New research from TSB has revealed that the average age of a first-time buyer in the United Kingdom has slightly decreased over the past year, falling from 32 to 31. This small yet significant shift suggests that more young adults are managing to take their first steps onto the property ladder despite the continued challenges in the housing market.
The data, drawn from TSB’s analysis of its third-quarter figures, offers an encouraging sign of resilience among younger buyers. While affordability remains a major obstacle in many parts of the country, this drop in the average age shows that some aspiring homeowners are finding ways to make their purchase happen earlier than before.
London continues to hold the top spot for the highest average age among first-time buyers, remaining steady at 33. This figure highlights the ongoing affordability issues in the capital, where house prices remain well above the national average, making it difficult for younger individuals and couples to enter the market without substantial financial support.
Meanwhile, Wales and Scotland recorded the lowest average ages for first-time buyers, both sitting at 30 years old. These regions have long been seen as more accessible areas for new homeowners due to lower average property prices and more affordable living costs compared to the South of England.
The research also includes insights from a separate survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of TSB. The survey questioned over 1,000 first-time buyers who had purchased their homes within the last five years, offering a snapshot of how new homeowners are managing their mortgages and long-term goals.
Interestingly, 17% of respondents said they hope to become mortgage-free before reaching the age of 40. This figure reflects a growing ambition among younger homeowners to achieve financial independence sooner rather than later, even amid the cost of living pressures many are facing.
A significant portion of buyers—around 57%—reported that they are actively trying to shorten their mortgage term. This often involves making extra repayments or choosing shorter-term deals to reduce the total amount of interest paid over time.
Among those who are overpaying their mortgage, more than two-fifths (43%) revealed that they make these additional payments on a monthly basis. Consistent overpayments, even if small, can have a meaningful impact on reducing both the duration and total cost of a mortgage.
Craig Calder, Director of Mortgages at TSB, explained that this approach can make a real difference. He said, “Overpaying can be a great way of shaving years off your mortgage.” His comments underline the importance of financial planning and responsible borrowing for those entering the property market.
The report also presented a detailed regional breakdown comparing the average age of first-time buyers between the third quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025. This comparison paints a varied picture of progress across the UK’s property landscape.
In East Anglia, the average age decreased from 33 to 32, while in the East Midlands it rose slightly from 31 to 32. London, on the other hand, remained unchanged at 33, maintaining its position as one of the most challenging regions for new buyers.
The North West and North East both saw minor increases in the average age, rising from 31 to 32 and from 30 to 31 respectively. This may indicate subtle shifts in affordability or availability in those regions.
In the South East and South West, the averages both moved from 33 to 32 and 31 to 32 respectively, suggesting a small but positive adjustment in accessibility for younger buyers. Meanwhile, Scotland stayed consistent at 30, showing a steady trend of affordability compared to the rest of the UK.
The West Midlands saw the average age of first-time buyers drop from 32 to 31, while Wales experienced a similar improvement, with the figure decreasing from 31 to 30. Yorkshire and the Humber remained stable at 31 across both years.
Overall, the figures reflect that while regional differences persist, the national average indicates a small but meaningful improvement for younger home seekers. The data suggests that some are managing to buy earlier, potentially through shared ownership schemes, government support, or family assistance.
In summary, the UK housing market continues to present hurdles for first-time buyers, but this latest data from TSB shows signs of gradual progress. The slight decline in the average age, combined with growing financial awareness and proactive repayment habits, indicates that many young Britons remain determined to achieve homeownership and financial security sooner than before.
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