It's always a good idea to be prepared for any sudden expenses such as a broken washing machine, a new boiler or even car repairs as you never know what the future has in store for you. You could also be faced with loosing your job, being evicted if your landlord decides to sell up or have a family emergency where you need to travel. Which is where an emergency fund is useful especially if you're looking to buy a house as you'd have to pay for any house maintenance yourself.
I started my emergency fund a few years ago after my first child was born, since then I have used it for all sorts of things as I didn't have any additional savings. Now that I have a savings account for a house I only use the emergency fund for emergencies!
