UK first‑time buyers depend on £11 bn family support in 2025

Research by Savills shows that over half of first‑time buyers in the United Kingdom rely on financial help from relatives, amounting to £8.3 billion in gifts and loans in 2025 and rising to £11 billion when inheritance is included. While 64 % of buyers use their own savings, 53 % draw on family assistance – 32 % receive outright gifts and 16 % obtain loans, with many contributions coming from grandparents as well as parents.

Savills’ Head of Residential Research Lucian Cook said higher mortgage rates have stretched affordability, keeping deposit requirements high and sustaining a “Bank of Mum and Dad” reliance. He added that forthcoming mortgage‑rule changes may ease access, but family support is likely to remain a crucial component of getting first‑time buyers onto the housing ladder.