Zero-deposit mortgages actually cost homeowners thousands more

Zero-deposit mortgages can be an easier way onto the ladder – but they aren’t cheaper (Picture: Getty Images)When it comes to buying a home these days, cobbling together a deposit takes some serious saving.Many first-time buyers end up relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad. One 2026 study from Barclays found four in 10 homeowners (39%) received a financial contribution from their parents towards their first home.Against such a gruelling backdrop, it’s tempting to consider schemes