A new research from myjobquote.co.uk looked into the situation faced by those trying to purchase property for the first time in the UK, revealing how much aspiring homeowners from different regions have managed to save over the last three years. Residents from the North East and Scotland have saved the most, while those in the South East have the smallest sum saved in their accounts.

As part of the poll, there were 2,746 people, all aged 18 or over and representing each region in an even selection. All respondents stated that they had been saving towards a deposit for approximately three to four years.

When asked how much they have managed to save for a house deposit, the respondents from the North East answered, on average, £9,875; Scotland – £8,327; Yorkshire – £7,939; Ireland – £6,875; South West – £6,328; Wales – £5,374; London – £5,106; North West – £3,879; East Midlands – £3,506; East of England – £2,485; South East – £1,560; and West Midlands – £1,357.

After that, they were asked whether or not they will receive any financial help, outside of a mortgage, to which 64% answered with ‘yes’. Parents came out top as being the most likely to be asked for help, with 51% of the vote, followed by grandparents with 29% and extended family members with 16%.

Out of all the savers, 54% confessed that they had previously taken money from the deposit savings for other purposes, but only 26% of them said the money was for an emergency. The most likely purchases made with money previously set aside to go towards a deposit on a property were holidays (33%) and nights out/socialising (28%).

“It’s not easy to put money aside. Although house prices tend to be more expensive in the south, and in London in particular, this isn’t reflected in the amount that first time buyers are able to save; meaning their journey will be both longer and slower than someone looking to purchase in the north,” said Lisa Evans from www.myjobquote.co.uk.