Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by PropertyWire. Read the original article for full details.

Family Support Totals £11bn in First-Time Buyer Funding, Savills Finds

More than half of first-time buyers in the UK require financial support from family members to purchase their first property, according to research published by Savills and reported by PropertyWire. The data shows that family contributions to first-time buyer funding reached £11 billion in 2025, including gifts, loans, and inheritance.

The research reveals that 64% of first-time buyers use their own savings, while 53% rely on family assistance. Outright gifts are the most common form of support, received by 32% of buyers, compared to 16% who benefit from family loans. Inheritance is used by 14% of first-time buyers to help fund their property purchases.

Family support is not limited to parents, as almost half of those receiving gifts or loans obtain contributions from grandparents as well. According to Savills, family gifts and loans alone accounted for £8.3 billion in 2025, with the total rising to £11 billion when inheritance is included.

The findings come as first-time buyers face ongoing challenges in the UK property market, including high deposit requirements and elevated mortgage rates. The research highlights the continued reliance on family support for those seeking to enter the property market, with affordability pressures making it difficult for independent buyers.

The Financial Conduct Authority has proposed changes to mortgage rules that could help widen access to the market. However, the research indicates that family support is likely to remain a significant factor in first-time buyer funding.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, these trends may influence the profile of new tenants and buyers, as well as the types of properties in demand among first-time purchasers who are able to secure family assistance.