Which UK Lenders Accept a Non-Family Gifted Deposit?
Most UK lenders accept gifted deposits from immediate family. Only a minority publish criteria that accept gifts from friends or other third parties — a mix of building societies, specialist lenders and a couple of high-street names — usually with source-of-funds evidence and a signed gift letter.
As of 2026-10-12, published criteria from 10 of the 75 UK lenders whose published criteria we track indicate they may consider this scenario — 3 high-street, 5 building societies and 2 specialist — with minimum deposits from 5%.
Data refreshed 2026-10-12. Information only — not advice.
Your situation
High Street Lenders
- Nationwide— Up to 95% LTV — no family-only restriction in published criteria; AML evidence required
- NatWest— Up to 95% LTV — gifts from family, friends and other third parties (not the seller); gifted deposit letter required
- Santander— Up to 95% LTV — non-family acceptable subject to AML; no beneficial interest, donor not residing
Building Societies
- Cumberland Building Society— Up to 95% LTV — accepts gift from relative or third party (non-repayable, gift letter required)
- Earl Shilton Building Society— Up to 90% LTV — donor does not need to be a family member; donor may live in property
- Hanley Building Society— Up to 95% LTV — non-family gifts considered with a satisfactory explanation; donor's bank statement required; gifts from abroad family only
- Market Harborough Building Society— Loans from £200,000 only (property value from £250,000). Up to 80% LTV — accepts gifts/loans from family, friends or landlord
- Vernon Building Society— Up to 95% LTV on houses (90% flats; max advance £300,000 at 95%) — gifts not from immediate family acceptable; new build needs own funds or a family gift for the 5%
Specialist Lenders
- Atom Bank— Up to 95% LTV — third-party gifts accepted; donor must claim no interest in the property
- The Mortgage Lender— Up to 90% LTV for a non-family gift (95% needs the customer's own 5% or a family gift) — non-family considered case by case; all gifts must be disclosed
A lender name is only half the answer — the amount each might lend varies by tens of thousands — our figures are indicative estimates, not offers.
See your figuresWhy some lenders say no
- Most lenders limit gifted deposits to immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse).
- Non-family gifts trigger stricter anti-money-laundering source-of-funds checks.
- A signed, non-refundable gift letter is required regardless of source.
Related reading: Gifted deposits — full guide · How deposit size affects what you can borrow
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Frequently asked questions
What counts as 'immediate family'?
Parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse or civil partner, children. Most lenders also include step-family. Some extend to aunts, uncles, first cousins.
Can my employer gift me a deposit?
Rarely as a cash gift, more often as an employer equity-loan scheme. A true gift from an employer is treated as a non-family source and most lenders decline. Some lenders that accept third-party gifts exclude employers specifically, so check the lender's policy before relying on one.
What if the gift is from a charity?
Lenders rarely publish a specific position on gifts from charities. A lender that accepts third-party gifts may consider one if it's fully documented, so check with the lender before relying on it.
Do I have to pay the gift back?
No. The gift letter explicitly states it is non-refundable with no beneficial interest in the property. Any loan or expectation of repayment disqualifies it as a gift.