The so-called 'Bank of Mum and Dad' remains a cornerstone of the UK property market, with new data revealing its significant role in helping established homeowners move up the ladder.
Fresh research indicates that one in five people purchasing their second home receive financial assistance from family or friends. This underscores the enduring, and perhaps deepening, reliance on familial wealth to navigate the housing sector.
Second-Steppers Receive Larger Sums Than First-Time Buyers
While support for first-time buyers is well-documented, the study highlights that those taking their second step on the property ladder are securing even larger contributions. On average, second steppers receive £81,451 towards their new home purchase. This compares to an average of £76,239 for those buying their first property.
Interestingly, the support is not a one-off for many families. The research found that nearly 30% of homeowners who got help for their second or third property had also benefited from family assistance when buying their initial home. This support typically comes in the form of lump sum gifts, loans, or money from an inheritance.
Renters See Family Help as Essential Amid 'Moving Goalposts'
The challenges within the market are further illustrated by the views of current renters. Approximately half of those surveyed believe it would be impossible for them to buy a home without an inheritance or a loan from a relative.
They cite soaring property prices and what they describe as 'moving goalposts'—constantly shifting affordability criteria and deposit requirements—as the primary obstacles to homeownership.
Family Assistance Becoming a 'Permanent Fixture'
Property experts analysing the data suggest that elevated mortgage rates and persistent cost-of-living pressures are cementing family financial help as a permanent feature of the housing landscape. This assistance is no longer just for getting a foot on the ladder; it is now propping up transactions at multiple stages of a homeowner's journey.
The findings, published on Wednesday 17 December 2025, paint a picture of a market where intergenerational wealth transfer is critical for mobility. With affordability stretched, the Bank of Mum and Dad appears to be open for business more than ever, supporting buyers across generations.
