House prices in many parts of the UK have outpaced wage growth for over a decade. Guarantor and family-assist mortgages offer a practical workaround when the bank of mum and dad cannot simply hand over a lump sum.\n\nHow Guarantor Mortgages Work — A family member (usually a parent) agrees to cover your mortgage payments if you cannot. The guarantor's income or property is used as additional security. Critically, the guarantor does not go on the property deeds and has no ownership stake.\n\nBarclays Springboard — The family member places 10% of the purchase price into a Barclays savings account. That money is locked for five years, during which it earns interest. If you keep up all payments, they get it back in full. You get a 100% LTV mortgage without needing any deposit of your own.\n\nNationwide Family Deposit — Similar concept. A family member deposits 10% into a linked savings account. After three or five years (depending on the product), the savings are released back. This lets you buy with effectively zero deposit while the family member retains their capital.\n\nJoint Borrower Sole Proprietor — Offered by NatWest, Metro Bank, and several building societies. Up to four people can be on the mortgage (boosting affordability), but only one or two go on the property title. This means parents can help with income multiples without triggering second-home stamp duty or affecting their own capital gains position.\n\nRisks to Understand — If you default, the guarantor is liable. Their property or savings are at risk. Guarantors should get independent legal advice before committing. Their own future borrowing capacity may be reduced because the guarantee counts as a financial commitment.