Budget hopes for struggling first-time buyers

Published13 minutes ago

Pre Ramteke pays around £900 a month in rent before bills, but says saving enough for a deposit to buy her first home remains out of reach.

After moving to the UK from India in 2021, buying a home with her partner has proved difficult, due to rising house prices and the cost of living.

Her concerns come ahead of this week's Budget, when the government is expected to provide further details of its proposed Your First Home scheme, aimed at helping more first-time buyers onto the property ladder.

"Sometimes I do think that I'm trying to chase a dream that's going further and further away", she told the BBC.

The average interest rate on a new five-year fixed mortgage deal has hit 6% for the first time in three years, with house prices getting higher and higher.

Ramteke completed her studies in London and later moved to Rugby, hoping to put down roots.

"We know that if we buy a property, the instalments are going to be the exact same as the rent is right now. But the deposit is what is the biggest challenge for us," she said.

She estimates it could take three to four years to save enough for a deposit on a typical three-bedroom home.

Estate agent Zunara Tariq, of Oakmere Signature Homes, said affordability remained one of the biggest issues facing buyers.

She said: "It's a really tough time to save for a deposit. Even people who are on [big] salary jobs are finding it really hard.

"Affordability is a massive thing that we've seen at the moment, and cost of living and affordability work hand in hand."

While she welcomed government support, Tariq said no single scheme would work for everyone.

She said prices were continuing to rise and lenders were more cautious.

"Any support available is positive support in the right direction, but it may not always be practical and it isn't always suitable for every first-time buyer," she added.

Tyne Steele, a self-employed electrician who is also saving for his first home, said renting while trying to build up a deposit was a challenge.

He rents a home with his partner and said that while sharing costs helped, unexpected bills could quickly eat into savings.

He said: "It is hard to save. If your car breaks down, it could be £1,000 gone out of that savings pot.

"[The] cost of living, that needs to be addressed."

He welcomed incentives such as the Lifetime ISA, but said tackling wider financial pressures should remain a priority.

"I'd rather owe one person money to the bank, [rather] than the government and the bank," he added.

The government has said its proposed Your First Home scheme would help tackle the deposit barrier facing aspiring homeowners and support more people into home ownership.

The scheme is expected to offer 2.5% deposits alongside government-backed equity loans for eligible first-time buyers purchasing new-build homes.

Tariq said buyers should seek professional advice and understand all their options before making such a significant purchase.

"Every single buyer has a different experience," she said.

"You're only a first-time buyer once, so make sure you're fully educated before you buy anything."

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