Today there are more first-time buyers (FTBs) making their way on to the property ladder than ever since the Financial Crisis in 2008. Since 2011, the number of loans to this group of buyers has risen by over 75% and, in the last year, over 339,000 loans were issued to FTBs, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. In 2016, 42% of all mortgage loans issued for house purchases (i.e. not including re-mortgaging), were to FTBs, up from 34% in 2011 and 30% in 2007 - before the Global Financial Crisis put the squeeze on borrowing across the board. The average price paid by a first-time buyer for a home in England in January 2017 was £196,459, according to the Land Registry. This is 6.2% higher than a year earlier. Those hoping to get their first foot on the ladder may need to act quickly in some areas as average house prices rise faster than they can accumulate a deposit. Some of the steepest rates of annual growth for first-time buyers are currently in Bedford. If you are a first time buyer, we would be happy to help you make your first step onto the property ladder. Get in touch with us today!