The average age of a first-time buyer in the UK is 33 years old, this is two years older than 10 years ago when the average age was 31 years old.
This of course is understandable with managing the cost-of-living and challenges within the economy such as high interest rates making it difficult to get onto the property ladder.
The area in which buyers are looking has a big impact on age. In 2024, the average age of those buying their first property in Yorkshire and Humber was 29 years old, whereas London the average age was 33 years old. Specific areas differ, for example, Sutton in South London and Slough, Berkshire, the average age was higher at 38 years old.
However, it’s not all negative news, in fact quite the opposite. There was a total of 341,068 first-time buyers in the UK last year which is a 19% increase from 287,060 the previous year in 2023.
The average nationwide property price for a first-time buyer in 2024 was £311,034 which was an 8% increase from £288,136 from 2022.
Below are the average ages of first-time buyers over time, and by region:
| Year | Average age of first-time buyer outside of London |
| 2024 | 33.5 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2022 | 33.4 |
| 2021 | 32.1 |
| 2020 | 31.8 |
| 2019 | 32.1 |
| 2018 | 32.6 |
| 2017 | 33.1 |
| 2016 | 32.3 |
| 2015 | 32.5 |
| 2014 | 31.8 |
| Age | Region |
| 33 | East Midlands |
| 33 | London |
| 32 | East Anglia |
| 32 | North West |
| 32 | Scotland |
| 32 | South East |
| 32 | South West |
| 32 | Wales |
| 32 | West Midlands |
| 30 | North England |
| 29 | Yorkshire & Humber |
Despite first-time buyers being older, TSB has reported that more people are getting on the property ladder without the need for financial help.
Sources: This is Money, Mortgage Introducer, Finder.
On Wednesday, 13th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.
Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points.
From 18th May 2026, Lloyds Banking Group is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.
Homeowners could be faced with paying over £3,000 more per year on their mortgage if the conflict in the Middle East continues, following new analysis from INTEREST from Moneyfacts.
9 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
17 days ago
The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.
17 days ago
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.
21 days ago
Recent data from Rightmove shows the most expensive streets in Great Britain, with the majority being situated in the capital.
The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has advised that, due to the “very big energy shock” the economy is facing, they won’t be in a rush to increase UK interest rates.