Unlocking home ownership

Generous parents and grandparents are turning to their property wealth

As the housing market becomes increasingly competitive, family contributions are crucial in helping younger buyers secure their dream homes. Recent research highlights that generous parents and grandparents are turning to their property wealth to offer this vital support.

Often dubbed the ‘Bank of Family,’ it is anticipated to be pivotal in 42% of UK property purchases for those under 55 in the coming year[1]. This translates to an impressive 335,000 housing transactions in 2024 alone, marking the highest level of family-supported purchases since tracking began in 2016.

Supporting the next generation
The financial help extended by family members is predicted to rise significantly, with gifts from parents and grandparents expected to reach £11.3 billion by 2026. To fund these generous contributions, many are opting to downsize their homes, release equity, or re-mortgage their properties. Specifically, 19% of those providing financial support are doing so through these avenues, with 9% utilising equity release in the first half of this year alone.

Despite the good intentions behind these financial gifts, there is an alarming trend of not seeking professional advice. 74% of parents and grandparents who made a financial gift did not obtain professional advice before proceeding, which could have long-term financial implications.

Value of professional advice
Property wealth remains one of the most significant assets for families across the UK, making it a natural resource for financial support. However, individuals making substantial financial gifts should seek professional advice to ensure they are making informed decisions. While products such as lifetime mortgages automatically include specialist advice, this is only sometimes the case for other financial gifts, which can lead to unanticipated financial strain.

As equity release becomes more mainstream, more people may consider it a viable option for supporting their loved ones. The ‘Bank of Family’ is set to have a busier year than ever, and with this comes the need for prudence and careful planning. The ‘Bank of Family’ is becoming a significant player in the UK housing market, supporting an ever-growing number of property transactions.

Source data:
[1] Bank of Family methodology research was compiled using primary survey data as well as existing data sources relating to the housing market. Survey work carried out by YouGov – the total sample size 2,017 adults aged 55+ with children or grandchildren aged 16+ – survey undertaken between 26th June and 2nd July 2024.

THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. TAX TREATMENT DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CLIENT AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE. FOR GUIDANCE, SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.