How to Save for a House Deposit in the UK (Fast)
The average UK first-time buyer deposit is £53,000. Here's a realistic plan to get there in 3–5 years.
The average UK first-time buyer puts down £53,000 — about 18% of the average first home price (Halifax, 2024). London buyers average £125,000.
The fastest legal path
Lifetime ISA first: £4,000/yr in, £1,000/yr government bonus. Free money — don't leave it on the table.
Overflow into a high-interest easy-access ISA: keeps gains tax-free if you exceed your Personal Savings Allowance.
Avoid stocks for deposits under 3 years away — short-term equity volatility can wreck your timeline.
Worked example
£500/month into a LISA at 4.5% interest for 5 years = £33,700 (£30k contributed + £6.25k bonus + ~£3.4k interest). Combined with a partner doing the same: £67k — enough for a 10% deposit on a £670k home or a generous 20% on a £335k home.
Tell us your goal, how long you have and the return you expect — we'll tell you how much to set aside each month.
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