How Do Warrington’s First-Time Buyers Compare with the Rest of the World?

How Do Warrington’s First-Time Buyers Compare with the Rest of the World?

This sales article looks at first-time buyers in different countries.

Getting on the housing ladder in the UK is no easy feat, with property prices and inflation meaning it can take first-time buyers (FTBs) years to save the deposit for their first home.
 
As a result, the average age of an FTB in this country has risen to 34*. For context, it was 29 in 1981.
 
So, how does this compare to other countries? Are FTBs in Spain, South Africa or Switzerland older or younger**? Let’s take a look.
 
Switzerland
 
The land of luxury watches, decadent chocolates and yodelling has another claim to fame: its FTBs are the oldest in the world.
 
Property is expensive in Switzerland, with the average house costing 1.2 million francs*** (equivalent to just over a million pounds). As a result, the average age for a Swiss FTB is 48.
 
High property prices and the legal requirement for a 20% deposit mean many people rent. Only 36% of the Swiss population owns their home, compared to 65% in the UK.
 
The rest of Europe
 
Belgium has the youngest FTBs in Europe (average age 27), followed by France and Austria (31), Germany (34), Romania (36) and Spain (41).
 
Interestingly, as in Switzerland, many Germans never buy a home. Less than half of the population are owner-occupiers, a statistic attributed to high transaction taxes, positive attitudes towards renting and a strong social housing sector.
 
Australia and New Zealand
 
Aussies tend to be obsessed with real estate, especially in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, where property prices (which have boomed over the past decade) are a popular topic of conversation.
 
First-timers get on the ladder around the age of 36, often helped along by the generosity of the Bank of Mum and Dad. The average age for their Kiwi neighbours to buy their first home is 35.
 
Africa and North America
 
The average age of FTBs in South Africa and Kenya is 35, and in Nigeria, it’s 40. Looking across the pond, in the US, the average age of newcomers to the property market is 33, while in Canada, it’s 36.
 
Looking to turn your dream of buying your first home into a reality? Get in touch.
 
We’re here to help – contact us today.
 
 
*Source: Coventry Building Society
**Source: Money.co.uk
***Source: Rigby AG.
 

Get in touch with us

Real Results: Success Stories from Our Family Home Sales

Selling a family home is a significant step, and we believe every property has a unique story to tell. We are delighted to share some recent success stories that highlight our expertise in achieving exceptional outcomes for our vendors, particularly those with distinctive features like a courtyard.

CLICK HERE >

Getting Outside: Walks, Woodland and Green Space in Culcheth, Lowton and Birchwood

One of the things people genuinely appreciate about living in this part of Warrington and the wider WA3 area is how much green space sits on the doorstep. You don't need to drive an hour to find a decent walk.

CLICK HERE >

Living in Birchwood, Warrington: Your Complete Area Guide

If you're thinking about buying a home in Birchwood, you're in good company. This well-connected, family-friendly corner of Warrington has been quietly winning people over for decades, and it's easy to see why. Here at Courtyard Homes, we know this area inside out, so let us give you the full picture.

CLICK HERE >

Warrington Q1 Property Market: Was it a buyers’ or sellers’ market?

Are you contemplating moving home in Warrington during the next 9 months? You may be a Warrington landlord wondering whether you should grow your portfolio or sell off a few properties? Or you're a Warrington first-time buyer considering if now is the best time to move?

CLICK HERE >