Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.
Over Half of New First-Time Buyers to Be 65+ When Mortgages Mature
Experian data reveals that 52% of new first-time buyers (FTBs) in the UK will be 65 or older by the time their mortgage matures. The average age of a first-time buyer has increased to 34.7 years, up from 33.7 in 2024.
The figures highlight a widening 'homebuying gap' in the UK property market. The proportion of buyers aged 18 to 24 has dropped from 9.1% to 7.3%, while those purchasing between the ages of 35 and 44 now make up over 30% of first-time buyers. This shift indicates that more people are waiting longer to get onto the property ladder.
Experian's data also shows that first-time buyers are borrowing more than before. The average mortgage for a first-time buyer is now £230,000, which is a 5.5% increase. In comparison, non-first-time buyers have an average mortgage of £202,000. In 2025 alone, first-time buyers borrowed £115 billion in mortgages, accounting for 39% of all mortgage volume.
As part of its data release, Experian announced the appointment of Al Nash as head of mortgage enlightenment. The new campaign aims to help the next generation of buyers prepare their credit scores earlier in life.
These trends are relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as the changing demographics and borrowing patterns of first-time buyers may influence rental demand and property management needs in the coming years.
Source: Mortgage Strategy