Property Guide

How Much Deposit Do I Need for a House UK?

Your house deposit is one of the biggest parts of buying a home. The amount you need depends on the property price, mortgage options, income, and how much you want to borrow.

What is a house deposit?

A house deposit is the upfront amount you contribute towards the property purchase price. The rest is usually covered by a mortgage.

For example, if a property costs £250,000 and you put down £25,000, your deposit is 10% and the mortgage covers the remaining 90%.

Typical deposit sizes

5% deposit: possible with some mortgage products, but may have stricter criteria.
10% deposit: common for many first-time buyers.
15% to 25% deposit: may unlock better rates or more lender options.
Larger deposits: can reduce borrowing and monthly repayments.

Other costs to budget for

Your deposit is not the only upfront cost. Buyers may also need to budget for stamp duty, solicitor fees, surveys, moving costs, and mortgage fees.

This is why it helps to check the whole buying picture rather than only focusing on the deposit.

Estimate your property budget

Use the House Affordability Calculator, Mortgage Calculator, and Stamp Duty Calculator to plan your full purchase budget.

Use Affordability Calculator →

FAQs

Is a 5% deposit enough to buy a house?

It can be possible with some mortgage products, but availability and criteria vary.

Is a bigger deposit better?

Often yes. A larger deposit can reduce borrowing, lower repayments, and potentially improve mortgage options.

Do I need to save more than the deposit?

Yes. You should also budget for fees, moving costs, surveys, and possibly stamp duty.

Does deposit size affect mortgage repayments?

Yes. A larger deposit usually means borrowing less, which can reduce monthly repayments.