Getting on the property ladder can be tricky - but there are tools that can help you get there sooner.
Your first home will likely be the biggest thing you ever save for. So it's unsurprising that it can feel daunting!
But we're here to help.
In this article, we're going to look at six things you can do that will make it easier - and quicker - to get your foot on the ladder.
1. Use a lifetime ISA to build your deposit faster
If you’re aged 18-39 (inclusive), a lifetime ISA could help you build your deposit fund faster thanks to a generous 25% government bonus. For every £100 you pay in, the government pays in another £25. As you can invest up to £4,000 each tax year, you could get up to an extra £1,000 each year!
There are a few lifetime ISA rules you need to be aware of. If you don’t stick to these rules, you’ll have to pay the government withdrawal charge. This charge is 25% of everything you take out, which could leave you with less money than you put in.
2. Find out the costs of buying a home - and plan for them
Knowing roughly how much money you’ll need to put away can help you plan.
Some numbers to think about:
- Average property prices. According to Rightmove, the average property price in the UK was £371,422 in November 2025. Of course, this varies depending on where you want to live, unsurprisingly this average is higher in London.
- Average deposit you’ll need. Again, this will vary, although most banks prefer first-time buyers to pay a deposit of at least 10% of the price of the property, but you might be able to get a mortgage with as little as 5%. Putting down a higher deposit has two advantages: you'll need to borrow less money and you may be able to get a lower interest rate, so you’ll pay less each month.
- Additional costs. These can include Stamp Duty, solicitor fees, surveys and moving costs.
Do first-time buyers pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?
Sometimes! If you're buying your first home in England or Northern Ireland, you won't pay Stamp Duty if the property you're buying is costing you less than £300,000.
If it costs more than £300,000, you’ll need to pay 5% on the portion from £300,000.01 to £500,000.
If it costs more than £500,000, you'll be charged the same rate as people who aren't first-time buyers. This means you don't pay Stamp Duty on the amount up to £125,000. You then pay a percentage on the rest depending on how much the home is worth.
Confused? Use the government's Stamp Duty calculator to work out how much you'll need to pay.
3. Start saving early (if you can!)
The best time to start saving for your first home is now.
Even if you’re not planning to buy for a while, if you can afford to start putting some money aside now it'll give your savings more time to grow, whether you choose to save or invest.
Your future self will thank you.
Get up to £1,000 extra towards your first home deposit every year with a OneFamily Lifetime ISA
4. Try to cut your spending
An oldie but a goodie.
It’s not always easy, but it pays to give your outgoings a proper review.
If you’re renting, would moving back in with your parents or doing a house share be an option? Can you be stricter about what you spend your money on, while still enjoying your life?
And no, you don’t necessarily have to cancel your Netflix subscription…
5. Boost your income or earning potential
Taking on multiple extra jobs may not be realistic and could be a fast track to burnout.
But could you take on a side hustle? Or could you see if it’s possible to increase your current salary? Learning new skills could land you a better paying role, either with your current employer or at a brand new job.
6. Stick to your budget
Try not to fall into the trap of emotional spending. Manifesting your future home and telling people what you’re working towards can be a great way to fight temptation.
Tell yourself you’re not buying something because you’re choosing your homeowner dreams instead.
Try not to compare yourself to others
It can feel like everyone else is somehow able to jump onto the property ladder. But each person’s circumstances are different. Keep focusing on your own path and do what’s in your control. You do you!
If you do want to see how someone else did it, take a look at our customer, Dan's, story. He added £11,000 to his first-home fund by using a OneFamily Lifetime ISA.
Open a OneFamily Lifetime ISA
Our Lifetime ISA comes with a 25% government bonus, worth up to £1,000 a year!
Our Lifetime ISA invests in stocks and shares, so the value is likely to go up and down over time. This is normal for this type on investment, but it means there is a risk you could get back less than you put in if you withdraw at a time when the value is lower.
