Current lending practices allow for entries far below 20%, though these "low-deposit" options often come with higher interest rates. News & Social | Acorn Estate Agents
The Evolution of Home Deposits: 2026 Market Analysis A house deposit is the initial lump sum paid upfront toward a property purchase, with the remaining balance typically covered by a mortgage. While the historical "20% rule" persists in cultural memory, 2026 data shows that actual entry requirements for first-time buyers are significantly lower in both the UK and US. 1. Minimum and Median Deposit Standards deposit required to buy a house