The average age of first-time buyers (FTBs) outside London increased to 33.6 years, up from 30.6 years two decades ago, according to the First-Time Buyers Report for 2025 from Barratt Homes.
The 25 to 34 age group made up the largest share of new buyers at 49%.
Buyers aged 18 to 24 accounted for 31%, those aged 35 to 44 made up 12%, and 8% were 45 and over.
Barratt’s survey found 40% of first homes were bought by solo buyers, in line with a 16% rise in solo households over the past 20 years.
FTBs favoured semi-detached properties at 36%, terraced homes at 32%, apartments at 19% and detached houses at 13%.
Half of FTBs took three months to find a property.
16% said they found a property in a month, 29% took six months, 11% took a year, 5% took 18 months, and 6% spent two years searching.
Google Search data showed the busiest period for house hunting was spring, with over 5.8 million searches between March and May.
Summer followed with 5.1 million searches, then winter at 4.6 million and autumn at 4.4 million.
The top reason for buying was wanting more personal space, with 28% choosing this reason.
25% wanted to move in with a partner, 19% wanted to move out of the family home, and 17% said they wanted to start a family.
8% wanted to decorate freely and 4% wanted to live closer to work.
When asked about priorities, price and location were the main factors, but 39% said the size and layout of the property mattered most.
16% listed commute time, 14% said neighbourhood safety, and 10% wanted good public transport links.
Meanwhile, 7% each chose access to green spaces or school catchment areas.
6% looked for access to supermarkets and 1% named local takeaway options as a factor.
