Quick answer
The minimum deposit to buy a house in the UK is 5% of the purchase price. On a £200,000 home that is £10,000. However, putting down 10–15% gives you access to better mortgage rates and lower monthly payments. Most first-time buyers aim for at least 10%.
Saving for a house deposit is one of the biggest financial hurdles for buyers in the UK — but knowing exactly how much deposit you need to buy a house makes the goal feel a lot more manageable. The amount you need depends on the property price, the lender's requirements, and how much you want to pay each month once you're in.
Deposit amounts by property price
The table below shows how much you'd need to save at different deposit percentages across common UK property prices. The 10% column is a sensible target for most buyers — it unlocks a much wider choice of lenders and noticeably better rates.
| Property price | 5% deposit | 10% deposit | 15% deposit | 20% deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £100,000 | £5,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £20,000 |
| £150,000 | £7,500 | £15,000 | £22,500 | £30,000 |
| £200,000 | £10,000 | £20,000 | £30,000 | £40,000 |
| £250,000 | £12,500 | £25,000 | £37,500 | £50,000 |
| £300,000 | £15,000 | £30,000 | £45,000 | £60,000 |
| £400,000 | £20,000 | £40,000 | £60,000 | £80,000 |
| £500,000 | £25,000 | £50,000 | £75,000 | £100,000 |
The highlighted row shows the approximate UK average first-time buyer property price.
Why a bigger deposit makes a real difference
It is not just about meeting the lender's minimum — the size of your deposit directly affects the interest rate you are offered. Lenders price mortgages based on loan-to-value (LTV): the percentage of the property's value you are borrowing. The lower your LTV, the less risk for the lender, and the better the rate they will offer you.
To put that in numbers: on a £250,000 property, the difference between a 5% LTV mortgage rate and a 15% LTV rate could easily be 0.5–1.0%. On a 25-year repayment mortgage, that single percentage point saves you roughly £100–£130 per month — and tens of thousands over the full term.
The main LTV thresholds to aim for are 90% LTV (10% deposit), 85% LTV (15% deposit), and 80% LTV (20% deposit). Each one unlocks a new tier of more competitive deals.
Practical ways to save your deposit faster
🏦
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
Save up to £4,000 per year and get a 25% government bonus — up to £1,000 free each year. Available to first-time buyers aged 18–39.
📊
High-interest savings account
Regular saver accounts or cash ISAs can pay 4–5% AER. Even modest interest earnings compound meaningfully over two to three years.
🎁
Gifted deposit
A gift from a parent or close relative is accepted by most lenders. They will typically need to sign a letter confirming the money does not need to be repaid.
🏠
Shared Ownership
Buy a share of a property (usually 25–75%) and pay rent on the rest. The deposit is based on the share price, making it much more accessible in expensive areas.
Example: saving a deposit on a £220,000 home
Say you are buying a property for £220,000 and you want to put down a 10% deposit — that is £22,000. You currently have £5,000 saved, so you need another £17,000.
If you save £600 per month, you will reach your target in just under two years and five months. Open a Lifetime ISA and save the full £4,000 allowance in year one and year two, and you could cut that time by several months thanks to the government bonus — effectively getting £2,000 for free.
Once you have your deposit, use our mortgage calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like, or check the stamp duty calculator to make sure you have budgeted for that cost too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum deposit to buy a house in the UK?
The minimum most lenders will accept is 5% of the purchase price. On a £200,000 home that is £10,000. A handful of lenders and government schemes can occasionally support lower deposits, but 5% is the practical floor for most buyers.
Is a 10% deposit enough to buy a house in the UK?
Yes. A 10% deposit is accepted by the vast majority of UK lenders and puts you in a much stronger position than 5%. You will get access to better rates and a wider range of mortgage products, which lowers your monthly payment.
How long does it take to save a house deposit in the UK?
At £500 per month, saving a £20,000 deposit takes around three years and four months. Use a Lifetime ISA to speed things up — the 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 per year adds £1,000 annually to your pot at no cost to you.
Does a bigger deposit mean lower monthly mortgage payments?
Yes, in two ways. A bigger deposit means a smaller loan, and it also usually means a lower interest rate because your loan-to-value ratio is lower. Both factors push your monthly payment down.
Can I use gifted money as a house deposit?
Yes, most lenders accept gifted deposits from a parent or close family member. The person giving the money will normally need to provide a signed letter confirming it is a gift — not a loan — and that they have no claim on the property.
Related tools and guides
DisclaimerThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Deposit requirements, interest rates, and scheme eligibility can change. Always consult a qualified mortgage adviser before making any property or borrowing decisions.
About the author
✓ Editorially reviewed — all Poqet guides are checked for factual accuracy before publication and updated when UK rates or legislation change. Editorial Policy