Rising Rents and Costs Delay First-Time Buyers Despite Budget Hopes

Aspiring homeowners are increasingly finding their plans to buy a first property pushed back, as high rents, rising living costs, and elevated house prices squeeze their ability to save for a deposit. The latest signals from prospective buyers suggest that without meaningful intervention, the dream of homeownership may remain out of reach for many. Budget measures aimed at supporting first-time buyers are being watched closely, but for now, the financial strain is real and growing. The gap between income and the cost of buying continues to widen, leaving many stuck in rental cycles. As policymakers weigh options, the message from the ground is clear: affordability, not just availability, is the core barrier. The coming months will reveal whether new policies can truly turn hope into keys in hand.