Family-supported mortgages

A family member (often parents) can help you onto the ladder by using their savings or home equity as security against your mortgage.
Because the 'guarantor' provides this security, you won’t usually need to put down a deposit yourself.
The most common setup involves savings:

• Your family member places a lump sum (often 10% of the property value) into a fixed savings account linked to your mortgage.
• These savings are held for your initial fixed period, usually 3–5 years.
• As long as you keep up with your repayments, the money is returned at the end of that period (plus any interest earned).

The idea is that during those 3–5 years, your property should rise in value (or you’ll have paid down enough of the loan) to remortgage onto a standard 90% mortgage without needing a guarantor.

Government schemes

Depending on what’s available at the time, schemes can reduce the amount you need up-front or make monthly payments more manageable. We’ll always check eligibility and the “fine print” (fees, restrictions, resale rules).

• Eligibility can be strict
• New-build vs resale rules can differ
• You still need to pass lender affordability

Low-deposit mortgages (5%)

If you can stretch to 5%, it often becomes the “sweet spot” for lender choice. It can also reduce how strict the underwriting feels. If saving is the issue, we’ll look at a realistic timeline and ways to keep it moving.

• More lenders and more product options
• Rates are usually better than true 100% borrowing
• Often simpler than scheme-based routes

Gifted deposit

Not everyone has access to family support, but for those fortunate enough, a gifted deposit can be a huge help in buying a home.
A gifted deposit is when a family member (often parents or grandparents) gives you money towards your deposit. Lenders will usually require a letter confirming it’s a gift, not a loan, and that the giver has no financial interest in the property.

• Must be an unconditional gift (usually)
• Source of funds checks will apply
• Paperwork matters — we’ll guide you through it

100% / “no deposit” mortgages (specialist products)

A true 100% mortgage (or 0% deposit mortgage) means borrowing the full property value with no deposit at all. These products disappeared after the 2008 financial crisis, but a handful of lenders are cautiously re-entering the market.
The most well-known option right now is Skipton’s Track Record Mortgage. This product is aimed at renters who can prove a solid history of paying rent (often at amounts similar to or higher than what a mortgage repayment would be). If you can show at least 12 months of consistent rent payments, you may be considered, even without a deposit.

Why caution is needed:

• If house prices fall, you’re at higher risk of negative equity (owing more than your home is worth).
• Interest rates are often higher than for low-deposit mortgages.
• Very strict criteria — you'll need to tick a lot of boxes to be approved.