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Most efficient way to save house deposit

My husband and I owned a small property 10 years ago bought at height of house prices and sold due to arrival of children and work opportunities elsewhere. Unable to transfer our mortgage as due to the stricter mortgages we were deemed 'unmortgagable' despite 3 yes of regular payments, I am self employed but with a very good earnings history. We walked away with nothing and have been in rented ever since.

My question is - is there any help out there for second time buyers who are desperate to get out of rental trap and provide stability for our children. At the moment I am balancing paying back debt (maternity leave is expensive with no income esp as I am main earnwr) and saving for deposit. Obviously we will not be entitled to any first time buyer help so how is the best way to maximise our house deposit savings?
We are in our 40's and worry window of opportunity will expire.

Thank in advance for any advice
Total Debt May 10 = £58092

Comments

  • John-K_3
    John-K_3 Posts: 681 Forumite
    The best way is to save it into the highest interest savings accounts that you can find.
  • buggy_boy
    buggy_boy Posts: 657 Forumite
    The best way to save is to look at your outgoings, do you have two cars? do you really need two cars? Are you renting in a nice area and a nice house? If you rented in not such a good area or nice house how much cheaper would that be? Or better still although not ideal at your time of life move back with parents for a year or two...

    The best way to save is maximise your income and minimise your costs.

    Its tough and all the intensives are aimed at first time buyers having never owned a property, its a political football. Unfortunately having kids is not cheap and will only get more expensive so unless you are willing to take drastic steps with other debt outstanding there is no magic bullet short cuts just hard work..
  • cjv
    cjv Posts: 513 Forumite
    Third Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper Newshound!
    Shared ownership info on the government website states the following as eligible:

    "you used to own a home, but cant afford to buy one now"

    https://www.gov.uk/affordable-home-ownership-schemes/shared-ownership-scheme

    Maybe you could take a look at that option, good luck.
  • fi76
    fi76 Posts: 64 Forumite
    Thanks cjv we will look in to this.
    In the meantime we will continue to scrimp and save, it's tough, seems neverending but we WILL get there eventually. Landlord has just put rent up which has dampened my spirit but will look into the best savings accounts and maximise what we have.
    Thankyou all, just wish there was more out there to help those struggling to buy, first time or not.
    Total Debt May 10 = £58092
  • Candyapple
    Candyapple Posts: 3,384 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    How much do you have saved? What areas are you looking in?

    Fill this out for more advice:
    http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php
    I'm a Board Guide on the Credit Cards, Loans, Credit Files & Ratings boards. I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly, and I can move and merge threads there. Any views are mine and not the official line of moneysavingexpert.com
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