Buying a home: how to save for your deposit

Buying your first home is an exciting time, but saving for a mortgage deposit can be a challenge. A savings plan can make all the difference.

To be able to start saving for a home, firstly you need to get an idea of how much you need to save.

Many mortgage lenders have an online calculator that will help you establish your price range by giving a quick indication of how much they will lend, what your repayments will be and how much of a deposit you will need.

Bear in mind that these calculators are for illustrative purposes, based on the product range on offer at the time, and the result doesn’t constitute a mortgage offer which would require a full application.

Typically, mortgage providers will lend you a percentage of either the purchase price or property valuation, whichever is lower. The rest is what you need to save for your deposit. Bear in mind that the more deposit you put down, the less you need to borrow.

Saving for deposit

Review your finances

Once you know how much you need to save, a review of your finances will help you make a plan. Make a list of your monthly income, including basic salary and any regular overtime/bonuses, and then compare it with your outgoings.

Include as much as you can to build an accurate picture, including everything from rent, bills and groceries to leisure and transport expenses. Don’t forget little luxuries add up too – a couple of pounds a day on a smoothie on your way to work could be costing you more than £500 a year.

With these figures at hand, you can work out what you can save each month. For example, if you were aiming to save a £20,000 deposit:

  • Monthly income (after tax) = £1,957*
  • Monthly expenses = £1,200
  • Remainder/potential saved each month = £757

Time to save £20,000 saving = 27 months

*Figures are for illustrative purposes only, based on annual salary of £30,000.

Don’t forget you may also need to factor in additional costs to buy a home, such as valuation fees, stamp duty and legal fees. MoneyHelper can help you build a picture of the upfront fees you may need to take into account.

You could lose your home if you don’t keep up your mortgage repayments

Boost your savings

There are lots of ways to boost your saving potential over the short and longer term.

ISAs – are a sensible way to save free of tax, up to your annual ISA allowance. There are restrictions on how much and how often you can pay into them. And rates on variable ISAs can change. For more information, please speak to our savings experts.

Fixed term savings accounts – give a fixed interest rate when you save money for a set period of time. They can give you a predictable return on your money, but you can only access your cash at the end of the term.

Instant access savings accounts – allow you to take out your money whenever you like. The rates can be lower than other types of savings accounts, but can be higher than a current account.

Firm up your plans

Once you’re nearing your savings target it’s a good idea to approach your lender for an ‘agreement in principle’. Our dedicated mortgage advisers can tell you how much you could borrow – or you can check online – without leaving a mark on your credit history, and without committing to buy. This agreement in principle would be valid for 90 days so you can find your new home with confidence.

Your next steps

Specialist support

If you’re uncertain about the best approach for your circumstances, or want to find more information about our mortgages, speak to our advisers. We can help you identify and overcome challenges and build up your savings in a way that suits you, so you can get the keys to your own home as quickly as possible.

If you’d like to speak to a Lloyds Bank mortgage adviser, visit your local branch or call us.

Buying a home articles

Glossary of terms

Save without missing out

First time buyer guide

The cost of buying a house

How to buy your first house

Related content

Mortgage Basics

Mortgage Calculator

Help with budgeting

Start your mortgage application

Open a joint account

Adding a person to your existing account

Your insurance needs

Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).