Latest survey highlights first-time buyer affordability struggles

October 30, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill

Surveys and Statistics

The latest survey to be published has shone a spotlight on the affordability challenges that first-time buyers face.

Mojo Mortgages conducted the First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey, which shows how difficult housing affordability has become. Over one quarter of those buying for the first time were dependent on their families to meet the cost of a deposit, with 26% of them in this position.

A further 64% told the survey they had taken on second jobs in an attempt to save enough money for a deposit. This amounts to nearly two-thirds of first-time buyers. Even with two sources of income, these buyers stated that the time needed to raise the deposit money was between two and three years.

For many first-time buyers, their desire to own a home is determining their career paths. 22% of them said they were continuing in a job they hate because they need a steady income when applying for a mortgage.

It is certainly not an ideal situation for these buyers, but speaking to a mortgage advisor could make it better. They will be able to identify specialist mortgage lenders with less restrictive lending criteria, and government programmes to help people buy.

Among the examples of the latter that advisors can direct first-time buyers towards is the Your First Home programme. This gives people the chance to buy a new-build home with a deposit of 2.5%. First-time buyers get an equity loan of 20% from the government.

Advisors with CeMAP training should emphasise how they can help first-time buyers when advertising their services.