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

Over Half of First-Time Buyers Rely on Family Support, Savills Reports

More than half of all first-time buyers in the UK depend on financial support from family members to purchase their first home, according to research by Savills. The findings highlight the ongoing importance of family contributions in helping new buyers enter the property market.

Savills reports that 53% of first-time buyers receive support from family, whether through gifts, loans, or inheritance. While 64% of first-time buyers use their own savings, family assistance remains a significant factor in securing a deposit.

The total value of gifts and loans from family members to first-time buyers reached £8.3 billion in 2025, increasing to £11 billion when inheritance is included. Outright gifts are the most common form of support, with 32% of buyers receiving them, compared to 16% who benefit from family loans.

Family support is not limited to parents, as nearly half of those receiving gifts or loans also receive contributions from other relatives, such as grandparents. Inheritance also plays a role, with 14% of first-time buyers drawing on inherited wealth, according to the Savills survey.

These findings are relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as the reliance on family support may influence the profile of new tenants and buyers entering the market. The continued need for substantial deposits and family assistance could impact demand for rental properties and the types of clients seeking accommodation.