The market share of first-time patrons in England and Wales has dropped by 10.4% since January, analysis from comparability website reallymoving reveals.
They made up 56.7% of patrons in August, down from 63.3% in January.
Over the identical interval, the common worth paid by FTBs fell by 3.1% from £280,610 in January to £271,784, suggesting affordability is holding a variety of patrons again.
Rob Houghton, chief govt of reallymoving, mentioned: “These figures spotlight the size of the problem going through first-time patrons in 2025. Costs could also be softening and mortgage charges inching down, however not almost sufficient to offset the affordability pressures being felt in each area of the nation.
“First-time patrons face attempting to avoid wasting for a deposit amid rising residing prices and safe a mortgage at a sustainable reimbursement charge, with little or no focused authorities help to assist them onto the ladder.
“Until we begin to see a dramatic improve in housebuilding, as has been promised, and focused measures to spice up affordability, first-time patrons are unlikely to regain their market share any time quickly. Past proscribing market mobility, this can undermine the monetary safety of younger individuals and erode the long-term stability that residence possession can present.”
The proportion first-time patrons has dropped in each area of England and Wales throughout 2025, with the steepest falls within the South West, Yorkshire & Humber, the East of England and the North East.
Regardless of having the very best property costs within the nation, London has the most important share of first-time patrons, accounting for 68% of all movers. Reallymoving mentioned excessive rental prices making renting unsustainable long run, and help from the Financial institution of Mum and Dad, are each probably components.
The common worth paid by a first-time purchaser in London fell by over £12,000 within the final 12 months from £454,800 in August 2024 to £442,443 in August 2025 – a lower of two.7%.
