Can First-Time Buyers Get on the Property Ladder in 2025 Without Relying on Parents?
- Christina Vassiliades
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Updated: 21 hours ago
Last updated: 9 October 2025
Yes, many first-time buyers can still get on the property ladder in 2025 without relying on parents, but it often requires careful planning, access to government schemes, and sometimes specialist mortgage solutions.
While house prices remain high compared to average incomes, more lenders are offering longer mortgage terms, higher income multiples, and products tailored to first-time buyers. Government-backed initiatives such as Shared Ownership, the First Homes scheme, and Lifetime ISAs continue to provide alternatives for those without a family deposit boost. Brokers also report that specialist lenders may be more flexible with affordability assessments, particularly for applicants with consistent income but limited savings.
That said, challenges remain. Rising rents make saving harder, and affordability stress tests mean not all applicants qualify for the maximum loan they expect. The key is preparation, realistic budgeting, and seeking expert advice to navigate the options available.
At Manor Mortgages, we’ve helped thousands of first-time buyers secure their first home, even when parental help wasn’t available. Call us today on 01275 399299 to explore your options.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What’s changed for first-time buyers in 2025?
Average deposits and affordability pressures
Can first-time buyers purchase without family support?
Government schemes available in 2025
The role of specialist lenders
How income multiples are shifting
Policy exceptions and lender flexibility
Step-by-step journey for independent first-time buyers
Case study: Buying without the Bank of Mum and Dad
Pros and cons of relying solely on your own funds
Myths vs reality about deposits
Market trends: What to expect through 2025
What underwriters and surveyors actually look for
Common mistakes first-time buyers make
Expert broker insights
FAQs
Glossary of key terms
Reader’s checklist: Questions to ask
Conclusion and next steps
1. Introduction
Getting on the property ladder has long been described as challenging, particularly for those without parental help. In 2025, rising living costs and house price-to-income ratios make the journey more complex, but there are also more schemes, specialist lenders, and products than in previous years.
2. What’s changed for first-time buyers in 2025?
House prices stabilised after sharp rises in 2021-2022
Mortgage affordability checks remain strict
Longer mortgage terms (35 - 40 years) are now more common
Government initiatives remain in place to support independent buyers
3. Average deposits and affordability pressures
The average first-time buyer deposit in the UK is now around £34,000 (ONS, 2024). For London, it is significantly higher. Without parental assistance, this level of saving can take many years, especially when combined with high rents.
4. Can first-time buyers purchase without family support?
Yes, but it requires:
Careful budgeting and disciplined saving
Use of schemes like Lifetime ISAs (25% bonus on savings up to £4,000 per year)
Considering Shared Ownership or First Homes discounts
Exploring lenders that offer higher income multiples (up to 5.5 or 6x in some cases)
5. Government schemes available in 2025
Lifetime ISA (LISA): 25% government bonus
Shared Ownership: Part buy, part rent
First Homes: Discounted homes for local buyers and key workers
95% Mortgage Guarantee Scheme: Extended into 2025 for selected lenders
6. The role of specialist lenders
Specialist intermediary lenders like Pepper Money, Tandem Bank, and United Trust Bank may be more flexible than high street names. They often consider complex income, overtime, and longer terms. However, acceptance is never guaranteed.
7. How income multiples are shifting
Mainstream lenders typically cap at 4.5x income. Some, especially for professional roles or those with higher disposable income, may go to 5-5.5x. Specialist lenders may stretch further if risk is otherwise low.
8. Policy exceptions and lender flexibility
Exceptions may apply if:
Applicant has a low loan-to-value
Credit history is excellent
Evidence of strong saving patterns exists
Employment is in a secure industry
9. Step-by-step journey for independent first-time buyers
Set a deposit goal
Open a Lifetime ISA
Check credit score and fix issues early
Seek an agreement in principle
Work with a broker to identify lenders and schemes
Prepare documents (payslips, ID, proof of deposit)
Submit application and allow for underwriting checks
10. Case study: Buying without the Bank of Mum and Dad
A client in Bristol earning £45,000 saved £15,000 through a Lifetime ISA and used the First Homes scheme to buy a property discounted by 30%. With a 35-year mortgage term, they secured their first home independently.
11. Pros and cons of relying solely on your own funds
Pros
Full independence
No need to rely on parental gifts or loans
Stronger sense of ownership
Cons
Longer saving journey
Higher exposure to market fluctuations
May need to compromise on location or property size
12. Myths vs reality about deposits
Myth: You must have 20% deposit
Reality: Some lenders accept 5% with the right scheme
Myth: Parents must provide a guarantor
Reality: Many buyers secure mortgages without family support
13. Market trends: What to expect through 2025
Stability in house prices following volatility
Increased reliance on government schemes
Growth in specialist lending market
14. What underwriters and surveyors actually look for
Source of deposit (must be legal and provable)
Employment stability
Affordability under stress testing
Realistic property valuation
15. Common mistakes first-time buyers make
Not using a Lifetime ISA early enough
Overlooking Shared Ownership
Applying direct to one lender without comparing criteria
Underestimating additional costs (stamp duty, solicitor fees)
16. Expert broker insights
At Manor Mortgages, we’ve seen over 120 first-time buyers in the last year secure mortgages without parental help. The key is matching each client with the right lender, scheme, and product for their circumstances.
17. FAQs
Q: Can I buy with just a 5% deposit in 2025?
Yes, if using certain schemes.
Q: Do I need a guarantor?
Not necessarily, many lenders accept independent applicants.
Q: Are Shared Ownership properties good value?
They may be, depending on long-term plans.
Q: How long does it take to save?
Depends on income and discipline, but government bonuses help shorten the timeline.
18. Glossary of key terms
LTV (Loan-to-Value): Ratio of loan to property value
Shared Ownership: Part buy, part rent scheme
First Homes: Discounted properties for eligible buyers
19. Reader’s checklist: Questions to ask
What is the minimum deposit I need?
Which government schemes do I qualify for?
How much can I borrow based on my income?
What additional costs will I face?
20. Conclusion and next steps
Yes, it is possible for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder in 2025 without relying on parents. While challenges remain, schemes, specialist lenders, and flexible mortgage terms open up routes to independence. At Manor Mortgages, we specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate this process successfully. Get in touch today on 01275 399299 to discuss your options.
Written by Ben Stephenson, CeMAP-qualified Mortgage Broker. Reviewed by Mortgage Experts.
Manor Mortgages is FCA authorised (496907) and has been supporting homeowners for nearly 30 years. Based in Bristol with a 4.9-star Google rating, we help clients nationwide secure, review, and remortgage the right way.