At Greenstone Mortgages, our ethos is simple
The Bank of Mum and Dad remains one of the most important routes onto the property ladder in 2026. With rising living costs and affordability pressures, many first-time buyers rely on family support not just for deposits, but also through modern mortgage structures.
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In 2026, many first-time buyers in Reading purchase with deposits between 5% and 15%, but the “right” level depends on your situation, property and chosen lender. Government and lender schemes can help some Reading buyers, but they all come with conditions and risks that need careful explanation before you decide. Your realistic price range in Reading depends on income, deposit, regular outgoings, and local property prices in the streets and suburbs you’re targeting. Lenders use their own affordability rules and caps, often linked to income multiples, but these vary and are not guaranteed.
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As we move into the final days of March 2026, the UK mortgage market has shifted direction once again. Over the past week, lenders have begun increasing fixed mortgage rates and withdrawing some of their most competitive products. This change has been driven by movements in financial markets rather than a direct change in the base rate.
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The UK mortgage market has experienced significant changes over the past two decades. At Greenstone Mortgages, founder David Clift has spent more than 25 years helping homeowners and buyers across Reading and Berkshire navigate these changes. During that time, he has advised clients through the 2008 financial crisis, the economic uncertainty following the Ukraine conflict, and the recent cost-of-living pressures that affected households across the UK.
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Investing in property remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. However, the buy to let landscape in 2026 is defined by specific tax thresholds and digital reporting requirements that make expert planning essential.
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Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It’s exciting, but it can also feel uncertain, especially in a fast-moving property market like Reading where well-priced homes can attract strong interest quickly.
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