First Time Buyers on the Rise!

Homemovers accounted for approximately 49% of the housing market in the first six months of 2018, a considerable drop compared to 2011 when they accounted for 62% of the market, and below first-time buyers for the first time since 1995, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Homeowner Review

The number of people moving home has dropped in the first half of the year and now accounts for just under half of the housing market.

The review suggested that the inactivity may be fuelled by a shortage of suitable properties for sale, but reflects the broader housing market which is showing little sign of movement. 

The fall in homemover numbers follows a rise in 2017, which reported the highest level of movers seen in 10 years. This further coincides with a 3% rise in first-time buyers to 175,000. 

Commenting on the findings, Lloyds Bank mortgage product director Andrew Mason said: “Despite continuing low mortgage rates, the homemover market has stabilised with little movement in the first half of this year to leave first-time buyers now driving housing activity. This may be in part due to the Help to Buy scheme enabling first-time buyers to purchase a new property, combined with the low availability of the ‘right type’ of homes for those looking to move up the housing ladder. The costs of moving house and potential further interest rate rises may also be weighing on potential homebuyers’ minds.

“However, it is good to see the number of first-time buyers increasing, helping to keep some movement along the property ladder.”

Over the five year period, the average deposit put down by a homemover has risen by almost a third (31%), from £76,303 in 2013 to £99,592 in 2018.

The study found that, unsurprisingly, Londoners put down the largest deposit of £189,167 towards the purchase of their next home, almost four times higher than the average homemover deposit of £48,003 in Northern Ireland. 

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, why not get in touch? Mortgage Solutions Belfast can help you every step of the way!

Article source: http://moneyage.co.uk

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