**New Interactive Calculator Reveals How Soon You Could Buy Your Ideal Home**
Securing a place on the property ladder has long been viewed as a significant milestone in achieving financial security. For many, however, the dream of home ownership remains elusive—often due to uncertainty around how much to save or how long it will take to afford a deposit. Now, a new online tool has been launched to give would-be buyers clearer insight into their path to property ownership, and early signs suggest that some may reach this goal sooner than expected.
By entering details such as annual income, Lifetime ISA savings, and preferred locations, users of the tool receive a personalised estimate of both the amount required for a deposit and how many years it will take to amass the necessary funds. The initiative, backed by Plum—a financial app known for supporting savers—was spurred by fresh research highlighting the plight of aspiring homeowners in the UK.
According to a recent survey involving 2,000 adults without property, more than half fear they may never own a home. The study found that a third of these individuals attribute their concerns to inadequate income, while around 10 percent admit their knowledge of savings schemes and financial products is lacking. These anxieties are compounded by rising mortgage rates and high deposits, with two-thirds of respondents worried about being unable to meet ongoing payments, even if they manage to save enough for the initial deposit.
Strikingly, views on today’s housing market are tinged with nostalgia. Eight out of ten polled believe that it was far easier to buy a home in the 1990s, when house prices were lower relative to salaries. This generational perspective adds to the anxiety experienced by those currently attempting to save, with 36 percent reporting feelings of anxiety and 30 percent feeling helpless about their prospects. Nonetheless, some positivity remains—nearly a quarter of respondents expressed genuine excitement about eventually finding their own place.
The impact of these pressures is reflected in people’s property search behaviour. Many are keeping tabs on the housing market—regardless of whether they’re actively searching—viewing an average of two listings each week. Almost half of those surveyed anticipate they will have to make compromises, such as settling for less sought-after locations, simply to gain a foothold on the property ladder.
Despite these challenges, the aspiration to own a home remains strong. Over 70 percent of respondents stated they consider home ownership essential for long-term financial security, underscoring the emotional and practical importance of buying a property.
Rajan Lakhani from Plum, speaking about the study’s findings and the newly launched tool, explained: “Younger generations—and increasingly those who are older—often feel that buying a home is becoming less attainable. However, establishing a clear savings goal and starting early can make all the difference. Our calculator aims to help people visualise their target and maintain motivation throughout the saving process.”
He also noted the growing role of financial technology in facilitating regular savings. “Automated saving apps and products like the Lifetime ISA, which offers up to £1,000 in government bonuses each tax year, are making it more achievable to build up that all-important deposit.”
Independent experts have pointed out that while no online calculator can account for every personal circumstance—such as job changes or sudden shifts in the property market—such tools do at least offer a transparent starting point for charting a savings journey.
Ultimately, while current economic realities mean not everyone will find it easy to get onto the housing ladder, the development of accessible financial tools, coupled with a proactive savings mindset, could make the dream of home ownership more attainable than many think. Those interested in discovering their personalised savings pathway can try out the new property ladder calculator for an estimate of how close they might be to moving into their dream home.