First-time buyers account for the majority of mortgage sales, according to UK official figures, but they are borrowing a larger share of the property price and using smaller deposits than before.
Data reported by outlets citing ONS statistics show that first-time buyers make up more of the borrowing overall, suggesting stronger demand or improved access relative to other groups. At the same time, the reports indicate that deposits are becoming more stretched, with buyers taking on higher loan-to-value arrangements to fund home purchases.
While the outlets focus on the same underlying numbers, their emphasis differs slightly. The Independent highlights that first-time buyers are increasingly relying on smaller deposits, whereas other coverage frames the broader trend of first-time buyers dominating mortgage lending while affordability pressures show up in the growing size of required borrowing.
