New data from Santander reveals that one in five (22%) first-time property buyers in 2025 are aged over 40, up from 18% in 2024. The oldest first-time buyer supported by the bank this year was 70 years old, highlighting a significant demographic shift in the UK housing market.
Meanwhile, the proportion of buyers aged 25 and under has dropped by 23% compared with the previous year. Experts attribute the trend to a chronic shortage of housing supply, rising prices, and increasing reliance on family gifts, inheritance, and long-term savings.
David Morris, head of homes at Santander, noted that diverse pathways now allow older buyers to enter the market, but warned of growing generational disparities due to stamp duty changes and supply constraints. He said: 'It is never too late to realise your homeownership dream.'
Andrew Montlake, CEO of mortgage broker Coreco, described the findings as 'all the proof you need that the UK property market is broken.' He called for a long-term, cross-party strategy led by a housing tsar to address the lack of homes.
Industry voices, including mortgage specialist Katy Eatenton and wealth advisor Riz Malik, linked the demographic changes to the country's failure to increase housing stock. Emma Jones, managing director of Whenthebanksaysno.co.uk, forecast a continued rise in the average first-time buyer age unless government policy prioritises housing supply.
