Thinking Of Buying a Property? 5 Tips to Save For House Deposit

Thinking Of Buying a Property? 5 Tips to Save For House Deposit

Saving for a deposit when house buying in the UK is the most challenging part. It has also become difficult because of growing inflation. As a result, it can take more than five years for an individual to save ten per cent of the asking price.

If you seek to jump-start your savings, you have come to the right place. Here is everything you need to save for the average deposit for a house in the UK.

Ask for guidance

When on your journey to buying a house in the UK, it is essential to ask for a helping hand. We insist you browse the social circle and ask for family members to help you save for a deposit. One of the suggestions is relocating with your parents or grandparents who can accommodate the request with low rent. You can save on food and utility too.

Some banks also offer a deposit scheme where a family member can jointly pay the ten per cent deposit on your behalf. The security prevents the property from going to a different buyer. The family member will receive the amount back in a few years with interest if the mortgage payments are made on time. However, if payments are skipped, the amount is deducted from the deposit.

Meanwhile, the property is secured, and you can save more to accommodate the house deposit. However, communicate with the family member about your stay and boundaries. If you plan to relocate or ask for financial assistance, mention the terms clearly to avoid internal disruptions.

Goal-oriented thinking

All major decisions that involve money must be attained by setting goals. You cannot consider purchasing properties based on a whim. It is possible you cannot afford it. Therefore, begin the journey by studying the mortgage rate. Don’t forget to study the interest rate too.

After analysing the market factors, you decide which home to buy and where. Setting parameters allows you to think realistically rather than seeking a house that is out of budget.

After you decide to buy a UK house, you will also discover its subsequent deposit. The figure is your savings goal. It will motivate you to focus and think ahead. Ambitious thinking will result in hard work so that you can save high amounts. However, balance ambition with realistic expectations.

If you are unsure how much to save, follow the 50/30/20 amount. You can allot one-half of your monthly income to food, utility, and rent. Secondly, reserve 30% for entertainment such as shopping, subscription, and eating outside. However, the remainder 20 per cent is strictly for buying a house in the UK. You can divide the twenty per cent savings into a pension, emergency funds, and investing. However, save the dominant portion for paying the average deposit for a house in the UK. You can use the house deposit calculator if it helps.

When to pay the deposit for the house purchase?

Do you often think, “When to pay the deposit for a house purchase?”

When purchasing a house, the individual pays the deposit immediately after signing the Offer to Purchase letter. It is a binding legal document between the seller and the purchaser.

The deposit is usually calculated as ten per cent of the purchase price. However, if you pay a higher amount, you are likely to save in the long term because of lower interest rates.

If you opt for shared ownership of the house, the deposit is dropped to five per cent. The same answer applies to the question, “How much is a deposit on a house UK?”

Unfortunately, the lenders are requesting a 15% deposit because of the pandemic.

If you cannot pay the 10 per cent deposit, do not worry. The UK government is offering a subsidised scheme to aid individuals with a 5% deposit. The scheme was launched last year in April. It is the ideal option for individuals looking to own homes for the first time.

Paying a deposit to the solicitor for the house

One must practice utmost care in terms of paying the deposit to the solicitor for the house. If the amount is less than 250,000, the parties can perform the transaction through Faster Payments. However, larger amounts will go through a separate system called CHAPS. The second alternative has a slower processing speed. However, the transaction is completed the same or the next day.

The solicitor must not suggest BACS, as the transaction takes three to five days. However, you must consult the bank and the transaction mode for the best results. Call your bank ahead of schedule to communicate the timeframe.

You can transfer the deposit to the solicitor through a personal cheque. We suggest opting for an online route to prevent lost cheques. Furthermore, solicitors no longer accept a cheque as it increases their work-related responsibilities.

The ten per cent deposit mentioned above needs to clear so the solicitors can exchange contracts with the seller. Furthermore, the clearance will also mean the parties can exchange all legal documents, which makes the new owner of your home. Remember to read the contracts before signing them and re-browse the banking details.

Use a House Deposit Calculator

If you are unsure about the average deposit for a house in the UK, it is time to consult a house deposit calculator, which will yield you the best suggestions. However, remember that the information is generated with an algorithm based on assumptions.

There are many house deposit calculators available online. Therefore, we suggest doing a little research before entering personal information. You can ask friends and family for recommendations regarding the best house deposit calculator.

The preliminary information the house deposit calculator will discuss is the house value. Furthermore, it will request that you enter the size of the deposit in percentage terms. You will also enter monthly savings and accumulated savings.

Lastly, the house deposit calculator will also require an interest rate. It will also factor in tax information such as basic, proportionate, or additional. The resultant amount is not the official figure so study the number with a grain of salt. It incorporates a margin of error.

The Bottom Line

Saving for a house deposit in the UK is possible by searching for cost-effective alternatives. Whether being intelligent with groceries or relocating to low rent, the strategies will eliminate unnecessary expenses. The challenge is not difficult to overcome. However, it requires discipline, attention, and commitment, which we know you have!

For more information on house buying in the UK, visit https://trpe.co.uk. We are property experts who guide clients in selling, purchasing and investing. TRPE also represents landlords and home buyers. Contact us for property-related queries or to schedule an appointment.