First-time buyers (FTBs) are spending an average of six years saving for their first home as they prioritise properties that better match their long-term lifestyle goals, according to new research from Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB).

The study found that many aspiring homeowners are willing to delay their purchase in order to secure homes offering more space, energy efficiency and desirable locations as the road to home ownership becomes “longer and more complex”.

Some 45% of respondents said their main motivation was finding additional indoor or outdoor space for a growing family, while 43% prioritised energy efficiency and lower running costs. A further 38% cited location and access to urban amenities as key factors in their property search.

The research also revealed an almost even split between those expecting to buy a flat (50%) and those planning to purchase a house (48%). House buyers were more likely to prioritise family space, with 51% identifying it as their main motivation, compared with 39% of flat buyers.
Flat buyers placed greater emphasis on location and connectivity, with 35% citing access to communities, schools and urban amenities, versus 23% of house buyers.

Rachel Geddes, strategic lender relationship director at MAB, said: “First-time buyers are spending longer saving compared to previous generations, so many are being far more deliberate about the type of property they choose and the lifestyle they want their first home to support. While saving for a deposit remains one of the biggest challenges, many buyers are unaware of the schemes, mortgage products and affordability options that may already be available to help them achieve their homeownership goals.”

Victoria Thompson, head of strategic partnerships at Barclays, said: “We know first-time buyers face real barriers, which is why support-based solutions are so important. Designed to help buyers onto the property ladder sooner, springboard mortgages allow buyers to borrow up to 100% of a property’s value by linking their mortgage to a friend or relative’s savings.”

Aidan Walker, senior national account and first-time buyer lead at Skipton Building Society, added: “The journey to homeownership is becoming longer and more complex, making expert mortgage advice more valuable than ever.”

The survey of 1,001 UK renters planning to buy their first property in 2026 was conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of MAB in February.

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