For many families, the biggest lending conversations we’re having right now aren’t about refinancing or rate movements, they’re about the next generation.
Adult children are trying to enter a challenging property market, often with strong incomes but limited deposits. Parents want to help, but are understandably cautious about risk, fairness and long-term implications.
When done well, next-generation lending can be a powerful way to support children, strengthen family wealth and create long-term financial confidence.
When done poorly, it can create unintended pressure - financially and emotionally.
The difference comes down to structure, strategy and timing.
Why Next-Generation Lending Is Such a Hot Topic Right Now
We’re seeing a perfect storm of factors driving these conversations:
- Property prices remaining elevated in many markets
- Cost-of-living pressures making it harder to save a 20% deposit
- Increased use of government schemes, including 5% deposit options
- Parents with equity but understandable concerns about risk
- Families wanting to plan more intentionally across generations
For many younger clients, lending is their first meaningful financial decision and often their first interaction with a professional adviser.
That first experience matters.
The Most Common Ways Families Are Supporting the Next Generation
Every family is different, but the most common approaches we see include:
- Parental Guarantees
Often used to help a child enter the market sooner, without needing a full deposit.
Key considerations:
- how much equity is actually required
- how and when the guarantee can be released
- ensuring parents aren’t over-exposed
This is an area where structure really matters.
- Using Government Schemes Strategically
Programs such as the 5% deposit scheme have created opportunities for first home buyers but they still require careful assessment.
It’s not just about eligibility. It’s about ensuring the loan structure works as incomes grow and circumstances change.
- Family Support Through Gifting or Loans
Whether it’s gifted funds or a documented family loan, clarity upfront is critical.
We always encourage families to think through:
- expectations
- documentation
- fairness across siblings
- long-term estate implications
Where Families Can Get Caught Out
The biggest risks we see don’t come from the intention to help, they come from moving too quickly.
Common pitfalls include:
- choosing the wrong lender for the structure
- over-committing parental equity
- not aligning lending with broader tax or estate plans
- locking in arrangements that are difficult to unwind later
- treating the loan as a transaction, not part of a longer journey
These issues are rarely obvious at the outset, which is why early advice is so important.
Why Lending Should Be Part of a Broader Conversation
At Altus, we don’t view next-generation lending as a one-off event.
We see it as:
- the start of a long-term relationship
- an opportunity to align family wealth planning
- a way to support both generations with clarity and confidence
When lending is considered alongside tax, wealth and business advice, families can make decisions that feel supportive - not stressful.
Often, the most valuable outcomes come simply from having the right people in the room early.
A Recent Example
We recently worked with a business-owning client who initially came to us under cash flow pressure. After restructuring their business lending and improving their position, the conversation naturally shifted to their family.
Their adult child was ready to buy a first home but unsure where to start. By structuring the lending carefully and using a government scheme appropriately, we were able to support the purchase while keeping the parents’ position secure.
What began as a business lending review became a multi-generational solution built on trust, clarity and good structure.
Looking Ahead
Next-generation lending will continue to be one of the most important area of advice in the years ahead.
Handled well, it:
- helps families move forward with confidence
- strengthens relationships across generations
- creates a natural pathway for ongoing advice
Handled poorly, it can create unnecessary complexity.
If you or your family are starting to think about how best to support the next generation - the earlier the conversation begins, the better the outcome tends to be.