Three smart strategies for first-time buyers in a tough housing market
House prices might seem impossible right now, but young people shouldn’t give up on their homeownership dreams just yet. While the average UK house price may have first-time buyers feeling defeated, one expert says there are still ways to crack the property code without waiting for a market crash or a lottery win.
Kevin Barzegar, the Managing Director of Kaybridge Residential, an award-winning independent estate agency, knows exactly what today’s first-time buyers are up against. With offices in Stoneleigh Broadway and Worcester Park, his team helps people navigate the property market every day.
Young buyers often think they need to compete in the most expensive areas or save for decades. But there are three smart strategies that can open doors much sooner than people think.
Three smart strategies to beat high house prices
To help you, Kevin shares his expert-backed steps for getting that first foot on the property ladder.
1. Explore Overlooked And Affordable Emerging Areas
Stop fixating on London postcodes or city centres where everyone else is looking. Some of the best value homes can be found in areas that are just starting to gain momentum but haven’t hit peak prices yet.
I always tell my clients to think beyond the obvious locations. Areas like Medway in Kent, parts of Stoke-on-Trent, or even sections of Hull offer genuine affordability with real potential for growth.
These emerging areas often have excellent transport links, ongoing regeneration projects, or new developments that suggest future price increases. Towns like Blackpool, Middlesbrough, and parts of the West Midlands are seeing investment and infrastructure improvements that smart buyers can capitalise on.
The key is to do your homework. Look for areas with new train stations, planned shopping centres, or university expansions. These changes signal that property values could rise, giving you both an affordable entry point and potential future gains.
2. Take Advantage Of Shared Ownership Schemes And First-Time Buyer Incentives
The government hasn’t left first-time buyers completely high and dry. Several schemes exist specifically to help buyers get started, but it’s common for young buyers to be unaware of how they work.
Shared ownership lets you buy a percentage of a property (typically 25% to 75%) and pay rent on the remainder. You can increase your share over time through a process called ‘staircasing’. To qualify, your household income usually needs to be under £80,000 (or £90,000 in London).
Shared ownership gets a bad reputation, but it can be brilliant for the right person. You’re building equity instead of paying dead rent money, and you can buy more of the property when your finances improve.
First-time buyer mortgages often come with perks too. Many lenders offer 95% mortgages specifically for new buyers, meaning you only need a 5% deposit. Some even provide cashback or reduced fees.
Help to Buy ISAs and Lifetime ISAs can boost your deposit with government bonuses. The Lifetime ISA adds 25% to your savings, so if you save £4,000 in a year, the government adds £1,000.
3. Opt For Mortgage Models With Flexibility
Traditional mortgages aren’t your only option. Several flexible arrangements can make monthly payments more manageable, especially in your early earning years.
Longer-term mortgages spread the cost up to 40 years instead of the standard 25. Yes, you’ll pay more interest overall, but the monthly payments become much more affordable. You can always overpay or remortgage to a shorter term when your income increases.
Family-backed mortgages, sometimes called guarantor mortgages, let relatives help without handing over cash upfront. Instead, they use their property or savings as security, allowing you to borrow more or secure better rates.
I’ve seen parents help their children buy homes worth £300,000 with just a £15,000 deposit because the family property provided additional security. It all has to do with using family assets smartly, rather than parents paying for everything.
Fixed-rate deals designed for first-time buyers often come with special terms. Some lenders offer rate guarantees, payment holidays during financial difficulty, or the ability to port your mortgage if you move.
The trick is speaking to a mortgage broker who understands these products. They can match you with lenders who specialise in helping first-time buyers rather than treating you as a risky prospect.
There are always opportunities with a smart approach
The biggest mistake I see young buyers make is assuming the property market is completely closed to them. Yes, it’s challenging, but there are still doors open if you’re willing to get smart about your approach.
I’ve helped countless first-time buyers who thought they were priced out forever. Some found their dream home in an area they’d never considered before. Others discovered that shared ownership or a family-backed mortgage was exactly what they needed to make the numbers work.
Here’s my advice: don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect property. Start with what’s achievable now, even if it’s not your forever home. You can always move up later, but you can’t build wealth while you’re paying someone else’s mortgage through rent. The market rewards people who take action, not those who wait on the sidelines.
Kaybridge Residential is an award-winning independent estate agency with offices in Stoneleigh Broadway and Worcester Park, proudly serving Epsom, Ewell, Worcester Park, and surrounding areas. They specialise in residential sales, lettings, property management, and probate valuations, offering a personalised and results-driven service for homeowners, landlords, tenants, and buyers.
