Target Deposit
£0.00
Amount Still Needed
£0.00
Time to Reach Target
·
Target Month
·
Interest Earned
£0.00
Effective LTV
0%
Enter your details and click Calculate to see your deposit savings timeline.
Savings Growth vs Target
Tips for Saving a House Deposit

Lifetime ISA (LISA): First-time buyers under 40 can open a Lifetime ISA and save up to £4,000/year. The government adds a 25% bonus (up to £1,000/year). The funds can be used towards a first home worth up to £450,000. A LISA is one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for a deposit.

Cash ISA: Save up to £20,000/year (2026/27 ISA allowance) tax-free. Interest rates on Cash ISAs are competitive and the interest is not taxable, making them ideal for deposit savings.

Shared Ownership: You may be able to buy a share (25%–75%) of a property and pay rent on the rest, reducing the deposit required. This can be a stepping stone to full ownership.

Interest calculation: This calculator applies monthly compound interest on your running savings balance. The rate displayed is an annual rate divided by 12 each month.

House Deposit Savings Plan · How Long Will It Take?

Based on 4.5% savings rate. Figures show how long to save a 10% deposit on common property prices.

Property Price 10% Deposit Needed Saving £300/mo Saving £500/mo Saving £750/mo Saving £1,000/mo
£150,000£15,0004 yr 1 mo2 yr 5 mo1 yr 8 mo1 yr 3 mo
£200,000£20,0005 yr 6 mo3 yr 3 mo2 yr 2 mo1 yr 7 mo
£250,000£25,0007 yr 0 mo4 yr 1 mo2 yr 8 mo2 yr 0 mo
£300,000£30,0008 yr 6 mo4 yr 11 mo3 yr 3 mo2 yr 5 mo
£400,000£40,00011 yr 10 mo6 yr 8 mo4 yr 4 mo3 yr 3 mo
£500,000£50,00015 yr 5 mo8 yr 5 mo5 yr 6 mo4 yr 1 mo

Deposit Savings Calculator FAQs

How long does it take to save a house deposit in the UK?
At £500/month with 4.5% interest, saving a £15,000 deposit (10% on £150,000) takes around 2 years 5 months. A £25,000 deposit (10% on £250,000) takes around 4 years 1 month. Saving £1,000/month roughly halves the timeline. Using a Lifetime ISA adds a 25% government bonus of up to £1,000/year, meaningfully accelerating progress for eligible first-time buyers.
How much house deposit do I need in the UK?
The minimum deposit for most UK mortgages is 5% of the purchase price. A 10% deposit unlocks significantly better mortgage rates and lower monthly repayments. A 15–20% deposit gives access to the most competitive deals. For a £250,000 property: 5% = £12,500 · 10% = £25,000 · 20% = £50,000. The larger your deposit, the lower your loan-to-value ratio and the cheaper your mortgage rate.
Help to Buy ISA vs Lifetime ISA · which is better for a deposit?
The Help to Buy ISA is now closed to new applicants (closed November 2019). The Lifetime ISA (LISA) is the current government-backed option. Available to ages 18–39, you can save up to £4,000/year and receive a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000/year). The bonus and savings can be used toward a first home worth up to £450,000. The LISA is one of the most effective deposit-building tools available to first-time buyers.
Can I use a gifted deposit in the UK?
Yes. Most UK mortgage lenders accept gifted deposits, typically from close family members such as parents. The donor usually needs to sign a gifted deposit letter confirming the money is a gift and not a loan · meaning no repayment is expected. Some lenders require evidence the donor has had the funds for a period of time (to satisfy anti-money laundering rules). The gift does not affect your mortgage eligibility but must be declared to your lender and solicitor.

For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Tax rates shown are for 2026/27