First time buyer mortgage deals

Improved affordability proves less constraining for first-time buyers

According to the Halifax, monthly mortgage payments as a percentage of income are nearly half that of the level of 2007. In contrast, over half of first-time buyers say that affordability is the main reason why they have not stepped onto the property ladder. The numbers of first-time buyers* in the first half of 2010, at 94,600, are half that of the same period for 2007, but have increased by 28% against the same period last year.

The Halifax claims that the combination of lower house prices and interest rate reductions to historically low levels has created a marked improvement in monthly costs for those buyers wanting to take their first steps onto the property ladder. The proportion of a typical new homeowner’s disposable earnings devoted to mortgage payments has almost halved from a peak of 50% in June 2007 to 28% in June 2010, which is below the 34% average over the past 25 years. In addition to this, 94% of first-time property purchases are now exempt from stamp duty, with 54% of first-time buyers saying that is has helped them to purchase their home.

Halifax says, that despite the marked improvement in monthly affordability, tightening in lending criteria since the onset of the credit crunch in 2007 may have deterred first-buyers from trying to secure mortgage finance, there are now indications that the environment is improving. Only 3% of first-time buyers say a lack of suitable mortgage products has prevented them buying a home and eight out of ten first-time buyer mortgages are approved. Whilst deposits in loan to value terms increased during 2008, the average deposit put down by a first-time buyer today has been unchanged as a percentage of purchase price since early in 2009.

Stephen Noakes, commercial director for mortgages at the Halifax, commented "We believe it’s important that first-time buyers understand that whilst there are still challenges in raising deposits, other market conditions are more positive. Affordability has significantly improved, meaning the amount of a typical first-time buyer’s monthly pay packet that needs to be dedicated to their mortgage is now below the 25 year average and importantly, despite perceptions, eight out of ten first-time buyer mortgages are approved.”

* Source: CML

For more about how to finance your first home, why not buy our First Time Buyers' Pack and make sure you have access to the Designs on Property team so you can enjoy a smooth move!

For more FREE information, take a look at our articles:-

• Mortgage Best Buys
• Are better mortgages REALLY available?
• Is the Post Office going to offer one of the Best First Time Buyers' Mortgages?

Do you have a property problem? Then why not email enquiries@designsonproperty.co.uk or tel 0845 838 1763 and we’ll do our best to give you independent help.

Do you need a buying a property checklist? If so email enquiries@designsonproperty.co.uk and we'll send one back for FREE!

View ALL our checklists here

NOTE: Designs on Property Ltd has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate. However, we cannot warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omission therein. We are not solicitors or IFAs, so any legal and financial information given in this article may not be relied upon in connection with any property related decision.