The average age of a first‑time buyer has risen to just under 34, up from 29 in 2000, and almost one in three now have a baby before buying a home. A new Connells study shows that rising house prices outpace wages and that student loan debt is a key driver of delay. “Nobody told me how student loan debt would impact getting a mortgage,” says Frankie, a 27‑year‑old lab technician. He explains that after repayments, only half of his take‑home goes to rent while a third covers bills, making it hard to save for a deposit.

At the same time, flats are becoming less attractive because of high service charges, with the average monthly probe surpassing £200 in 2025. Lenders fear annual charges above 1 % of property value, and 37 % of flats already exceed this threshold.

In a market where family help is still common, more than half of first‑time buyers received money from parents in 2025, equating to £11 bn. A new policy expected in 2027, the First Time Buyer Isa, may offer some relief, but buyers must still show serious intent by securing a mortgage in principle and demonstrating savings.

The government letter to John Healey urges reform of the student loan system, citing its role in delaying home ownership.