Full Breakdown
First-Time Buyers Turn to Side Hustles to Save for Home Deposits
4/23/2026, 11:53:57 PM
Growing Trend Among Aspiring Homeowners
Recent research from Santander UK reveals that 49% of aspiring first-time buyers are engaging in side hustles to accumulate savings for home deposits amid rising affordability pressures. This trend highlights the lengths individuals are willing to go to secure a place on the property ladder, with many balancing these additional income streams alongside full-time employment.
Financial Impact of Side Hustles
On average, those participating in side hustles earn approximately £442 per month, dedicating around seven extra hours weekly to these endeavors. Notably, over 12% of respondents reported earning more than £1,000 monthly from their side activities. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of these individuals save most or all of their additional earnings specifically for a house deposit.
Popular Side Hustles
The research indicates a mix of traditional and unconventional side hustles being pursued by potential buyers. While dog walking and online surveys remain popular, many are exploring more creative avenues. The top ten side hustles identified include:
1. Gardening (20%)
2. Creating and selling personalized items (19%)
3. Selling baked goods (18%)
4. Leaflet distribution (18%)
5. Candle making (14%)
6. Selling feet pictures (14%)
7. Furniture flipping (14%)
8. Childcare services (13%)
9. Social media witchcraft (12%)
10. Selling used socks (11%)
These findings suggest that the pressure to save is prompting buyers to be increasingly flexible and innovative in their income-generating strategies.
Personal Accounts of Success
Anya Jones, a 25-year-old nurse, exemplifies the impact of side hustles on homeownership. Despite the challenges of saving for a deposit while managing unpaid work experience, Jones turned her passion for crafting jewelry into a successful business, ultimately saving £10,000 towards her home deposit. She stated, “Even with two incomes, it’s a struggle to save for a deposit. They seem so out of reach for people on regular salaries—I never would have been able to buy a house at such a young age without a side hustle.”
Official Insights and Recommendations
David Morris, director of mortgages at Santander UK, acknowledged the difficulties faced by first-time buyers but emphasized their determination to achieve homeownership. He noted, “Home hustling is one way people are boosting their income and speeding up the time it takes to save for a deposit, stamp duty, and legal costs.” Morris also pointed out that many buyers overestimate the amount needed for a deposit, with nearly one in five believing a £50,000 deposit is necessary, while the average aspiring buyer currently has around £9,000 saved.
Conclusion
The trend of first-time buyers engaging in side hustles underscores a significant shift in how individuals approach homeownership in the current economic climate. As affordability challenges persist, many are willing to explore diverse income streams to realize their homeownership ambitions.