First-time buyer (FTB) demand has remained "remarkably resilient" in 2026, Twenty7tec has stated, despite ongoing affordability pressures and economic uncertainty.

The firm’s latest analysis of mortgage search data found that advisers carried out more than 1.7 million FTB searches between 1 January and 29 May, which is slightly lower than the 1.85 million searches recorded in the same period in 2025.

At the same time, the average property value searched for by FTBs increased from £292,227 in 2025 to £298,055 in 2026, while the average loan size rose from £227,347 to £234,353 in the same period.

Twenty7tec said these figures suggest that many aspiring homeowners remain committed to entering the property market, even as property values and borrowing requirements continue to increase.

Chief customer officer at Twenty7tec, Nathan Reilly, stated: "The data suggests FTBs are becoming increasingly pragmatic in their approach to homeownership. With property values continuing to rise, many are reassessing what and where they can afford to buy, while taking a longer-term view of their finances.

"What's notable is that demand has remained relatively stable throughout this period. That points to a market where aspirations haven't changed, even if the route to achieving them may have become more challenging. And in this environment, the value of advice process has never been greater."

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