% you have access to fewer lenders and significantly higher interest rates — often 1–2 percentage points above the cheapest 60% LTV deals. A 10% deposit opens up more lenders, 15% gives a meaningful rate improvement, and 25% deposit (75% LTV) typically gets near-best-buy rates. Government support: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme supports 95% LTV deals from major lenders. Lifetime ISA: save up to £4,000/year and get a 25% government bonus, withdrawable penalty-free for a first home up to £450,000. Shared Ownership: buy 25–75% of a property and pay rent on the rest, with a deposit typically just 5–10% of the share you own. Average first-time buyer deposit in 2024: around £53,000 (Halifax/Nationwide data), reflecting affordability stretch in expensive areas. The bigger your deposit, the cheaper your rate — and the more you can borrow.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.