More than half of prospective buyers say they are ready to purchase in 2026, yet many are still delaying because of affordability concerns and uncertainty over what they can borrow, according to new research from Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB).

The firm found that 52% of aspiring homeowners believe they are ready to buy this year, while 75% said they feel positive about their mortgage options.

Even so, 41% said they are still waiting for a sign before going ahead with a purchase, suggesting that confidence in principle is not always translating into action.

The findings point to a gap between buyers’ longer-term ambitions and their willingness to move now. While many respondents said they felt financially prepared, concerns over property prices, deposits and borrowing power continue to weigh on decision-making.

MAB’s figures show that stability and security remain the main reasons for wanting to buy, cited by 47% of respondents. A further 41% said they wanted the freedom that comes with ownership, such as being able to decorate or keep pets, while 37% said they were focused on building long-term wealth.

However, perceived financial barriers remain significant. High property prices were identified as an obstacle by 45%, while 44% said saving for a deposit was holding them back.

The research also suggests that knowledge of the process remains a problem. Nearly a third of prospective buyers, 31%, said they do not properly understand the homebuying journey, indicating that hesitation is not only about affordability but also about a lack of clarity over how to proceed.

That matters at a time when first-time buyers continue to play a major part in mortgage activity, despite wider market volatility. Regulatory changes, shifts in lending criteria and a broader range of deposit options have all helped create more possible routes on to the housing ladder, but many would-be purchasers appear unsure about what those changes mean in practice.

Ben Thompson, director of home moving strategy at Mortgage Advice Bureau, said: “First-time buyers today are more resilient, prepared and motivated than ever before, but too many are still held back by uncertainty and misconceptions about affordability.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen real changes in affordability, supported by regulatory developments, evolving lending criteria and alternative routes to the ladder – giving buyers more options than ever before, but not always the confidence to act.

“Speaking to a mortgage adviser can help bridge that gap, giving buyers a clear view of what they can afford, what they can borrow and the support available to them. With the right advice, what feels out of reach can quickly become achievable.”