Getting on the property ladder in London is hard enough, but the cost of living in 2026 is adding another layer of difficulty. When it feels like daily expenses are always on the rise, the question of whether you’ll ever be able to buy your own place is no doubt on your mind.
This guide breaks down what’s happening with property prices, mortgage rates and everyday costs, and explains how Pocket makes homeownership more achievable than you might think.
You know how the story goes. You open your banking app to check your balance and wonder how your paycheque disappeared so fast. But don’t stress – saving money is something we all have to figure out at some point in our lives.
Whether you’re actively saving to buy your first home or want to get your finances in order before you start building a deposit, knowing how to save money effectively can make a real difference to your financial fitness.
This guide covers budget planning and saving tips, from clearing debt and reducing bills to boosting your bank balance.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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When you’re getting ready to buy your first home, knowing how much it will cost can help you budget accordingly. On top of your deposit and mortgage, there are other costs to consider – stamp duty is one of them. The good news is that as a first time buyer, you could benefit from a stamp duty exemption or relief.
We know stamp duty can be a confusing subject, so we’re breaking it down to help you understand what it is, how it’s calculated and when it applies to first time buyers.
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As a first time buyer in London, you’ve probably asked yourself which borough is right for you. Of course, affordability matters, but so do local amenities and good transport links. Choosing where to buy your first home is a big decision, so it’s important to pick somewhere that suits your lifestyle.
In 2021, we conducted research to rank the best London boroughs for first time buyers, based on factors that matter to them, such as property prices, access to Cycle Superhighways and Green Flag parks and the number of train stations and bus stops. Boroughs that performed well included two locations of current Pocket developments: Croydon and Waltham Forest.
Below, find out why the locations we’ve chosen for our available Pocket homes are perfect for you, the city makers.
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Saving for a deposit and maintaining your weekly brunch habit might seem mutually exclusive, but they don’t have to be. All it takes is a well-thought-out savings plan – one that works with your budget and lifestyle – to make your home-buying dream a reality.
You make this city, so you should get something back. A home you can call your own. Somewhere you can put your stamp on. That’s where we come in. We built Pocket Living around the idea that everyone should have a fair opportunity to get on the housing ladder, and we’re here to help you get there.
In this blog, we’re sharing our top tips on saving for your first home, whatever your circumstances. From ISAs to bank accounts and more, we’ll help you understand everything you need to know about saving. Let’s get started.
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Mortgage rates might not seem like the most interesting topic, but as a first time buyer, it’s important to understand what they are, what impacts them and how they could affect you.
At Pocket Living, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about stepping onto the property ladder. So, in this guide, we’ll explore the base rate, the forecast for mortgage interest rates and what you should consider as a first time buyer before committing to a mortgage deal.
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Buying your first home can be a bit of a minefield. From terminology to hidden costs, there’s a lot to get your head around.
In this blog, we’re delving into the expenses you can expect as a first-time buyer. This will give you an idea of how much you need to save alongside your deposit to purchase a Pocket home.
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