The proposed Your First Home scheme is renewing optimism amongst aspiring buyers, with 73% saying the scheme makes them feel more positive about being able to buy their first home, Barratt London reveals.

Research conducted prior to the announcement of the scheme found that 35% of UK non-homeowners said they had given up on getting on the property ladder, while 65% said not owning a home was holding them back in life, while 32% had expected to become homeowners at a younger age.

But the latest polling suggests the proposed Your First Home scheme has prompted renewed interest in exploring homeownership.

Almost three-quarters (74%) said it had made them want to find out more about buying their first home, while 69% say it makes them more likely to buy sooner than they otherwise could. Of those surveyed, 72% said they would be interested in registering for the scheme.

The polling also highlights questions that aspiring buyers want answered before committing to the scheme.

Future repayment costs were the most commonly cited concern, selected by 31% of respondents, followed by understanding exactly how the scheme works (20%) and taking on additional borrowing (17%).

Clarity and guidance are therefore key priorities for prospective buyers. More than three-quarters (77%) said they would benefit from clearer guidance on the steps involved in buying their first home.

It also revealed almost half (49%) lack confidence in understanding the different routes into homeownership.

Ahead of the full details being announced at the Budget, the latest polling also reveals what respondents believe would make Your First Home more useful.

Almost three in ten (28.9%) selected a longer interest-free period, while 25.8% wanted simpler eligibility rules and 16.8% called for higher house price caps.

The findings build on Barratt London’s annual Step on the Ladder campaign. The latest research found that from last year, when Barratt London first commissioned this research into first-time buyers, there has been an increase from 57% to 63% of UK adults who believe it is harder to get onto the property ladder today than in previous decades.

Barratt London’s campaign aims to address knowledge gaps by providing practical guidance to help aspiring buyers understand the homebuying process and explore the options available to them.

Barratt London’s second Step on the Ladder pop-up event will be held in early 2027.

Barratt London regional managing director Craig Carson says: “The introduction of the new Your First Home scheme offers a welcome glimmer of hope for aspiring first-time buyers, and it’s encouraging to see greater optimism around homeownership. However, financial support alone won’t overcome the barriers facing a generation of renters.”

“Our latest research highlights the need for clearer education around the homebuying process and the schemes already available, so that young people can understand their options and feel confident taking their first steps towards owning a home.”

“Through our Step on the Ladder campaign, Barratt London is committed to providing this practical guidance, helping to demystify the process and make the dream of homeownership feel more achievable.”