64% of FTBs in the UK, and 73% in London, believed it was important to live in a home with an EPC rating of C or above, according to Fairview New Homes.
Gen H research found 47% of the top 100 first-time buyer brokerages wrote no interest-only business for first-time buyers in 2025, despite FCA proposals to widen access.
In the product transfer range, selected residential and BTL fixed rates are also being reduced.
The survey from the HomeOwners Alliance showed that one in five buyers (20%) secured up to 5% off the asking price.
Buyers in Paisley, North Lanarkshire and Cumbernauld would need just six years to save a deposit, with Blackpool the only English town to match this.Â
The mutual’s Affordable Local Homes mortgage has been designed for buyers of affordable properties through the Discounted Market Sale scheme.
This is the first time the society has taken rental history into account to support affordability.
According to Moneyfacts, a longer term means lower monthly payments, which could help buyers struggling with affordability.
The changes include notable decreases in the rates for its first-time buyer offerings, particularly the 100% Track Record mortgage, now set at its lowest level since launch.
Following the change, 90% plus loan-to-value (LTV) borrowing among FTBs rose from 48.84% to 49.49%.Â
Rachel Springall said: “This scheme is a great combination for first-time buyers struggling to afford a mortgage."
The Chancellor is set to unveil sweeping regulatory reforms aimed at expanding mortgage access and revitalising financial services.