The market share of first-time consumers in England and Wales has dropped by 10.4% since January, analysis from comparability web site reallymoving reveals.
They made up 56.7% of consumers in August, down from 63.3% in January.
Over the identical interval, the typical value paid by FTBs fell by 3.1% from £280,610 in January to £271,784, suggesting affordability is holding a lot of consumers again.
Rob Houghton, chief govt of reallymoving, mentioned: “These figures spotlight the size of the problem dealing with first-time consumers 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 consumers face making an attempt to avoid wasting for a deposit amid rising residing prices and safe a mortgage at a sustainable reimbursement fee, with little or no focused authorities assist to assist them onto the ladder.
“Except we begin to see a dramatic improve in housebuilding, as has been promised, and focused measures to spice up affordability, first-time consumers are unlikely to regain their market share any time quickly. Past limiting market mobility, this can undermine the monetary safety of younger folks and erode the long-term stability that dwelling possession can present.”
The proportion first-time consumers 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 consumers, accounting for 68% of all movers. Reallymoving mentioned excessive rental prices making renting unsustainable long run, and assist from the Financial institution of Mum and Dad, are each probably elements.
The typical value 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%.
