First-time buyers continue to pursue homeownership despite affordability challenges, with mortgage search activity remaining close to last year’s levels.

New data from Twenty7tec suggests first-time buyer appetite has remained strong despite ongoing affordability pressures and wider economic uncertainty.

Analysis of mortgage searches carried out through the Twenty7tec platform found advisers completed more than 1.7 million first-time buyer searches between 1 January and 29 May 2026.

While this was lower than the 1.85 million searches recorded during the same period in 2025, the decline was relatively modest.

The data also showed that the average property value searched for by first-time buyers increased from £292,227 in 2025 to £298,055 in 2026. Over the same period, the average loan size rose from £227,347 to £234,353.

The figures indicate that many aspiring homeowners remain committed to entering the housing market, despite rising property values and the need to borrow larger sums.

Nathan Reilly, chief customer officer at Twenty7tec, said: “The data suggests first-time buyers are becoming increasingly pragmatic in their approach to homeownership.

“With property values continuing to rise, many are reassessing what and where they can afford to buy, while taking a longer-term view of their finances.

“What’s notable is that demand has remained relatively stable throughout this period. That points to a market where aspirations haven’t changed, even if the route to achieving them may have become more challenging.

“And in this environment, the value of advice process has never been greater.”