Money Box Money Box Live: First-Time Buyers
Nov 19, 2025
Richard Donnell, head of research at Zoopla, shares insights on first-time buyer trends, revealing two-thirds receive family support. Jane King, an independent mortgage adviser, discusses practical advice for overcoming deposit hurdles and offers tips for improving creditworthiness. They highlight regional affordability differences, with buyers in London facing tougher conditions. The conversation covers innovative schemes like shared ownership and the First Homes initiative, making buying a home slightly more accessible for new entrants to the market.
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Family Help Accelerates Home Purchase
- Zoopla research shows two-thirds of first-time buyers get family help, rising to three-quarters under 30.
- Richard Donnell says inheritance or grandparent help can accelerate buying by about two years.
More First-Time Buyers Are Active Now
- UK Finance data shows 30% more first-time buyers in H1 this year than H1 2024, so numbers have risen.
- Richard links the rise to higher rents, mortgage rate stability and lenders relaxing lending rules earlier in the year.
Prepare Your Mortgage Case Early
- Get mortgage-ready well before you need the deposit by speaking to a broker or bank to spot issues early.
- Consider rental-exchange schemes so years of on-time rent can strengthen your credit score.