In this guide, we’ll explain what these mortgages are, how you might qualify, and other options if you’re looking to buy a home with little or no upfront cash.

What Is a Zero Deposit Mortgage? #

A zero deposit mortgage (also called a 100% mortgage) means you borrow 100% of the property price without putting money down as a deposit. In other words, if the home costs £200,000, you take out a mortgage for the full £200,000.

Historically, 100% mortgages disappeared in the UK after the 2008 financial crisis because they posed a higher risk to lenders. But some lenders have brought them back - especially to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder when saving a deposit is extremely difficult.

How Do Zero Deposit (100%) Mortgages Work? #

Even though these mortgages provide the full purchase price, they are not as simple as a regular mortgage:

Higher Risk for Lenders = Tighter Conditions

Lenders typically consider 100% lending riskier because there’s no initial equity cushion. If property prices fall, you could be in negative equity - owing more than the property is worth.

Eligibility Requirements

Modern 100% deals often have strict criteria, including:

Stable income and strong affordability assessment
Good credit history
Renting history or proof of on-time payments
Some products only available to first-time buyers

These checks help lenders manage risk.

Lenders Offering 100% Mortgages in 2026 #

True zero deposit mortgages are still rare, and most are available only through specialist brokers. Here are some current examples:

1. Skipton Building Society - Track Record Mortgage #

Skipton re-introduced a true 100% mortgage aimed at first-time buyers who can demonstrate a consistent rent payment history. Applicants usually must:

Be at least 21
Have at least 12 months of uninterrupted rent payments
Have good overall financial behaviour

This mortgage assesses affordability based on rent history and sometimes allows monthly payments similar to what you already pay in rent.

2. Other Newcomers - Gable & April Mortgages #

Other lenders (like Gable Mortgages and April Mortgages) have also launched no-deposit deals with fixed rates, typically available through a broker and with specific conditions around income and property type.

These offerings are still rare. Most 100% mortgage products are not openly advertised and are accessible mainly through specialist brokers.

Alternative Ways to Get a 0 Deposit Mortgage #

If you can’t get a pure no deposit mortgage, there are other common options:

1. Guarantor mortgages #

A family member or close friend guarantees your loan. This means:

They agree to step in if you fail to repay
Their property or savings can act as security

This doesn’t require you to put down your own money, but it increases risk for your guarantor.

2. Family assisted mortgage #

Instead of using a guarantor’s home as security, they place a deposit in a savings account that stays tied to your mortgage for a few years. How does it work?

A family member funds a savings account with a certain amount of money, often 20% of the purchase price. You only pay interest on the remaining 80% of your mortgage once this is utilised to offset the interest, which lowers your monthly repayments.

What Are the Alternatives to a No-Deposit Mortgage? #

If a 100% mortgage isn’t suitable or available, there are other ways to buy a home with little or no upfront cash.

Shared Ownership #

Shared Ownership allows you to buy a portion of a property - typically between 25% and 75% - while paying rent on the remaining share to a housing association.

Key benefits include:

You only need a deposit for the share you buy
Lower upfront costs compared to buying outright
The option to increase your ownership over time

In some cases, lenders may offer mortgages that cover the full cost of your purchased share, meaning no deposit is required at all.

Right to Buy #

Right to Buy enables eligible council tenants to purchase their home at a discounted price, based on how long they’ve lived there.

Important points:

Discounts can be substantial, subject to regional caps
Many lenders allow the discount to be used as the deposit
This can result in buying with little or no cash deposit

Eligibility depends on tenancy length and local authority rules.

Developer Loans and Deposit Support #

Some new-build developers offer incentives that help buyers cover deposit costs. These can include:

Loans that are repaid alongside the mortgage
Deposit contribution schemes
Participation in initiatives like Deposit Unlock, which allows purchases with smaller deposits

Availability depends on the developer, lender, and property type.

Joint Mortgages #

A joint mortgage allows two or more people to buy together, combining incomes and sharing costs.

Benefits include:

Easier affordability assessments
Shared responsibility for the mortgage
Potentially higher borrowing capacity

This option works well for couples, family members, or friends but requires clear agreements about ownership and responsibility.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a 0% Deposit Mortgage #

If you want to pursue this path, here’s a practical roadmap:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Stable income and employment
Good credit score
Strong rent payment history (if applying to Skipton-style products)

2. Speak to a Specialist Broker

Many 100% mortgage deals are only available through mortgage brokers - they can probe the hidden market.

3. Consider Family Help

A guarantor or family deposit option can make lenders more likely to offer a mortgage with zero deposit.

4. Compare Costs Carefully

Interest rates
Monthly payments
Total cost over the mortgage term

Make sure the numbers stack up before committing.

Conclusion - Your Next Steps #

Zero deposit mortgages are back in the UK market, but they’re still rare and come with important conditions and risks. They can be life-changing for first-time buyers who qualify, but every decision should be backed by expert mortgage advice.

And the thing is, a good mortgage broker can suggest options that you wouldn’t even know existed.

So don’t wait for a perfect moment to act - book our free consultation, and together, let’s get you on the property ladder!

Zero Deposit Mortgages in the UK: Can You Get a 100% Mortgage in 2026?