As rental prices continue to rise, many individuals are closely evaluating their financial circumstances to determine if they can afford the purchase of their own homes. However, buying a home entails a significant financial commitment and carries risks associated with potential decreases in house prices or the need for relocation. To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Cost Comparison: In general, most people find that their monthly mortgage payments are lower than the rent they would pay for a similar property, according to a recent review by Halifax. On average, the monthly mortgage costs for a three-bedroom home were £42 lower than renting the equivalent. However, it’s worth noting that the difference in costs varies considerably across different regions of the UK. For instance, homeowners in Scotland tend to save more compared to renters, while in the east of England, renting may be cheaper than owning.
Available Mortgages for First-Time Buyers: First-time buyers can apply for the same mortgage deals as other borrowers. However, banks and building societies scrutinize the financial situation and credit history of first-time buyers more closely. With interest rates having risen over the past year to around 4% to 7%, it can be challenging for first-time buyers to secure larger loan amounts due to stricter affordability criteria imposed by lenders. Consulting mortgage brokers can be helpful in identifying suitable deals for individual circumstances.
Borrowing Capacity: Typically, banks may lend four to five times a person’s salary, considering their existing financial commitments such as car loans or student debt. Various online calculators and mortgage brokers can assist in determining affordability and finding appropriate mortgage options. The average house price for a first-time buyer exceeds £300,000.
Deposit Requirements: Accumulating a sufficient deposit often poses the biggest obstacle for aspiring homeowners, which partly explains the rising average age of first-time buyers (now 32 years old). Generally, a deposit of at least 10% of the property’s value is required, although a larger deposit can result in more favourable lending terms. Skipton Building Society has even introduced a no-deposit mortgage, covering the entire property value, leveraging the individual’s rental payment history to assess creditworthiness. Additionally, individuals aged 18 to 40 may benefit from the government’s Lifetime ISA, where the government matches 25% of the saved funds.
Shared Ownership: Over 60% of first-time buyers are choosing joint ownership, including not only couples but also friends. Establishing a legal contract is crucial in any joint arrangement, as all parties are equally liable for the full mortgage.
First-Time Buyer Benefits: A first-time buyer refers to someone who has never previously owned or part-owned a property. In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers are exempt from paying stamp duty on properties valued below £425,000, while Scotland waives the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for first-time buyers of properties worth less than £175,000. Unfortunately, Wales does not offer specific relief for first-time buyers regarding the Land Transaction Tax.
Government Support: The Help to Buy scheme, aimed at assisting home-buyers, has concluded in most areas (except Wales), but there have been discussions about a potential relaunch. Other programs, such as the First Homes scheme, aid first-time buyers and key workers with a household income below £80,000 (£90,000 in London) in purchasing new-build properties. Shared ownership schemes allow individuals to buy a portion of a property and pay rent for the remaining share, with the option to increase ownership over time. However, these schemes are not as extensive as Help to Buy and have contributed to the increased affordability challenges faced by current first-time buyers.
By considering these factors, potential homebuyers can gain a clearer understanding of the financial aspects and available options when deciding.
