Our Family Springboard Mortgages

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“We know that time is precious for you, we can work around your availability while searching for the most competitive mortgage products and overseeing your mortgage application from start to finish”.

Jonathan Smith – (CeMAP, BA Hons, Aff SWW, CeRER)

Are you hoping to buy your first property but just can’t save enough for a deposit? Or are you already a homeowner and need to move to a new home but can’t afford a bigger mortgage? If you’re lucky enough to have a family member who can help you out, a family springboard mortgage may be just what you need to get onto the property ladder or move up it.

Saving an adequate deposit required for a mortgage can be hard, especially with increasing property prices and the high cost of living. Often, getting a helping hand from a family member is the only way to afford to buy your own home. However, not all family members can just give away their savings as a deposit or they may be reluctant to be named on a mortgage with you. Both of these issues are overcome with a family springboard mortgage. The financial help your family member gives is on a short-term basis, such as 5 years, and you’re the only person named on the mortgage and property deeds. This enables you to buy a property with little or no deposit and your family member’s funds are not tied up for the long term.

At Trinity Finance, we have good relationships with lenders offering this specialist mortgage and can search for the best terms and rates to suit your needs and circumstances. In this guide, we’ll explain what a family springboard mortgage is and how it works, the eligibility criteria, any restrictions that apply, the pros and cons of this type of mortgage and the considerations before applying for one.

Key points

A family springboard mortgage helps buyers purchase a home with little or no deposit. A family member provides savings or equity as security for a short period, allowing you to borrow up to 100% of the property value while remaining the sole owner.
The support from your family member is time-limited. The funds are held for a fixed term, usually around 5 years, earn interest during this time and are returned provided that the mortgage repayments are maintained.
This type of mortgage comes with specific criteria and risks to consider. Eligibility varies by lender, property types may be restricted and missed repayments could affect the return of your family member’s funds, making careful planning and advice essential.

What is a family springboard mortgage?

As the name of this mortgage suggests, it serves as a springboard to get your foot on the property ladder with help from your family. Also known as a family mortgage, family boost mortgage or family deposit mortgage, a family member provides security for the lender, usually in the form of savings, so that you can buy a home. Equity is also accepted by lenders in place of savings. When savings are used, interest is earned on them, making this an appealing option for the person helping you with your mortgage. As most lenders accept this security in place of a deposit, you can essentially borrow up to 100% of the property’s value.

Whilst this type of mortgage is typically aimed at first-time buyers, it’s also available to home movers who need a helping hand to move up the property ladder. Although the criteria differ between lenders, most offer this mortgage up to a property value of £500,000. Despite the fact that you receive financial help from your family, you are the only person named on the title deeds and benefit from sole ownership of your home.

Who can help you with a family springboard mortgage?

Lenders vary with who they’ll accept as the helper for your family springboard mortgage. Some only accept close family members, such as a parent or grandparent. Others accept any relative, such as an aunt, uncle, brother or sister, and some even accept friends. The helper usually needs to be a homeowner and some lenders may stipulate a minimum income requirement. The person helping you is expected to seek independent legal advice before agreeing to a family springboard mortgage.

You’re not always restricted to having just one helper. If you have more than one person offering financial assistance, they each need a separate account linked to the mortgage. If you need a lender who offers flexibility when it comes to who can help you, just let us know. Our mortgage brokers know which lenders have more flexible options. For the rest of this guide, we’ll simply refer to your helper as a being a family member.

How does a family springboard mortgage work?

Your family member provides funds that are a minimum of 10% of the property’s value. This can be in the form of equity or savings. For example, if you wish to buy a property that’s valued at £250,000, they need to have funds available of £25,000. If using equity, a charge is placed on your family member’s property. If using savings, these funds are placed into a savings account that’s linked to your mortgage. As security for the lender to ensure that the mortgage repayments are met, these savings are held for a fixed term. This is usually 5 years but depends on the lender, with some offering shorter terms of 3 years and others stipulating longer terms, such as 10 years. During this time, the savings earn interest. Your family member won’t be able to access their savings, either to add to them or to make a withdrawal.

This arrangement may be preferable to your family member compared with giving you a gifted deposit. With a gifted deposit, the money is given to you as a gift rather than a loan so they won’t get it back or earn any interest on it. With a family springboard mortgage, assuming you don’t miss any repayments, the funds are returned to your family member at the end of the fixed term along with the interest that has accumulated. Although your family member is helping you out financially, they won’t have any legal claim over the property. The mortgage and title deeds are in your name only so you benefit from sole ownership of your home.

Do you need a deposit?

Some lenders require you to pay a deposit, such as 5%, but others are happy to accept the contribution from your family member in place of a deposit. This gives you the opportunity to buy a property when you haven’t been able to save any deposit at all. If you do have savings to use as a deposit, this will reduce the amount you need to borrow – which is called the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio – when added to the funds your family member has paid. The lower the LTV you need, the better the rates and terms you’ll be offered by lenders.

What happens when the fixed term ends?

By the end of the fixed term, you will have repaid enough of the mortgage loan to take it over without needing the security provided by your family member. As such, provided that you’ve kept up to date with your payments, they’ll be relinquished from their responsibility. If they have provided equity as security, the charge will be removed from their property. If they have used savings, their funds will be returned to them along with the interest earned during the fixed term.

As you will have repaid a significant amount of the mortgage at that point, giving you equity in your property, it will be advisable to change to a better deal. You won’t need to borrow as much as before, reducing the risk in the eyes of your lender. The lower LTV ratio will allow you to secure a better rate and possibly better terms. You can do this either by changing to a new deal with your current lender, called a product transfer, or by remortgaging, which is when you switch to a new deal with a new lender. Our mortgage brokers will compare both options for you to ensure that you choose the best deal for your needs.

What happens if any mortgage repayments are missed?

Should you miss any of the repayments, the lender may hold your family member’s funds until the payments are brought up to date. In the event that a few repayments are missed, the lender may hold the funds until no payments have been missed within a year. If your property has to be repossessed, some or all of the funds belonging to your family member may be used to repay the mortgage if there is still a shortfall in what is owed to the lender once the property has been sold. Due to the risk involved, it’s important for your family member to take independent legal advice before agreeing to this type of mortgage.

How much can you borrow?

Lenders usually allow you to borrow 100% of the property’s price, up to a maximum of £500,000, for a family springboard mortgage. The exact amount you can borrow, however, depends on your affordability for the mortgage as well as your credit history. You can generally borrow up to 4 or 4.5 times your annual income while some lenders offer a higher multiplier. For example, if you earn a certain level of income, they may consider basing your affordability on 5 or 5.5 times your annual income or even as high as 6 times. Bear in mind that your outgoings are also taken into account, including any debts you have. These can reduce the amount the lender is willing to offer you.

Eligibility criteria for a family springboard mortgage

The same eligibility criteria used for standard residential mortgages are used by lenders to assess you for a family springboard mortgage. These include your age, affordability checks that take your income and expenditure into account, your credit rating, your situation and the lender’s deposit requirements, if any.

Most lenders allow you to apply for this type of mortgage as a first-time buyer or an existing homeowner looking to move to another property. However, some lenders only accept first-time buyers. The majority of lenders are happy to accept your family member’s funds instead of a deposit while some do ask for a small deposit, such as 5%. If you have any outstanding debts, the lender needs to ensure that they are manageable and will continue to be so after the addition of a mortgage loan. A valuation will be carried out on the property to check that it has been priced correctly.

Your mortgage helper

Lenders vary with who they allow to help you with a family springboard mortgage. Parents or grandparents usually contribute their savings but most lenders also allow other relatives to provide the funds, such as aunts and uncles. Some lenders even accept friends for this type of mortgage. Normally, one or two family members supply the funds but some lenders provide more flexibility with various family members being able to contribute funds. In this case, each person wishing to use their savings needs their own account to be linked to the mortgage. Lenders usually insist that the family member agreeing to the mortgage is a homeowner and they may need to meet a minimum income requirement or have additional savings to those used for the mortgage.

To be eligible as your helper, your family member must meet the lender’s contribution requirement. This is usually 10% of the property price. They must agree for their funds to be locked in an account for a fixed term, such as 5 years, without any access to them during that time. Some lenders also insist that your family member has to have opened a separate account with them.

We can check your eligibility

Get in touch with our mortgage brokers – located throughout Kent, London and Edinburgh – when you’re ready to apply for a family springboard mortgage. They can check your eligibility and answer any queries you and your family member may have. Providing you with impartial advice, they can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this type of mortgage as well as the alternatives available to help you make the right decision for your needs. Just give us a call on 01322 907 000 or email us at info@trinityfinance.co.uk to get started. Alternatively, send your enquiry to us via our contact form and one of our mortgage consultants will reply to you as quickly as possible.

Can the savings account be accessed?

The funds held in the savings account cannot be accessed, even in an emergency, until the end of the fixed term. Should any mortgage payments have been missed up to that point, the lender may delay the return of the funds to your family member, as mentioned earlier. As well as being unable to withdraw any funds, extra funds cannot be added to the account once it has been linked to the mortgage.

Are there any other restrictions?

Some lenders may not allow you to buy a newly built property with a family springboard mortgage. This is because of the risk of negative equity. New builds normally come with a premium price tag and lose their value quickly within the first few years. This type of mortgage is also intended to help first-time buyers own a home and existing homeowners buy a new home. As such, you cannot apply for a family springboard mortgage to finance a buy-to-let investment.

A property price cap of £500,000 usually applies for a family springboard mortgage. Lenders sometimes set their own minimum and maximum caps for property prices to help mitigate their risk. Another restriction is that lenders may have a limited number of options for family springboard mortgage deals. Therefore, you may not have much flexibility in your choice of mortgage rates and terms.

Are there any risks with a family springboard mortgage?

There are various risks to think about before applying for a family springboard mortgage, particularly for the person helping you out. These include:

Negative equity. As you’re buying a home without a deposit, or only a small one, you’re at increased risk of going into negative equity. This is when you owe more on your mortgage than your property is worth.
No access to the funds in the savings account. Once the funds have been placed in the savings account, there’s no access to them until the fixed term has ended. This even applies if there’s an emergency that your family member needs their funds back for — they won’t be released.
Family member’s funds may be held for longer. If you have missed some payments, the lender may hold your family member’s funds for longer than the agreed term until you bring the payments up to date.
Family member’s funds may not be returned. Your family member risks losing some or all of their funds if you default on the mortgage payments.
Family member’s affordability may be affected. Using their equity or savings as security for your family springboard mortgage may affect your family member’s affordability. For example, if they apply for another loan, they may struggle to be approved.
Damage to the relationship between you and your helper. The person helping you out with a family springboard mortgage is taking on a lot of risk. If they come under financial strain without being able to access their funds or you jeopardise the return of their funds by missing mortgage payments, your relationship could be put at risk.

The pros and cons of a family springboard mortgage

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider for this type of mortgage, just like any other mortgage, for both you and the family member helping you out.

Pros

You can buy a home as a first-time buyer with a small deposit or none at all.
Without having to save a deposit, you can get on the property ladder much sooner and start to build equity in your home.
You can move up the property ladder as an existing homeowner with the help of a family member.
The funds from your family member reduce the loan-to-value ratio. This gives you access to better deals with more competitive rates than if applying for a mortgage without that financial help.
You have sole ownership of the property.
The family member can use their savings to help you buy a property while keeping the funds in their name.
Your family member’s funds are only tied up for a short term.
The funds earn interest while they are held in the account.
Your family member can help you get on or move up the property ladder without giving away their funds permanently or being named on the mortgage. This also means they won’t be liable for additional stamp duty charges.
Some lenders offer incentives to those helping you, such as cashback towards their legal fees.
The interest rate is usually fixed for a set term, helping you to budget for your monthly mortgage payments.
Provided that you maintain your mortgage repayments, your credit score should improve.
You can remortgage to a better deal when the fixed term ends.

Cons

The rates offered are typically higher than those offered for standard mortgages where you pay a bigger deposit. This is because there is a greater risk for lenders when providing higher LTV mortgage loans.
As a niche mortgage, there may not be many deals to choose from.
You cannot use this type of mortgage to buy a newly built property or a buy-to-let investment.
Your family member cannot access their savings until the fixed term ends.
The return of their funds may be delayed if any of the mortgage payments have been missed.
If you default on your mortgage, leading to your property being repossessed, the lender may use the funds to recover some of the outstanding loan balance.
If your family member has used their property as security instead of savings, this could be at risk should you default on your mortgage.
As you have a financial association with this mortgage, any arrears can negatively affect both of your credit ratings.
Your family member’s affordability for another loan may be affected, hampering their ability to secure one if needed.
The financial strain imposed on your family member may damage the relationship between you.
Without paying a deposit, you risk going into negative equity if property prices fall.

How to apply for a family springboard mortgage

If a family springboard mortgage looks like a good solution to your situation and you have someone who is willing to help you financially, get in touch with us on 01322 907 000. Our mortgage brokers are experienced in this niche type of mortgage and can help you navigate its complexity. They’ll compare the family springboard mortgage deals available, finding the best rate and terms to suit your needs. Before submitting your application, they’ll ensure that both you and your family member have prepared the relevant documentation. This will lead to a smoother process and avoid any delays. Your dedicated broker will then keep you updated throughout the mortgage process.

Considerations for family springboard mortgages

Whilst many lenders offer 100% family springboard mortgages, some ask for a 5% deposit. This is still lower than is required for many standard residential mortgages but can take time to save. As springboard mortgages are a niche product, with fewer options compared to alternatives, having a 5% deposit and the security from your family member increases the options available to you as you’re borrowing less from the lender. If you’re able to save a bigger deposit, this will lower your LTV even more. As this reduces the risk for the lender, you’ll get access to more deals with better rates. The lower the interest rate, the more you’ll save throughout the lifetime of your mortgage. On the other hand, the less deposit you have, the higher your risk of negative equity.

Your family member must be fully aware of what agreeing to a family springboard mortgage entails. They need to understand that they cannot access their funds during the fixed term, affecting their financial flexibility during that time. They also need to know of the risk that there may be a delay in the return of their funds if you miss any mortgage repayments or that they may lose their funds altogether if you default on the mortgage. It’s essential that they take independent legal advice before committing to the arrangement.

Is a family springboard mortgage right for you?

If you’re struggling to get over the hurdle of saving a big enough deposit for a mortgage and have a family member or friend who’s willing to help you out financially, a family springboard mortgage may be ideal for both of you. Your mortgage helper won’t be named on the mortgage or title deeds so they won’t have to make monthly mortgage repayments or be liable for additional stamp duty charges. Their funds are also only tied up for a short term. These factors can make a family springboard mortgage appealing compared with other options. For you, this arrangement enables you to get on the property ladder sooner than if you had to save a deposit. It also means the property is in your name only so you can enjoy sole ownership.

Alternatives to a family springboard mortgage

If you’re not sure whether a family springboard mortgage is right for you or not, there are alternatives to consider.

Guarantor mortgage

With a guarantor mortgage, a family member or close friend acts as your guarantor. They sign a legal agreement confirming that they are liable to cover your mortgage repayments if you’re unable to. This arrangement makes it easier to be accepted for a mortgage if you have no deposit, a low income or a bad credit rating. Your guarantor won’t have any rights over your property so you can benefit from sole ownership of your home.

Security must be provided for the lender in the form of the guarantor’s property or savings. If savings are used, they have to be paid into an account that’s held by the lender. This is either for a fixed period or until you have paid off a certain amount of the mortgage. Like a family springboard mortgage, they won’t be able to access their savings during this time but interest should be earned on the savings held. If you default on the mortgage, your guarantor risks losing their property or savings. Therefore, it’s essential that whoever agrees to be your guarantor takes independent legal advice first.

Offset mortgage

Similar to a family springboard mortgage, your family member’s savings are held in an account that’s linked to your mortgage. Rather than being held as security, they are offset against your mortgage. Interest is then only payable on the balance, reducing the amount you need to pay each month. Alternatively, rather than paying less monthly interest, you can choose to shorten your term with an offset mortgage. This means that you’ll pay less interest overall and will be mortgage-free sooner.

95% mortgage guarantee scheme

The 95% mortgage guarantee scheme enables you to get on the property ladder with a 5% deposit. You can also use it if you’re a homeowner looking to move up the property ladder but have little equity in your property. This mortgage applies to properties up to a value of £600,000, subject to affordability. As well as paying a 5% deposit, you need to agree to a fixed-rate repayment mortgage. This scheme is currently set to run until the end of June 2025.

Gifted deposit

Another way for a family member to help you get a mortgage is with a gifted deposit. This is a sum of money that’s gifted to you, either to cover the full deposit or some of it. The person giving it to you does so as a gift rather than a loan so they don’t expect it to be repaid. They also have no legal claim over your property. They’ll need to sign a declaration form provided by the lender or give the lender a signed and certified letter. This confirms the amount of money, its source, that the money is given as a gift and that they have no rights over your property.

Joint mortgage

A joint mortgage enables you to buy a property with one or more people, up to a maximum of four. It makes the affordability much easier as you can pool your money together for a deposit and your incomes are combined when determining how much you can borrow. Each person is named on the mortgage, having joint responsibility for the mortgage payments. Each person is also named on the deeds so you’ll have joint ownership of the property.

Joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage

If joint ownership isn’t appealing to you, a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage (JBSP) may be better suited to you. With this mortgage, you make a joint application for the mortgage so that you’re jointly liable for the mortgage payments. Only you, however, will go on the property deeds so you can enjoy being the sole owner of your home. If the other borrower is a homeowner, a JBSP mortgage means they can help you out financially without being subject to the additional stamp duty charges for having a second home.

Deposit Unlock

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an existing homeowner, Deposit Unlock allows you to buy a new-build home with a 5% deposit. Maximum loans of £750,000 are offered, subject to affordability. As a collaboration between lenders and the home building industry, participating lenders agree to offer 95% mortgages for newly built properties. This is different from applying for a standard residential mortgage for a new build where lenders usually ask for a higher deposit, such as 15%. A higher deposit counteracts the risk of a new build dropping in value after being lived in for the first few years.

Shared ownership

Shared ownership is another consideration. This is a compromise between buying and renting, enabling you to buy a share of a property and rent the remaining share at a discounted rate. As the mortgage affordability and deposit requirements are based on the share you’re buying rather than the property’s entire value, it’s much easier to be approved for a mortgage loan. You can increase your share of the property at a later date when you’re in a financial position to do so.

Benefit from the flexibility of a family springboard mortgage

Whether you’re a first-time buyer with a low or no deposit or a homeowner looking to move up the property ladder, you can secure the mortgage you need with help from your family. The savings provided by your family member can significantly lower the amount you need to borrow and improve the rate you’re offered. Not only that but your chances of being approved for a mortgage when you have a bad credit rating or lack of one increase, depending on the circumstances. For a family member wishing to help you out using their savings, they can do so over a short term rather than tying up their funds for a long period and can earn interest on them during that time.

At Trinity Finance, we work closely with lenders offering this niche mortgage. Our mortgage brokers, who are located throughout Kent, London and Edinburgh, can search for the best deal to suit your circumstances and requirements, saving you time, stress and money. They can also advise you of the alternative options available, such as a guarantor mortgage, a family offset mortgage or having a gifted deposit, to ensure that you have all of the necessary information at your fingertips to make the right decision for your mortgage.

For impartial advice from an expert broker, simply get in touch with us on 01322 907 000. When you’re happy to proceed, your dedicated broker will tailor your application and oversee the process from start to finish. If it’s out of office hours, send us an email at info@trinityfinance.co.uk or an enquiry via our contact form and we will reply to you as quickly as possible with more information about family springboard mortgages.

How to apply for a family springboard mortgage

Considerations for family springboard mortgages

Is a family springboard mortgage right for you?

Alternatives to a family springboard mortgage

If you’re not sure whether a family springboard mortgage is right for you or not, there are alternatives to consider.

Guarantor mortgage

Offset mortgage

95% mortgage guarantee scheme

Gifted deposit

Joint mortgage

Joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage

Deposit Unlock

Shared ownership

Benefit from the flexibility of a family springboard mortgage

FAQs

Can more than one person help me with a family springboard mortgage?

Yes, depending on the lender, more than one person can help you out with this type of mortgage. Each person who provides funds must meet the lender’s criteria, such as being a homeowner and possibly having a certain income. They must also each have a separate account linked to your mortgage. Each of them needs to be aware that they risk losing their savings should you default on the mortgage.

If you have more than one person wishing to help with your mortgage, just let us know. Our mortgage brokers know which lenders accept multiple helpers and what their criteria are.

What happens if I miss any mortgage repayments during the fixed term?

Should you miss any repayments, your family member’s funds will be held for longer until you have brought the payments up to date. Depending on the number of payments missed, the funds may be held for a specific period, such as until no payments have been missed within a year or no more than two payments have been missed within 5 years. Your family member will not be asked to make these payments on your behalf, which is why some helpers prefer this arrangement to a guarantor mortgage.

Should you default on the mortgage, however, some or all of your family member’s funds may be used to cover the balance owed. For example, if your property has to be repossessed and there is a shortfall on the balance owed to the lender once it has been sold, your family member’s funds will be used to recoup this.

Do I need a deposit for a family springboard mortgage?

No, you don’t usually need to save a deposit to be eligible for a family springboard mortgage. Instead, your family member pays security for the mortgage in the form of savings and most lenders accept this in place of a deposit. The funds are held in the lender’s account as security for a set period, such as 5 years. They are returned to your family member at the end of this period, assuming you have maintained your mortgage payments. Therefore, as the funds are not actually used as a deposit that goes towards the purchase price, this means that you can effectively apply for a 100% family springboard mortgage.

Some lenders, however, do expect you to pay a deposit of 5% despite your family member’s contribution. This reduces the amount you need to borrow, lowering the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. In turn, this gives you access to more deals with better rates and terms. Even if the lender doesn’t require a deposit from you, it’s best to pay one if you have the funds to do so. This lowers the risk for the lender and strengthens your application. You should benefit from a more competitive interest rate than would be payable with a 100% mortgage. This will lower your monthly payments and make your mortgage cheaper overall.

Can I use a family springboard mortgage for shared ownership?

No, a family springboard mortgage is designed for you to have full ownership of your home with financial help from a family member or a friend. Shared ownership, on the other hand, is a government scheme that enables you to buy a share of a property. For the remaining share, you pay rent at a discount to the market rate.

Will my family member be able to access their funds in an emergency?

No, your family member’s funds will be locked in an account for a set term, such as 5 years. During this period, they’ll be unable to access the funds. Once the set term ends, the lender will release the funds back to them, provided that you have kept your mortgage repayments up to date. If you’ve missed any payments, the funds may be held for longer until you have caught up with what is owed. If you continue to miss your repayments, your family member is at risk of losing some or all of their funds to cover the amount owed to the lender.

Can I get a 100% family springboard mortgage?

Yes, lenders typically accept your family member’s contribution for security – whether that’s equity or savings – in place of a deposit. As such, you can apply for a 100% mortgage. Just be aware that by doing this, you’re putting yourself at risk of going into negative equity. This is when the property’s value drops in the future and you owe more than this for your mortgage. If you can contribute extra funds as a deposit, this will lower the risk for both you and the lender. You should benefit from a more competitive rate as a result.

Are there any restrictions on the type of property I can buy?

A family springboard mortgage can be used to buy a property that’s valued up to £500,000, subject to your affordability and the lender’s terms. New builds aren’t generally accepted for this type of mortgage. This is because they tend to be priced higher than older properties, which is known as having a new-build premium, and can drop in value within the first few years of being occupied. As such, the risk of you going into negative equity puts lenders at extra risk.

Another restriction is that the property you buy must be used as your home. This type of mortgage is specifically designed for first-time buyers to purchase a home or existing homeowners to buy a new home to move to. Therefore, you cannot use this mortgage for a buy-to-let property.

Can I get a family springboard mortgage with bad credit?

Yes, it’s possible to be approved for a family springboard mortgage when you have a bad credit rating. The lender will look at the reason for your bad credit, how long ago the issue occurred, what you have done to rectify the situation and other factors before making a decision. The security contribution from your family member will help to lessen the lender’s risk. This, in turn, will increase your chances of being approved for a mortgage. Just be aware that the amount you’re able to borrow may be lower with a bad credit rating or you may have to pay a higher interest rate.

We work with lenders who specialise in bad credit applications. Our mortgage brokers can ensure that you’re matched with the right lender to suit your case so that you’re approved for a family springboard mortgage when you have adverse credit. Once you’ve started making your monthly mortgage payments, your credit rating will gradually start to improve.

Who owns the property when I have a family springboard mortgage?

As the borrower for the mortgage and the only person named on the title deeds, you have sole ownership of the property. Whilst your family member has provided security for your mortgage loan, they have no legal claim over your property.

How does a family springboard mortgage differ from a family offset mortgage?

A family springboard mortgage uses a family member’s savings, or equity in some cases, as security for your mortgage. The savings usually need to be 10% of the property’s value and are held for a set period, such as 5 years. During this time, they cannot be accessed but they do earn interest. This type of mortgage is designed to help you get on the property ladder or move up it with help from a family member when you have little or no deposit.

A family offset mortgage, however, links a family member’s savings account to your mortgage and the savings are offset against the balance. This reduces the amount that interest is charged on, making your monthly payments lower. Alternatively, you can choose to have a shorter mortgage term. Just like a family springboard mortgage, the savings usually need to be at least 10% of the property’s value. They are held until you have paid off a set amount of your mortgage loan, such as 25% or 30%.

Unlike a springboard mortgage, no interest is earned on the savings while they are held. Some lenders allow your family to access their savings, although a minimum amount must usually be kept in the account. If some of the savings are withdrawn, this reduces the amount that is offset against your mortgage, resulting in an increase in your monthly payments.

Can I get a family springboard mortgage if I’m self-employed?

Yes, you can get a family springboard mortgage if you’re self-employed. Securing any mortgage can often be harder for self-employed applicants as lenders don’t consider the income to be as stable as for employed borrowers. This often means that a higher deposit is required or a higher interest rate is charged to reduce a lender’s risk. With a springboard mortgage, however, your family member’s savings add financial security to the application.

You still need to provide the lender with your proof of income. This is typically 2 or 3 years of certified accounts and either SA302 forms for the last 2 or 3 years or a tax overview from HMRC. Some lenders offer more flexibility if you’ve only been trading for a year.

Our mortgage brokers are well-versed in dealing with self-employed applications for family springboard mortgages. They can ensure that you have the correct paperwork ready before preparing a tailor-made application. Liaising with you and the lender throughout the mortgage process, you can rely on a smooth experience to secure your loan.

How much can I borrow with a family springboard mortgage?

One of the most appealing aspects of a family springboard mortgage is that you can usually borrow up to 100% of the property’s value. This is because your family member’s savings or equity act as security for the lender, reducing their risk. As such, you don’t need to pay a deposit, depending on the lender’s criteria. This is different from similar products, where lenders generally offer a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 90% or 95%.

The actual amount you can borrow depends on your affordability for the mortgage. With this type of mortgage, the maximum property value is usually capped at £500,000. Most lenders use an income multiplier of 4 or 4.5 times your annual income. Some offer higher multipliers, such as 5 or even 6 times your income in some cases. Your expenditure is also taken into account as well as any outstanding debts you may have.

How do I apply for a family springboard mortgage?

To apply for a family springboard mortgage, you first need to find someone who is willing to use their savings or equity as security for the lender. It’s essential for them to take independent legal advice to ensure that they know exactly what type of commitment they’re taking on.

When you’re both ready to proceed, our specialist mortgage brokers can check your eligibility and affordability for a mortgage. They can guide you on the documentation you need to gather in preparation for your application. Next, they can search for the best deal for you, comparing lenders’ rates and terms and negotiating on your behalf to find the right deal for your preferences and needs.

Once you’ve chosen the deal you’re happy with, your springboard mortgage broker can prepare your application. This type of mortgage can be more complex than a standard residential mortgage but your broker will know exactly how to approach it for the best chances of success. This includes ensuring that all of the information is correct to avoid any delays during the mortgage process. When required, your family member will need to transfer their savings to the designated account. Your broker will oversee the mortgage process from start to finish, keeping you informed throughout.

Who is eligible for a family springboard mortgage?

To be eligible for a family springboard mortgage, you must either be a first-time buyer or a home mover. You need to have someone on board who is prepared to use their savings or equity as security for your mortgage. This must be at least 10% of the value of the property you’re buying.

Lenders have different eligibility criteria so it’s important to compare the details carefully to ensure that you meet them. For example, some lenders only accept a close relative as your helper, while others are willing to consider other relatives or even friends. Some lenders insist on you having a minimum income level. Others stipulate that your helper (we’ll refer to them as a family member for the sake of this guide) must already have a mortgage account with them.

As the borrower, you will need to pass the lender’s affordability and creditworthiness checks. Your family member must agree to lock their savings in the lender’s account for a specified period, such as 5 years.

Are interest rates higher for family springboard mortgages?

Interest rates for family springboard mortgages tend to be higher than those for standard mortgages, where you would pay a deposit. This is because a mortgage with a higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio poses more of a risk for lenders. However, some lenders are willing to offer competitive rates because their risk is reduced by the security provided by your family member.

If you’re able to pay a deposit, this will reduce the risk for the lender. As a result, you should benefit from a lower interest rate than if applying for a 100% mortgage. This will help to keep your monthly payments lower and your mortgage will be cheaper overall during its term.

Will my income affect my eligibility for a family springboard mortgage?

This depends on the lender’s criteria. Usually, your income only affects how much you can borrow for a mortgage. For family springboard mortgages, however, some lenders set additional criteria you need to meet to be eligible. One of these can be a minimum income requirement. For example, you may have to earn a minimum of £20,000 to be considered by a lender for this type of mortgage. Other lenders don’t set minimum income requirements.

How you earn your income can affect the application procedure. If you’re self-employed, for example, you need to prepare different documentation than that needed by a borrower who is in full-time employment.

Whatever your income and however it’s earned, our mortgage brokers will find the best deal for you and handle the application process on your behalf.

How does a family springboard mortgage compare with a guarantor mortgage?

These mortgages are both similar in that they make it easier for you to buy a property when you have little or no deposit, with help from another person. They both enable your family member to provide you with a financial safety net while being fully aware of the implications. In both cases, while helping you out financially, your family member won’t have any legal claim over your property. These two mortgages do have some key differences, though, primarily with the type of security used.

Family springboard mortgage

A family springboard mortgage entails a family member providing savings as security. These are usually 10% of the property’s value and are locked in the lender’s account for a set period, such as 5 years. Your family member has no access to their savings during this time but interest is earned on them. At the end of the period, provided that you have maintained your mortgage payments, their savings and the interest earned on them will be returned to your family member.

If you miss any mortgage payments, your family member will not be asked to pay them on your behalf. This is a fundamental difference from a guarantor mortgage. Should you default on the mortgage, however, they risk losing their savings. This type of mortgage is ideal if you need to borrow 100% of the loan.

Guarantor mortgage

With a guarantor mortgage, your family member uses either their property or savings as security. If they use their property, the lender places a charge against it. If using their savings, which typically need to be between 5% and 20% of the property’s value, these are placed in an account held by the lender. The savings cannot be accessed but usually earn interest while they are being held. They will either be held for a set period or until you have paid off a certain amount of your mortgage.

If you don’t maintain your mortgage payments, your guarantor will be liable to make them. Should you default on the mortgage, your guarantor risks losing their property or savings in a worst-case scenario. A guarantor mortgage is a good option if you have little or no deposit, have a low income, have a lack of credit history or bad credit, or want to increase your borrowing power.

Do I need to be a homeowner to get a family springboard mortgage?

No, you don’t need to be a homeowner to benefit from a family springboard mortgage. This type of mortgage is designed to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder as well as to help existing homeowners who wish to move but have little or no deposit.

What alternatives are there to a family springboard mortgage?

If you’re not sure that a family springboard mortgage is right for you, there are various alternatives to consider.

A gifted deposit. This is a sum of money given to you by a family member to use as part or all of your deposit. It has to be given as a true gift, rather than a loan. This means that the giver does not expect you to repay it at a later date.
A guarantor mortgage. With this type of mortgage, a family member or close friend agrees to cover your mortgage payments if you’re unable to make them. They need to provide the lender with a form of security for the loan. This is usually their own property but can be savings.
A joint mortgage. Rather than buying a property on your own, consider a joint mortgage. Each person is named on the deeds so that you share ownership of the property and each person has joint responsibility for paying the mortgage. With a joint mortgage, the other applicant’s savings can be taken into account for a deposit and both incomes are included in the affordability calculations.
A joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage. Different from a joint mortgage, you can apply with another applicant but only you are named on the property deeds. This helps you with the affordability of the mortgage while allowing you to benefit from sole ownership of your home.
Shared ownership. To make homeownership more affordable, this scheme enables you to buy a share of a property – usually between 25% and 75% – and pay rent at a discounted rate for the remaining share. Your deposit and mortgage loan are based on the share of the property that you’re buying, rather than its full value. This makes it much more affordable to buy a home.

Are family springboard mortgages a good idea?

Yes, family springboard mortgages can be a good idea for several reasons. For a start, this type of mortgage can enable you to get on the property ladder when you have little or no deposit. If you’re already a homeowner and want to move but can’t afford to, this mortgage acts as a solution. Although your family member is helping you financially, they’re not named on the deeds so you can enjoy sole ownership of your home.

For the family member who wants to help you, it means that they’re not losing their savings permanently. Instead, the savings are tied up for a set term and earn interest during that time. At the end of the term, assuming you’ve maintained your mortgage payments, they’ll get their savings back along with the added interest. As they’re not named on the deeds, they won’t be penalised with a stamp duty surcharge if they’re already a homeowner.

All of these reasons make family springboard mortgages worth considering. Just bear in mind that there are drawbacks, too. Your family member’s savings, for example, can’t be accessed during the period they’re held, even in an emergency. If you default on your mortgage, they could lose their savings, putting a strain on your relationship.

Our mortgage brokers can go through all of the details with you and also advise you on the alternatives available. That way, you can make an informed decision for the mortgage that’s right for you as well as the person helping you.

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