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As we move through 2026, one thing has become increasingly clear: despite the noise, headlines, and uncertainty that surrounded the property market over the past few years, this is shaping up to be one of the most interesting and opportunity-led periods for first-time buyers that I have seen in my career.
I have worked in property and finance since I was 17, through boom markets, crashes, credit crunches, and everything in between. What we are seeing now is not a repeat of the past—it is a market that rewards preparation, realism, and good advice.
A More Balanced Housing Market
For the first time in several years, the market feels healthier and more balanced.
House prices in many areas have stabilised rather than surged. Sellers are more realistic, price reductions are more common, and buyers are no longer forced into rushed decisions or sealed-bid scenarios as standard. This matters enormously for first-time buyers, who historically have been the most disadvantaged group in overheated markets.
In practical terms, this means:
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More negotiating power
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Fewer bidding wars
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Time to think, survey, and plan properly
Buying your first home should not feel like panic buying. In 2026, it no longer has to.
Mortgage Rates: Not “Low”, But Sensible and Sustainable
A lot of people fixate on the ultra-low rates of the early 2020s. The reality is those rates were never normal—and they are unlikely to return in the same form.
What we have now is stability.
Mortgage rates in 2026 are priced sensibly, lenders are competing again, and product choice has improved significantly. Crucially for first-time buyers, lenders are once again willing to lend—provided applications are structured correctly.
This is where professional advice becomes critical. A well-prepared case can mean:
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Access to better rates
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Higher loan amounts where appropriate
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Smoother underwriting and fewer delays
I regularly see first-time buyers surprised by how achievable homeownership actually is once their position is properly assessed.
Deposits and Affordability: The Biggest Myths
Two of the biggest misconceptions I still hear are:
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“I need a massive deposit.”
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“I’ll never pass affordability.”
Neither is universally true.
Yes, a bigger deposit helps—but many first-time buyers are purchasing successfully with 5–10% deposits. Affordability is no longer just about income multiples; lenders take a far more nuanced view of spending, commitments, and stability.
What matters most is planning:
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Reducing unnecessary credit commitments
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Understanding how lenders assess affordability
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Structuring applications to suit lender criteria, not guesswork
This is exactly why early conversations—even 6–12 months before buying—can completely change outcomes.
Why First-Time Buyers Are Actually in a Strong Position
Unlike home movers or investors, first-time buyers have a powerful advantage: no chain.
In 2026, that matters more than ever. Sellers value certainty, and a well-prepared first-time buyer with a mortgage agreement in principle, a solicitor ready, and clear advice often stands out immediately.
I regularly see first-time buyers secure properties below asking price simply because they are organised and well-advised.
The Role of Proper Advice in 2026
The mortgage market is more complex than headlines suggest. Criteria varies daily, lenders change appetite quickly, and not all deals are available direct to the public.
Good advice is no longer about “finding a rate”. It is about:
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Strategy
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Risk management
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Long-term affordability
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Making sure today’s decision still works in 2, 5, or 10 years
At Sturgess Mortgage Solutions, we position ourselves as the buyer’s champion—especially for first-time buyers navigating this process for the first time.
My Honest View
If you are a first-time buyer in 2026, this is not a market to fear—it is a market to approach properly.
With realistic expectations, the right preparation, and clear advice, there are genuine opportunities to secure a home without overstretching yourself or compromising your future.
The biggest risk I see is not buying in 2026—it is sitting on the sidelines waiting for a “perfect” market that rarely exists.
If you are thinking about buying your first home, start the conversation early. Even if you are not ready yet, clarity creates confidence—and confidence leads to better decisions.
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