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How to save a deposit for your first home

Posted on: Friday, May 2, 2025

Saving for a deposit can feel overwhelming, but the key is simple: start saving now. Here are some practical tips to help you kickstart your journey toward homeownership.

 

Start with a Realistic Plan

Setting a manageable monthly savings goal gets the ball rolling. Don’t let the total deposit amount intimidate you—take it step by step. Even if you’re unsure exactly how much you’ll need, beginning the habit of saving is the most important step.

 

Track Your Spending

Use free online budget templates to assess your income and expenses. Include both fixed costs (like rent and bills) and those sneaky small purchases that add up fast. Review your last few months of spending to create a realistic picture and avoid being overly optimistic.

 

Don’t Overstretch Yourself

Be honest about what you can save each month. Set a minimum amount you’re confident you can commit to. If you have a particularly good month, great—add a little extra. Trying to save too much too soon can lead to frustration and burnout.

 

Choose the Right Savings Account

Do your homework before opening an account. Since this is a long-term goal, an account with a higher interest rate—even if it limits access to your money—might be best. Periodically review your options to make sure your money is working as hard as you are.

 

Automate Your Savings

Set up a standing order or direct debit to move money into your savings automatically. This removes the temptation to spend it elsewhere and turns saving into a habit.

 

Lean on Your Support Network

Let your friends and family know about your goal. They’ll likely be supportive and may even suggest budget-friendly alternatives, like midweek meetups or cosy dinners at home instead of pricey nights out.

 

Stay Motivated

Saving is often easiest in the beginning when motivation is high. As time goes on, look for ways to keep your momentum going—set mini-milestones, reward yourself occasionally, and remember: it’s okay to take a break as long as you stick to your baseline goal.

 

Contact us

Start where you are, stay consistent, and keep your goal in sight. Your future self will thank you! Contact your local Guild Member when you are ready to start your journey to buying.

 

 

What Our
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Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

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I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

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Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

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I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

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Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

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We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

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I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

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What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

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Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

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Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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