First-Time Buyers Now Averaging 34 – What We’re Seeing Locally

There’s been a lot of talk recently about how difficult it’s become for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder, and the latest figures back that up.

New research shows the average age of a first-time buyer in England is now 34. That’s a noticeable jump from around 29 in the 1990s — and it reflects what we’re seeing day-to-day.

It’s taking longer to get started

The biggest shift isn’t that people don’t want to buy — it’s that it’s taking longer to get there.

We’re seeing far fewer buyers in their early 20s, and far more:

• Couples buying together
• Buyers who have spent longer saving
• People waiting until they feel financially secure

In most cases, it’s no longer a quick step after renting — it’s something people work towards over a number of years.

Deposits are the main hurdle

If there’s one thing that holds people back, it’s the deposit.

Between higher prices and stricter lending, buyers are needing:

• Larger deposits
• More stability in income
• Often two incomes to make it work

It’s also become much more common for family to help out. We’re seeing more buyers relying on gifted deposits than ever before.

Mortgages are stretching further

To make the numbers work, many buyers are now opting for longer mortgage terms — often 30 years or more.

That helps affordability month-to-month, but it does change the overall picture long-term. It’s just become part of how people structure a purchase now.

What this looks like in Bishop’s Stortford

Locally, the pattern is very similar.

We’re still seeing strong demand from first-time buyers, but:

• They’re generally older than they used to be
• More likely to be buying as a couple
• Often a bit more considered in their approach

The positive is that buyers tend to be:

• Better prepared
• More informed
• And clearer on what they want

It’s not all negative

While it’s harder to get on the ladder, buyers are often ending up in a better position once they do.

More first-time buyers are:

• Buying houses rather than flats
• Choosing homes that are more efficient to run
• Thinking longer-term from the outset

So although it takes longer, the end result is often a stronger move.

Our take

From our side, the biggest thing hasn’t changed:

There are still plenty of first-time buyers out there — they just need the right guidance and realistic expectations.

The ones who do best are the ones who:

• Understand their budget early
• Stay flexible
• And are ready to move when the right opportunity comes up

Final thought

Buying your first home isn’t as straightforward as it once was, but it’s still very achievable.

It just takes a bit more planning, a bit more patience, and the right advice along the way.