Katie Oliphant

I opened my lifetime ISA in 2019 and have since managed to save more than £19,000, including the free government bonus. My dad encouraged me to set up my account and I’m so glad I did as it will make a huge difference to me and my future when the time comes to buy a house. I initially put some money in after a trip I’d saved up for fell through because of Covid. I then set up a direct debit, but recently cancelled it because everyday costs have gone up and my budget is tighter.

I think lifetime ISAs are brilliant and there’s no better way to save for a house – you are given free money from the government, so to me it’s a no brainer.

I’m currently living in a rented flat in Cambridge with my partner, Cormac. Shortly after we first moved in together, I encouraged him to get a lifetime ISA, too. He also opened one with OneFamily and so we’re both saving for our first home, which we hope to buy within the next five years.

Once we are able to buy, we’d like a three-bed house in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or somewhere else with good transport links into London. When I reach my thirties we may want to start a family, so ideally we’d like a homely property in a residential area with parking and a garden. We wouldn’t be able to afford to buy that in the city centre, but we enjoy living here at the moment, so for now we will continue renting and saving.

Having the lifetime ISA really has helped me save and will help Cormac and I buy our first home. I’d definitely recommend the lifetime ISA to people looking to get on the property ladder.