Which UK Lenders Accept a Non-Family Gifted Deposit?
Most UK lenders accept gifted deposits from immediate family. Only a minority accept gifts from friends, employers, or charitable sources — usually specialist lenders with source-of-funds evidence and a signed gift letter.
Data refreshed 2026-07-14. Information only — not advice.
Your situation
High Street Lenders
- Nationwide— Up to 95% LTV — no family-only restriction in published criteria; AML evidence 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
- Market Harborough Building Society— Up to 80% LTV — accepts gifts/loans from family, friends or landlord
- Progressive Building Society— Refer — accepts third-party gifts (NOT employers); applicant must confirm relationship with donor
Specialist Lenders
- Atom Bank— Up to 95% LTV — third-party gifts accepted; donor must claim no interest in the property
- Perenna— Up to 95% LTV — accepts third-party gifts (no ongoing interest in property)
- The Mortgage Lender— Up to 95% LTV — non-family considered case-by-case; all gifts must be disclosed
Why 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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Run My Affordability CheckFrequently 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. Specialist lenders (Kensington, Precise) consider case-by-case.
What if the gift is from a charity?
Some lenders accept gifts from specific charities (e.g. Shelter, some veterans' charities) if documented. The charity usually provides a standard letter the lender accepts.
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.
