More first-time buyers (FTBs) expect to buy a home sooner, according to the latest data from Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB).
The research, based on information from the My MAB and Homebuying apps, found that buyers now expect to move from browsing to buying in less time than before.
Between 2021 and 2025, the median time buyers expected to purchase dropped from 11.14 months to 5.83 months.
MAB said buyers have become more financially prepared and are no longer waiting for interest rates to go back to the lows of 2021.
The change in the market from a seller’s to a buyer’s market, along with higher interest rates, has led to buyers moving more quickly to secure a property.
The research found that 88% of FTBs in 2025 expected to buy within 18 months, up from 75% in 2021.
Most buyers are planning and acting on their homebuying goals, with 97% expecting to become homeowners within three years.
3% of respondents said it would take more than three years to buy, showing that affordability challenges remain for some.
Rachel Geddes, strategic lender relationship director at MAB, said: “Our latest research signals a new era of confidence for prospective buyers, who are taking more of an empowered approach to getting on the property ladder.
“This proactive belief, coupled with the expertise and insight of a mortgage broker, can place prospective buyers in an even stronger position to streamline their homebuying journey.
“The sharp reduction in expected purchase times also aligns perfectly with Project 28 – a new charter we’re supporting in collaboration with fellow industry bodies to significantly shorten the property transaction process.”
Geddes added: “Through this, we’re giving buyers increased confidence, helping reduce delays, and improving the homebuying process overall.”
