Many first-time buyers are still relying on financial assistance to fulfil their property ownership aspirations and Which? is encouraging parents thinking of helping their children to consider the full range of options available.

While Help to Buy has grabbed the headlines, Which? research found that specialist mortgages aimed at parents helping their children to buy their first home such as guarantor mortgages and family deposit mortgages are alternatives worth considering.

More than 1,200 Which? members were polled and a quarter had helped their children onto the property ladder, while 7% intend to in the near future. Of those that assisted their offspring, two-thirds of those had given their children money to use as a deposit, while one in five lent them the money. Another one in ten stood as guarantor for the mortgage and 4% took out a joint mortgage.

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Gifting or lending the deposit amount may be the most straightforward option available to those wanting to help their offspring on to the property ladder, but not all parents have the cash to spare.

There are various types of guarantor mortgages, but some allow parents to put their own property up as security, allowing lenders to advance 95% loans where they would otherwise require a larger deposit. Which?’s research identified home loans from National Counties Building Society, Bath Building Society and Aldermore as potential solutions.

Family deposit mortgages allow parents to offset their savings against their children's deposit. This parental contribution is held as security in a deposit account with the lender, but still gathers interest and is returned if their children’s mortgage triggers certain events. Lloyds TSB's Lend a Hand mortgage is perhaps the most well-known of these, but Market Harborough Building Society's Family Deposit product and Woolwich/Barclays' Springboard home loan are also worth bearing in mind.

Although the research testifies to the sense of satisfaction Which? members gained from helping their children – three-quarters of those who did said they would recommend others doing the same – there are pros and cons of all the different options which is why it is worth talking them through with an independent adviser.

(CD/MH)