Santander UK has reported a 13% rise in solo first-time buyer (FTB) mortgage applications between June and October 2025, compared to the period from January to May.
Data suggested that changes to stress rate and loan-to-income (LTI) limits made in March and August have enabled more people to qualify for higher borrowing amounts.
The bank’s data also showed individual applicants surpassed joint applicants for the first time in five years.
This trend peaked in April when sole buyers accounted for 56% of new mortgage applications, following Santander’s decision to adjust its lending policy after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) clarified the rules on stress rates.
The change meant buyers could access up to £35,000 more in borrowing.
August saw the second-highest volume of individual applications, reaching 53% after the bank raised its LTI limit.
Santander calculated that a solo buyer earning £75,000 could borrow an extra £33,000, increasing their borrowing capacity from £267,000 to £300,000.
Women made up 48% of individual FTBs in 2025, up from 42% in 2015.
David Morris, head of homes at Santander UK, said: “We’ve seen a real shift in who’s driving the first-time buyer market.
“Where once joint applications dominated, more people are now stepping onto the ladder on their own.
“This year’s mortgage changes have helped to level the playing field for solo buyers, and the data shows that momentum has held firm.”
Morris added: “It’s clear that confidence among single buyers is growing as lending policy changes bring more of them closer to the homeownership dream.”
