News First-time buyers
Deposits, saving schemes, family help and what lenders look for, explained step by step.
Buying your first home means learning a lot quickly. These guides cover the questions first-time buyers ask us most: how much deposit you need, how gifted deposits and Lifetime ISAs work, how family can help without owning part of the home, and how to get your paperwork ready before you apply.
If you are just starting out, begin with the checklist. When you want to talk it through, our advice is fee-free and there is no obligation.
Guide · Updated September 2026 · 11 min
Getting mortgage-ready takes six to twelve months. Our first-time buyer checklist covers your credit file, deposit, bank statements, agreement in principle, surveys and conveyancer, plus the mistakes that cost buyers.
Guide · Updated September 2026 · 7 min
Yes, you can buy a house with a £5k deposit. See what £5,000 can buy, the 98–100% mortgages and schemes available in 2026, shared ownership, and the costs £5k won’t cover.
Guide · Updated September 2026 · 10 min
Most UK lenders accept gifted deposits if there are no strings attached. See which deposit sources lenders accept, what the gifted deposit letter must say and the proof you’ll need.
These articles reflect the market and rules when they were published, so rates, schemes and thresholds may have changed since.
Advice is free, and there is no obligation. Tell us what you are trying to do and we will tell you what is possible.
