March 2026 - Pocket

The government’s Mortgage Guarantee Scheme explained

March 20, 2026April 2, 2026 Hannah Godwin 2 Comments

Saving a deposit to buy a home is no small feat. Especially in London, where first time buyers typically need around £45,000 for a 10% deposit, according to research from Nationwide.

The government recognises this affordability challenge of raising a sufficient deposit to step onto the housing ladder. So, it launched a 5% deposit mortgage initiative: the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, allowing home buyers to borrow a 95% mortgage.

Introduced in 2021 as a temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the mortgage market, which caused lenders to withdraw low-deposit mortgages, an updated version of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme became permanently available in July 2025.

Here, we’ve broken down what the scheme is, how it works and how it can help you buy your first home.

Resident making a coffee in the kitchen of her Pocket home.

Saving money on gas and electric bills for first time buyers

March 10, 2026April 2, 2026 Hayley Donigan Leave a comment

The UK’s rising cost of living affects everyone. But as a first time buyer, you might be particularly keen to keep your finances in check.

Pocket residents are first time buyers on middle incomes, so we understand how important it is to save where possible. Buying an energy-efficient new build home is a great place to start, and you can save on your gas and electricity bills further by making sustainable choices at home.

Read on for practical tips to help you save on energy bills. They may seem small, but they can make a noticeable difference over time, so why not start now?

Things to do in Walthamstow

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

Living in Walthamstow means living in an area that’s alive with activity. From markets to museums, the neighbourhood is full of sights to see and places to visit. It’s even been named one of the best places to live in London.

If that sounds good to you, explore our Pocket homes in Walthamstow that will put you right at the heart of the action. The community is located on Forest Road, just across the road from Lloyd Park and William Morris Gallery, with easy access to Walthamstow Central station and a host of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Keep reading this Walthamstow area guide to find out more.

Is it better to rent or buy in London?

March 3, 2026March 5, 2026 Hannah Godwin Leave a comment

While renting in London is basically a rite of passage for city makers, there comes a time when the prospect of owning your own place becomes ever more appealing.

Deciding whether to buy a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and what you can afford will most likely sway your decision. For many first time home buyers, the monthly cost of owning a home could actually be cheaper than renting. In 2025, average rents in London reached £2,736 per month, whereas the average first time buyer’s mortgage repayments were £1,162 per month.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, but if you’re thinking about moving from renting to owning, this blog will help you decide whether buying a home in London is right for you.