Tricia should build up a reserve in a deposit account to pay for emergencies and larger purchases after her earnings drop. Mini cash Isas are the obvious starting place, followed by internet and postal accounts. Unless her son stays in Manchester after graduating or takes over paying the mortgage, buying property for such a short time could be costly. House prices could fall and, after paying the costs of buying, a profit is far from certain. It may make more sense to put the deposit on one side until he settles down, then hand over the money as a gift.
Advice is for guidance only.
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