If you're a lone parent and managed to buy a house on your own..

[Pebbledashery]

How did you do it?
I've been renting for a short while now and want some future security for my LO and me. I've recently gone back to work full time and my salary is now FTE.
How did you single parents manage to get a mortgage and deposit together?

I also did shared ownership recently. My mortgage and rent on a 2 bed house with garden and parking in South east is less than your rent. Lower deposit than purchasing all of a house and in most cases you have the option to purchase more shares up to 100% as and when you can afford it.

Also since your UC has dropped by 80% have you compared if you would be better off claiming tax free childcare? Government pays 20% of childcare costs up to £2k per year but you can't claim it and UC at the same time.

Another one for shared ownership here. I was able to buy a 40% share of the property using inheritance money so no need for a mortgage. My rent then is only £400 a month for the other 60% share. The inheritance was a combination of mine but also money left to my children by my mother. I intend to "pay" them back first and then look at buying the full proprty outright. Until then, I have full housing security, can have pets, decorate, won't be given notice etc, all the things that may cone with renting.

My situation's slightly different, in that I became a lone parent after being widowed, and subsequently received a payout from my late wife's pension that allowed me to buy a house. I still had to compromise massively though; I'd lived in the South East all my life and wanted to buy there, but I wasn't even close to being able to afford a one-bed flat in my town. I have now bought a house in the Midlands - just a two-bed workers cottage (not as nice as the house I used to rent), but starting again in a cheaper place has been worth it for me. I feel so secure owning my own home:

I bought before I had dc, but just wanted yo say money gets much easier once they are in school and that's was with paying wrap around and holiday care. Pre school is difficult but you will get there

Help to buy equity loan (from the government) this means you can get a new build from 5% and there are massive saving to be had from moving into a new place that does not need anything done.

For me it’s been a massive lifesaver feel incredibly lucky I was able to get a place with the help to buy scheme, I would recommend it to any single mum from the bottom of my heart, best you can do for yourself and your little ones