New data has revealed a significant demographic shift in the UK property market.
According to Santander’s latest figures, one in five (22%) first-time property purchasers in 2025 are aged over 40, representing an increase from 18% in 2024.
Remarkably, the oldest first-time buyer supported by Santander in the current year was 70 years old, highlighting a trend that challenges long-held assumptions about the typical age of new homeowners.
And as the average age of first-time buyers continues to rise, experts have criticised the lack of housing supply as a key reason why young people struggle to get on the property ladder.
New data has revealed a significant demographic shift in the UK property market. According to Santander’s latest figures, one in five (22%) first-time property purchasers in 2025 are aged over 40, representing an increase from 18% in 2024.
Remarkably, the oldest first-time buyer supported by Santander in the current year was 70 years old, highlighting a trend that challenges long-held assumptions about the typical age of new homeowners.
And as the average age of first-time buyers continues to rise, experts have criticised the lack of housing supply as a key reason why young people struggle to get on the property ladder.
The rising age of first-time buyers…
The average age of first-time buyers in the UK has been steadily approaching 40 over recent years.
Meanwhile, Santander’s data indicates a 14% growth from 2024 to 2025 in buyers aged over 60, with the oldest supported first-time buyer increasing from 67 to 70 years old during the same period.
