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A smaller deposit
You may not need to wait for 10%. Explore what a 5% deposit changes—and what it doesn’t.
- What it could change
- A lower upfront percentage deposit.
- Keep in mind
- A larger mortgage and potentially higher monthly costs.
Explore your options
What is getting in the way?
Start with the question you need to solve. Compare what an option changes with the costs and conditions it brings.
Last updated
6 routes to explore
Ways to buy
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Give your savings a boost
A Lifetime ISA (a savings or investment account with a government bonus and withdrawal conditions) could add a government bonus. Check the price limit and waiting period first.
- What it could change
- A government bonus on qualifying savings.
- Keep in mind
- Account, timing, property-price and withdrawal conditions.
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Look beyond a simple multiple
Different lenders assess income differently. A rough salary calculation isn’t the final answer.
- What it could change
- How a lender may assess the income it accepts.
- Keep in mind
- Product criteria, commitments and sustainable repayments.
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Put your rent record to work
Some specialist mortgages consider a proven rental history, with little or no deposit.
- What it could change
- Rental history may be relevant to a specialist mortgage.
- Keep in mind
- Specific evidence, lender rules and ongoing affordability (whether the borrowing and ongoing costs fit your circumstances).
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Understand family help
A gift, an extra borrower and a family loan do very different things. Know the responsibilities.
- What it could change
- Help with cash, security or a borrowing arrangement.
- Keep in mind
- Different risks for a gift, a loan or another borrower.
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Explore a different route in
Shared ownership (buying a share of a home and paying rent on the rest) and discounted homes can change the starting point. The full costs still matter.
- What it could change
- The initial share, deposit or purchase price.
- Keep in mind
- Local availability, eligibility, rent, charges and resale terms.
Announced, not included in your plan
England’s Your First Home scheme has published income caps and opening stages. Later charges and full operational rules still need checking.
Read what is known →Sources and conditions
Checked 28 October 2026. Rules and product availability can change; check the original information before acting.
GOV.UK · How to buy a home ↗MoneyHelper · Applying for a mortgage ↗