Two fifths of movers are prioritising properties with a garage or driveway, closely followed by a garden or outside space according to the latest research from Barclays.
Barclays Property Insights combines data from across the Bank with consumer research to provide an in-depth analysis of UK housing trends. Rent and mortgage spending increased 1.8 per cent year-on-year last month, the lowest rate of growth since August 2024, according to the latest Barclays Property Insights report. Though encouraging, costs continue to increase, and consumers’ confidence in their ability to afford their rental and mortgage payments dropped to 52 per cent in December (down 3 percentage points), the lowest level in 2024.
Concerns around rising interest rates rose slightly to 62 per cent last month (up 3 percentage points), although they remain below the 63 per cent high recorded in June 2024. The Bank of England’s decision to reduce the base rate to 4.75 per cent in November mitigated some of these concerns, as one in five (18 per cent) report feeling more optimistic in light of the recent reduction.
A Boost Onto The Property Ladder
Renters are still eying up the property ladder despite rising costs, with one fifth (22 per cent) believing that home ownership is within their reach within the next five years. However, obstacles remain – when identifying the biggest barriers to homeownership, two-fifths (40 per cent) say property prices, and 37 per cent cite the amount needed for a deposit.
Seeking to overcome these challenges, demand to access the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is high for the year ahead, as six in 10 renters (57 per cent) believe that it would be impossible to buy a home without an inheritance or loan from a family member.
Although perceived as a necessity, of those who have recently bought their first home, of those who have recently bought their first home, just 18 per cent report having had financial help from family. Rather than ask for a lump sum, 12 per cent opted to make use of a mortgage product which involves family members to increase their borrowing capacity, for example Barclays Family Springboard Mortgage.
Going It Alone
Despite the prevalence of family support in the market, over a third (35 per cent) of renters saving to buy a home reported building their deposit themselves, preferring to reach the milestone independently. Meanwhile, nearly one in five (17 per cent) are saving for a deposit with a friend or partner to help spread the cost.
Seeking support elsewhere, three in 10 new homeowners (29 per cent) opted to use a first-time-buyer scheme to assist their purchase, whilst a quarter (25 per cent) locked-into a longer mortgage term to help reduce monthly costs.
Of those saving for a deposit, 15 per cent say their family is unable to contribute, while one in 10 (10 per cent) is fortunate to have had offers of support for a deposit contribution from parents and/or family members.
To save for their housing fund, many are reviewing and trying to reduce monthly bills (41 per cent), which may be a contributory factor to the -6.7 per cent drop in utilities spending in December, despite rising energy prices. Other measures include reducing discretionary spending (39 per cent), signing up to cashback rewards (33 per cent) and cutting back on holidays (31 per cent).
New Year, New Home
Three in ten Brits (30 per cent), including both renters and homeowners, report having moved in the last three years. Lifestyle improvements were the biggest motivation (17 per cent), followed by wanting to be closer to family and friends (17 per cent) and finding a bigger home (15 per cent).
Looking ahead to 2025, one in six existing homeowners (16 per cent) intend to relocate this year. Recent drops in house prices are a cause for optimism, with one in 10 (9 per cent) considering previously unaffordable properties in more desirable areas to now be within their price range.
Topping the list of priorities among prospective buyers are: garages or driveways (40 per cent), gardens (39 per cent), and functional spaces (32 per cent), such as pantries or utility rooms.
Homeowners Spruce Up Their Properties
Consumer spending on household items had its smallest decline of 2024 in December (-0.3 per cent) as homeowners prepared for the festive season. Purchases of Christmas trees and seasonal decorations also boosted spending in Garden centres (+3.1 per cent).
Looking ahead, four in 10 homeowners (43 per cent) are considering renovating or redecorating. Future-proofing the value of property is front of mind, as a quarter (24 per cent) say they are updating their property to boost energy efficiency, whilst 28 per cent are making improvements to increase the sale value.
Mark Arnold, Head of Mortgages and Savings at Barclays, said: "December brought an easing to the growth in rent and mortgage spending seen in previous months, as the Bank of England’s rate cut in November took effect."
“Saving for a first home remains a huge challenge in the market, with the Bank of Mum and Dad still perceived as necessary by many hoping to get on the property ladder."
"However, cautious optimism is emerging and many renters are establishing strong savings habits to build a deposit in the current economic landscape. This is helped by the recent softening of house prices and imminent stamp duty changes, which have motivated both potential buyers and sellers to act swiftly."
For more information on how to buy your first home, including products such as Barclays Family Springboard, here.
