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Buying and legal process

What is Gifted Deposit?

Deposit money given without an agreement that the buyer will repay it.

Definition

Lenders and conveyancers normally require information about the donor, source of funds, relationship to the buyer and whether the donor expects repayment or an interest in the property. Acceptable donors and documentation differ by lender.

Practical example

A parent may be asked to sign a declaration and provide bank statements showing where the gifted money came from.

Why it matters

Calling a repayable loan a gift can invalidate the lender's affordability and ownership assessment.

Gifted deposit mortgage guide

Source and review

Reviewed 16 July 2026. Product criteria and rules can change.

GOV.UK: buying a home

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