UK first-time buyers in best position to snap up property in a decade, data shows

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Mark SweneyDecember 5, 2025 at 10:37 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

UK first-time buyers are in the best position to purchase property in a decade, according to Halifax data released in December. While the average UK property price reached a record £299,892 in November, affordability is at its strongest since late 2015 when comparing prices to average incomes. Mortgage costs as a share of income are also at their lowest in about three years. Experts attribute this to lenders easing criteria and reducing rates. Halifax reported house prices were broadly unchanged in November, with a 0% month-on-month growth. A north-south divide exists, with prices falling in London and the south-east and east of England.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Anthony Codling 40% Amanda Bryden 50% Mark Harris ×260% SPF Private Clients 70% Halifax ×480%

Keywords

first-time buyers 100% property market 90% house prices 90% mortgage rates 80% affordability 80% uk 70% interest rates 60% mortgage costs 50% halifax 50% budget 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.30

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Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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first-time buyers property market house prices mortgage rates affordability uk interest rates mortgage costs halifax budget

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