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No deposit mortgages in the UK (100% LTV) – 2026 guide

Author: Sandra Minkina-Benke, CeMAP · Updated: · 12 min read

Can you buy a house in the UK with no deposit?

Yes. 100% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages almost disappeared after the 2008 financial crisis. They have gradually returned since 2023, and in 2026 several lenders offer them. They remain a niche product: most lenders still require at least a 5% deposit, and 100% mortgages come with stricter criteria and higher rates.

No deposit mortgages are designed mainly for people who have paid high rent for years and can afford mortgage repayments, but haven't been able to save a deposit.

Who offers 100% LTV mortgages in 2026?

Below is an overview of the main deals on the market. Listing a lender is not a recommendation – the right choice depends on your circumstances, and criteria and rates can change every few weeks.

Lender and productWho it's forKey criteria
Skipton Building Society – Track Record MortgageFirst-time buyers (no UK property owned in the last 3 years), aged 21+12 consecutive months of on-time rent within the last 18 months; 5-year fixed rate; loans up to £600,000; no application fee; England, Wales and Scotland; new build houses accepted, new build flats not
Hanley Economic Building Society – Rent to OwnFirst-time buyers without savings for a depositRent paid in full for the last 12 months; minimum household income £25,000; loans up to £350,000; 5-year fixed rate; no application fee; England, Wales and Scotland
Melton Building Society – 100% LTVFirst-time buyers, via brokers only5-year fixed rate; backed by additional insurance on the lender's side; selected property types only; available nationwide
April Mortgages – 100% LTVPeople with regular income and a clean credit record, without family supportVery long fixed rates: 10 or 15 years; borrowing up to 4.49 times income
Metro Bank – Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor above 95% LTVBuyers supported by close familyUp to 100% LTV; an immediate family member (e.g. parent, grandparent) is jointly liable but not an owner and must have their own earned income; 5-year fixed rate; no new builds or flats above commercial premises

As at October 2026. We always check current criteria and rates before you apply.

How much does a no deposit mortgage cost? 100% LTV rates

100% LTV mortgages are noticeably more expensive than mortgages with a deposit. The smaller your stake, the higher the lender's risk, so rates at 100% LTV are usually higher than at 95%, and higher still compared with 90% or 85% LTV. On a mortgage of a few hundred thousand pounds, the difference can mean tens or even over a hundred pounds a month.

That's why we always compare a 100% mortgage with the alternatives: sometimes saving a 5% deposit over a few months, a family gift or Shared Ownership gives a noticeably lower payment over the whole term.

Other ways to buy without your own deposit

Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP)

A family member joins the mortgage with their income but doesn't own the property and isn't on the title deeds, which increases how much you can borrow. The joint borrower is liable for the whole loan, so they should take independent legal advice.

Family-assisted mortgages

Family can support your mortgage without giving you money: by placing some savings in an account linked to the mortgage (usually for a few years) or by offering a charge over their own property. The savings are returned once part of the loan has been repaid or the agreed period ends, provided payments were made on time. Barclays (Family Springboard) and several building societies offer this type of product.

A gifted deposit

Technically this is still a mortgage with a deposit, but the money doesn't come from your savings. The lender will ask for a gift letter confirming it's a gift, not a loan, plus evidence of where the money came from. Gifts from abroad are possible but need clear documentation. With a 5% deposit, the choice of deals and the rates are usually much better than at 100% LTV.

A deposit from a personal loan (borrowed deposit)

If your affordability allows, some lenders accept a deposit funded by an unsecured personal loan. Each has its own criteria, so we always check them before applying.

Speak to a broker before taking out the loan. The order matters: a new personal loan shows on your credit file and can change a mortgage lender's decision.

Shared Ownership and Right to Buy

With Shared Ownership you buy only part of the home (usually 10–75%), so the deposit is based on your share. With Right to Buy, the discount on your council or housing association home can act as your deposit, so you often don't need to put in your own money.

Why do many deals exclude flats and new builds?

At 100% LTV the lender has no buffer if the property's value falls. New builds are often sold at a developer premium and can lose value in the first few years. Flats carry extra risks such as leasehold issues, service charges and, in some buildings, cladding problems. That's why many lenders limit 100% mortgages to existing houses, or accept new build houses but not new build flats.

Long fixed rates, overpayments and early repayment charges

100% mortgages usually come with a 5-year fixed rate, and some with 10 or 15 years. Switching or repaying in that time usually triggers an Early Repayment Charge (ERC) – a percentage of the amount repaid that reduces each year. Most lenders still allow penalty-free overpayments, typically up to 10% of the balance each year. Regular overpayments reduce your LTV faster, which can mean a cheaper deal when you remortgage.

Negative equity – the main risk of a 100% mortgage

Negative equity means your home is worth less than the mortgage you still owe. Example: you buy a home for £200,000 with a 100% mortgage. Two years later you owe around £195,000, but local prices have fallen 5% and the home is worth £190,000 – a £5,000 shortfall.

As long as you stay in the home and keep up repayments, negative equity isn't a problem in itself. It becomes one if you need to sell (for example to move for work) or want to remortgage when your fixed rate ends, because your choice of deals will be very limited. That's why a 100% mortgage works best if you plan to stay put for many years.

Who is a no deposit mortgage right for?

It may suit you if:

Consider other options if:

Costs you'll still have to pay

How to prepare for a no deposit mortgage

  1. Check your credit report (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and correct any errors. You can see data from several agencies in one report with checkmyfile (affiliate link). It's a paid service after the trial period, so cancel the subscription if you no longer need it.
  2. Pay your rent in full and on time by bank transfer from your own account. Keep statements for the last 12–18 months or a letter from your letting agent.
  3. If you're eligible, register on the electoral roll at your current address.
  4. Avoid new loans, credit cards or car finance before you apply, and don't miss any payments.
  5. If your affordability allows, consider a deposit funded by a personal loan – some lenders accept it. Only take the loan after speaking to a broker.
  6. Talk to your family about helping with income (JBSP), savings or a gift.
  7. Speak to a broker before you start viewing homes. At Balltica we check your documents before applying for a Decision in Principle, so there are no surprises later.

How we can help

As a whole of market broker, we check which lenders will actually accept your circumstances before you apply, so you avoid declined applications on your credit file. We'll compare a 100% mortgage with the alternatives – a small deposit, family support or Shared Ownership – and show you what each option costs over the whole term. The initial review and first conversation are free.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a personal loan for a house deposit?

Yes, if your affordability allows – some lenders accept a deposit funded by a personal loan. You must disclose the loan, and its repayments reduce how much you can borrow.

Can you get a mortgage with no deposit in the UK?

Yes. In 2026 several lenders offer 100% LTV mortgages, including deals for first-time buyers (some require at least 12 months of on-time rent payments), very long fixed rates and mortgages where a family member shares responsibility for the repayments.

Which lenders offer 100% mortgages in the UK?

In October 2026, 100% LTV mortgages were offered by lenders including Skipton Building Society (Track Record Mortgage), Hanley Economic Building Society (Rent to Own), Melton Building Society, April Mortgages and Metro Bank (Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor). Deals change often.

Do I need a rental history?

Not always. Some 100% deals (e.g. Skipton and Hanley) require at least 12 months of on-time rent payments, evidenced by bank statements or a letting agent's letter. Others, such as very long fixed rates, don't require rent history but have other criteria.

How much can I borrow with no deposit?

Usually up to around 4.5 times your annual income, with maximum loans varying by lender – in 2026 from around £350,000 to £600,000 or more. The final amount depends on your outgoings and credit history.

Can I buy a flat or a new build with no deposit?

Often not. Many lenders exclude flats and new builds at 100% LTV, or accept new build houses but not flats. Check before making an offer.

Are 100% mortgages more expensive?

Yes. Rates at 100% LTV are usually noticeably higher than at 95% or 90% LTV, so it's worth comparing them with saving a small deposit or a family gift.

What is negative equity?

It's when your home is worth less than the mortgage you still owe. It makes selling and remortgaging harder, so a 100% mortgage works best if you plan to stay in the home for many years.

Can my parents help me buy without giving me money?

Yes. They can join the mortgage with their income as a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor, or support it with their savings or property through a family-assisted mortgage.

Questions about your situation?

Book a free, no-obligation chat with an adviser.

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Sandra Minkina-Benke

Sandra Minkina-BenkeMortgage & Protection Adviser, CeMAP · Founder, Balltica Consulting
Sandra has worked in property and finance since 2010 and has advised clients in the UK since 2015.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Speak to a qualified adviser before making any decisions. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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