No Deposit Mortgage
A 2026 Guide to Buying Your Home with Zero Deposit
Buying a home in the UK is stressful, and for many people, the biggest challenge is not the move itself but saving for a deposit. With rising property prices and living costs, even a 10% deposit can feel out of reach, especially for renters. This is why interest in no deposit mortgages has grown again in 2026.
A no deposit mortgage, or 100% LTV mortgage, allows buyers to borrow the full property price. While it can help people escape the rent trap, it is still a specialist option with strict criteria, risks, and limited products in the UK market.
For buyers who can contribute a small amount upfront, a low deposit mortgage may offer more options. Read our Low Deposit Mortgage guide to explore the eligibility criteria and available routes.
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The Reality of 100% LTV in the Current Market
In years past, no deposit mortgages were seen as high-risk products that contributed to market instability. However, the no deposit mortgage uk landscape in 2026 is far more robust. Today’s products are not “easy credit”; they are highly targeted solutions designed for specific types of borrowers—primarily those with a strong, proven rental history or those who have family members willing to provide a financial safety net.
When you search for a mortgage no deposit option, you aren’t just looking for a loan; you are looking for a lender who trusts your ability to maintain a mortgage as effectively as you have maintained your rent. The core philosophy of these products is that if you can afford to pay £1,500 a month to a landlord, you should, in theory, be able to pay a similar amount toward your own equity. However, because these products can involve higher lender exposure or additional security requirements, the scrutiny of your financial health can be more detailed.
Not interested in no deposit mortgage? Find other options that meet your needs.
Explore other residential mortgage options!
First-time Buyer
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but the right mortgage makes the process much clearer. We help you understand deposit requirements, affordability checks, and the options available to first-time buyers.
Moving Home
If you are upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, a moving home mortgage can help you transition smoothly to your next property. We guide you through porting, borrowing, and timing considerations.
Remortgage
A remortgage can help you switch to a better deal, adjust your mortgage term, or release equity from your property. We compare suitable options based on your current situation and future plans.
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership can be a practical route if you want to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the rest. We help you understand how the mortgage works and what lenders look for.
New Build
Buying a new build property can involve different lender criteria and timelines. We support buyers looking for mortgage options that work with new build homes and developer arrangements.
Right to Buy
If you are eligible to purchase your council home through Right to Buy, we can help you understand the mortgage process and the financial steps involved.
No Deposit Mortgage
If you are exploring options with little or no deposit, we can help you understand specialist routes that may be available depending on lender criteria and affordability.
Low Deposit Mortgage
A low deposit mortgage can be a suitable option for buyers who have not yet built a large deposit but are ready to move forward. We help you compare products that may fit your budget and profile.
No-Deposit Mortgage Routes: How It Works in Practice
There are two primary ways to secure a zero deposit mortgage in today’s market, and they cater to very different circumstances.
The Renter’s Route
One of the most innovative developments in recent years has been the introduction of mortgages specifically for long-term renters. Lenders like Skipton Building Society have pioneered this space. Depending on the specific Track Record product, you may need to prove that you have paid rent on time for at least 12 consecutive months within the last 18 months.
The logic is simple: your rent becomes the proof of your affordability. However, there are strict caps. On some Track Record products, your new monthly mortgage payment may be limited by calculations based on your recent rental payments, such as the average of the last six months’ rent. This ensures that you aren’t overstretching your finances. This route is a lifeline for those who have the income to support a mortgage but have found it impossible to save tens of thousands of pounds while paying high urban rents.
The Family-Assisted Route
The second common path for a 0 deposit mortgage involves “The Bank of Family.” Products like the Barclays Family Springboard allow a buyer to put down 0%, provided a family member places a 10% security deposit into a linked savings account. This isn’t a gift; the family member typically gets their money back with interest after a set period (often five years), provided the homebuyer stays on top of their payments. It’s a way for families to help without permanently losing their savings, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers whose parents have assets but need to preserve their retirement capital.
Check your circumstances, the property and the mortgage together.
Understand your options, compare the true costs and build a mortgage plan around your goals.
How can I get a mortgage with no deposit?
Because no-deposit products can involve higher lender exposure or additional security requirements, their criteria can be strict. Here are some of the factors lenders may consider:
Credit History
Your credit profile will need to meet the lender’s criteria. Missed payments or other credit issues may affect the application depending on their type, severity, recency and the lender’s policy.
Stable & Proven Income
Lenders will look for stable, sustainable income and suitable evidence. The requirements for employed and self-employed applicants vary between lenders and products.
Low Debt-to-Income Ratio
Existing monthly commitments (like car financing or active personal loans) can significantly reduce your maximum borrowing limit.
Beyond the Deposit: The Cash You Still Need
A no deposit mortgage does not mean buying with no cash at all. Even if the lender covers 100% of the property price, you will still need savings to cover essential upfront costs.
Solicitor Fees
Legal fees usually range from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on how straightforward or complex the purchase is.
Property Survey
A survey helps confirm the property is structurally sound and may cost between £400 and £1,500.
Valuation & Transfer Fees
You may also need to pay valuation charges, electronic transfer fees, and other admin costs during the purchase process.
Stamp Duty
Depending on the property price and whether you are a first-time buyer, Stamp Duty may also apply.
Weighing the Risks: What You Need to Know
Risk of Negative Equity
If house prices fall after you buy, you could end up owing more than the property is worth. This is called negative equity.
For example, if you buy with a 100% mortgage and the property value drops by just 3%, you may not be able to sell or remortgage easily until prices recover or you repay some of the balance.
Higher Interest Rates
No deposit mortgage pricing can be higher than some standard low-deposit mortgages, depending on the product and market conditions.
Even a 0.5% difference in interest over a 25-year term can add up to tens of thousands of pounds in extra borrowing costs.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
No deposit mortgages are a niche part of the UK market. Products can change quickly, criteria are often strict, and some deals are only available through brokers.
Access to Specialist Deals
Some no deposit mortgage products are not widely advertised and may only be available through intermediaries.
Understanding Hidden Criteria
Specialist lenders often use detailed or unpublished rules, and a broker can help assess whether you are likely to qualify.
Better Long-Term Comparison
A broker can help you weigh up whether buying now with no deposit or waiting to build a 5% deposit makes more financial sense.
PBSBrokers helps you see the full picture, not just whether you can get approved, but whether it is the right move for you.
Let's Find the Right Mortgage for You
Amir Shojaee
Director and Founder of PBSBrokers
CeMAP Qualified Mortgage Adviser
At PBSbrokers, we offer a free initial consultation to review your income, deposit, affordability, credit profile, and mortgage objectives. Whether your case is straightforward or more complex, we'll help you understand the options that may be available and guide you through the next steps.
