Tools
House deposit calculator
Turn “one day” into a date. Set your target, your savings and your monthly amount — and see exactly when the deposit is done.
£17,000 to go at £400/month.
Simple straight-line plan — no interest on savings or price growth assumed. Most first-time buyers put down 5–15%.
Deposits — your questions
How much deposit do I need to buy a house?
Most lenders ask for at least 5% of the purchase price; 10–15% unlocks noticeably better rates. On a £250,000 home that is £12,500 to £37,500.
How long does it take to save a deposit?
Divide what you still need by what you can save monthly. Saving £400 a month toward a £25,000 target from zero takes just over five years — this tool shows your exact date.
Should I aim for a bigger deposit?
A bigger deposit lowers your loan-to-value, which usually means cheaper rates and smaller repayments — but waiting longer also means rent and possible price rises. It is a trade-off.