How to buy a house on your own

Is it possible to buy a house alone?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to buy a house on your own, but it can be trickier than buying with a partner. When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will multiply your income by a set number (usually 4 to 4.5) to determine how much you can afford. So if you’re applying for a mortgage based on one income, rather than two, you might struggle to get a mortgage big enough for the home you want, particularly if you want to buy a large home or you live in an expensive area such as London or the South East. 

For example, if you earn £35,000, you might be able to borrow around £140,000 to £157,500. If you were buying a home with a partner and they had the same salary, your borrowing potential would effectively double, bringing your total mortgage amount to between £280,000 and £314,000.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to boost your budget, even if you’re doing it solo.

Perfect for you: Take a look at our guide on how to save for a house.

How much money do you need to buy a house by yourself?

The amount you’ll need to purchase a home by yourself depends on three main things:

1. Property price
2. Deposit size
3. Mortgage borrowing power

Most lenders want you to have a deposit of at least 10% of the property’s value, but some lenders are willing to offer 95% mortgages to certain borrowers. In which case, you’d only need a 5% deposit. 

If you’re able to save a deposit of 20% or more, this can give you access to a wider choice of mortgages and better mortgage rates, as lenders offer lower interest rates to those with a smaller Loan to Value (LTV).

Then there are other costs to plan for, such as:

• Mortgage fees (£500–£1,500)
• Conveyancer fees (around £1,000+)
• Valuation and survey costs (£200–£700)
• Stamp Duty

How to afford buying a house on your own

If you’re going it alone, here are the main ways to boost your budget and make buying solo achievable.

1. Use a Deposit Boost

If a parent or relative owns their home, they could release equity and gift it to you to use as your deposit. This is known as a Deposit Boost. The money is secured against their property and given to you tax-free to increase your deposit or cover it in full.

2. Add an Income Boost

Struggling to borrow enough on your income alone? A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage lets a friend or family member add their income to your mortgage application. They’ll appear on the mortgage but not the property deeds, helping you borrow more without affecting your first-time buyer status.

3. Consider shared ownership

With Shared Ownership, you buy a share of a property (usually 25%–75%) and pay rent on the rest. You’ll need a much smaller deposit and mortgage, and you can buy more shares later through “staircasing.”

4. Explore higher-income multiples

Some lenders, particularly for professionals like doctors, lawyers, nursers or teachers, offer up to 5x or even 6x income mortgages, which can make a big difference to what you can afford. 

Take a look at our guide to professional mortgages to learn more.

5. Make use of a Lifetime ISA

If you’re aged 18–39, the Lifetime ISA (LISA) is one of the most rewarding ways to save for your first home. You can save up to £4,000 a year, and the government adds a 25% bonus, worth up to £1,000 a year.

Open or transfer to the market-leading Lifetime ISA

Earn 3.8% AER (variable) interest rate with a Tembo Cash Lifetime ISA. Plus, as a Tembo saver, you’ll get fee-free mortgage advice* from our award-winning team when you’re ready to buy.

Find out more

Can I buy a house by myself if I’m married?

Yes, you can. Many married people buy a property in their sole name for financial or legal reasons.

You might do this if:

• Your partner has bad credit or is unemployed
• They already have a mortgage on another property
• You’re buying separately to manage Stamp Duty or inheritance planning

However, even if you buy the property alone, your spouse may still have a legal claim to it if you separate. Always speak to a solicitor before buying a property by yourself if you’re married.

Should I buy a house alone or with a partner?

There’s no one-size-fits-all on whether you should buy a house alone or with a partner, it depends on your finances, goals, and personal situation. Buying solo can feel empowering. You’ll have total control over your space, your finances, and your decisions. You can decorate however you like, leave dishes in the sink, and not compromise on location or lifestyle.

Buying with a partner, on the other hand, can make things more affordable. Two incomes often mean a larger deposit, a higher borrowing limit, and shared bills, but it also means shared responsibility.

If you’re not ready for that level of commitment or you’re unsure about the relationship’s future, it might be better to buy solo now and protect your independence.

Can I buy a house with friends or siblings?

Yes, it’s possible to buy a house with friends or siblings, and it’s becoming increasingly common. You can buy together through a joint mortgage (as joint tenants, meaning equal ownership) or as tenants in common (owning different shares based on how much you each contribute). If one of you is contributing more towards the deposit or repayments, tenants in common might be the better option.

Should I buy a house on my own?

Buying a house on your own can feel daunting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding milestones you’ll ever reach. It’s also a huge financial decision, so take time to understand your options and avoid overstretching yourself. A good mortgage broker can help you navigate the process and show you ways to boost your affordability safely.