The UK's Shifting Property Landscape: Why First-Time Buyers Are Getting Older

In a stark reflection of the UK's evolving housing market, new data from Santander reveals a profound demographic transformation among first-time buyers. As of 2025, a striking one in five (22%) of these aspiring homeowners are now aged over 40—up from 18% the previous year. Even more astonishing is the case of Santander's oldest supported first-time buyer this year: a 70-year-old stepping onto the property ladder for the very first time. This trend is upending traditional notions of homeownership and underscoring the deepening challenges in Britain's property sector.

An Ageing Profile: The Rising Average Age of First-Time Buyers

The average age for first-time buyers across the UK has crept steadily closer to 40 in recent years, a figure that speaks volumes about the barriers young people face. Santander's latest insights paint an even clearer picture of this shift. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of buyers over 60 surged by 14%, with the maximum age for supported first-time purchases climbing from 67 to 70.

On the flip side, the participation of younger entrants—those aged 25 and under—has plummeted by 23% year-on-year. This isn't just a statistic; it's a signal of a market that's increasingly out of reach for the under-30s.

David Morris, Head of Homes at Santander, points to a variety of factors enabling older buyers to finally make the leap. "Diverse pathways such as family gifts, inheritance, and long-term savings are playing a bigger role," he explains. Morris remains optimistic, adding, "It is never too late to realise your homeownership dream." Yet, he doesn't shy away from the bigger issues: generational inequalities exacerbated by stamp duty reforms and a chronic undersupply of housing.

These findings echo broader research. My Home Move Conveyancing recently reported that the average first-time buyer age in the South East has hit 34—the sharpest rise of any UK region. Meanwhile, Halifax's mid-2025 analysis showed a 19% uptick in first-time buyers overall compared to 2024, but this growth came with caveats: higher average ages and steeper deposit demands, highlighting persistent affordability woes.

Expert Verdict: A 'Broken' Market in Need of Urgent Repair

The data has sparked strong reactions from industry leaders, who see it as a red flag for systemic failure. Andrew Montlake, CEO of mortgage broker Coreco, didn't mince words: "This is all the proof you need that the UK property market is broken." He attributes the crisis to soaring prices driven by a dire shortage of homes, compounded by rampant inflation and escalating rents that devour potential deposits. Montlake's call to action? A "long-term, cross-party strategy" spearheaded by a housing tsar with deep industry know-how.

The chorus of concern is growing louder. Mortgage specialist Katy Eatenton ties the ageing buyer trend directly to the nation's sluggish pace in building new homes, while wealth advisor Riz Malik highlights the ballooning gap between wages and property prices, forcing many to lean on parental handouts. Emma Jones, Managing Director of Whenthebanksaysno.co.uk, predicts the average buyer age will keep climbing unless policymakers prioritise supply. "Lenders are adapting with innovative products," she notes, "but without tackling the root cause of supply shortages, homeownership will stay a distant dream for too many."

Looking Ahead: Time for Bold Action on Housing Supply

Santander's revelations aren't just numbers—they're a wake-up call for comprehensive reform. With housing stock failing to keep pace with demand, the dream of owning a first home is slipping further away, not just for the young but across generations. As we navigate 2025 and beyond, the UK urgently needs a surge in affordable construction to bridge this divide.

At British Property UK, we're committed to keeping you informed on these shifts. Whether you're a first-time buyer in your 20s or considering your options later in life, exploring mortgage advice or market insights can make all the difference. What are your thoughts on this trend? Share in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more UK property updates.

Sources: Santander UK (2025 data), My Home Move Conveyancing, Halifax Building Society. All figures accurate as of November 2025.