# How much deposit do I need to buy a home in the UK? > Mortgages & first homes · Last updated 1 June 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/deposit-how-much-do-i-need/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/deposit-how-much-do-i-need.md ## Quick answer Most lenders need at least a 5% deposit, but 10%–15% or more unlocks much cheaper rates. On a typical home, that means saving anywhere from around £12,000 to £40,000-plus depending on price and the rate you want. ## Who should skip this Skip this page if you need a personal recommendation or a live quote. This is general UK information — confirm today's figures with the official source linked below. Your deposit decides both whether you can buy and how cheap your mortgage is. This guide explains the minimum, why a bigger deposit pays off, and the extra costs to budget for beyond the deposit itself. ## Key facts - Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit (a 95% mortgage) - A 10%, 15% or 25% deposit unlocks progressively cheaper interest rates - Deposit size sets your loan-to-value (LTV) band, the main driver of your rate - Budget for extra costs too: legal fees, survey, and Stamp Duty above the relevant threshold ## Minimum vs sensible deposit You can buy with 5% down, but the rate on a 95% mortgage is higher and monthly payments larger. Each step up — to 90%, 85%, 75% or 60% LTV — typically reduces the rate, so saving a little more before you buy can cut your payments for years. Work backwards: on a £250,000 home, 5% is £12,500, 10% is £25,000 and 15% is £37,500. Compare the monthly cost at each level rather than just the cash needed. ## Don't forget the other costs The deposit is not the only up-front cost. Budget for solicitor/conveyancing fees, a mortgage valuation or survey, removal costs and any product fee. First-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty up to £300,000 in England and Northern Ireland, but higher prices and other buyers pay SDLT on top. A Lifetime ISA can boost a first-home deposit with a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 a year, for homes worth up to £450,000. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I buy with no deposit? True zero-deposit mortgages are rare and come with strict conditions. For almost all buyers a deposit of at least 5% is needed. ### Is a bigger deposit always better? Generally yes, because it lowers your rate and monthly payments — but keep enough cash back for moving costs and an emergency fund rather than putting every penny into the deposit. ## Primary source https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/homes/buying-a-home ## Related - [Stamp Duty explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/stamp-duty-explained/) - [Mortgage affordability calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/mortgage-affordability-calculator/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.