The data shows that FTBs now make up a higher proportion of the home purchase market than at any time since the business consultancy began measuring market statistics in 2016.

Activity among first-time buyers has risen by almost 25% over the past eight years, with them now making up almost 40% of mortgage applications in the market on average, compared to around 30% for the equivalent period in 2016.

Analysis shows that the proportion of mortgage applications by first-time buyers overtook home movers for the first time in January.

Elsewhere, YBS has seen overall mortgage applications rise by almost a quarter in 2024.

This comes despite forecasts from UK Finance that gross lending would be lower this year than it was in 2023.

In its November 2023 figures, the trade body suggested gross lending would fall from £226bn to £215bn this year, but actual activity has challenged that forecast so far.

YBS director of mortgage distribution Jeremy Duncombe says: “Things have changed substantially since UK Finance issued its forecasts last November.”

“The picture is a fast-changing one, and despite continued inflationary pressures keeping interest rates higher than hoped; coupled with ongoing volatility caused by economic and political uncertainty, consumer confidence seems to be returning.”

“While there is continued uncertainty and it’s therefore important to be cautious, the year has got off to a far better start than predicted, with housing market activity on the rise. House prices are predicted to settle and maybe even increase moderately throughout the rest of the year, with more stable mortgage rates resulting in more buyers deciding to dip their toes back in.”

“The increase in first-time purchaser numbers could be attributed to a number of factors. We know from our own research that many are making life-changing decisions to prioritise homeownership over other milestones like starting a family.”

“High rental costs are making the prospect of owning a property more appealing and many may feel they’re just not prepared to put off buying any more in the hope rates might reduce.”

Average rates in the mortgage market have fallen by around 1.25% since their July 2023 peak of around 6.5%, but increased again recently in response to economic developments in the UK and elsewhere.

Meanwhile, latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that average rents rose by 9% in the 12 months to February 2024, the highest annual increase since they began compiling this data in 2015.

The average monthly rental figure in England stands at £1,276 yet the average monthly mortgage payment for a first-time buyer sits around £1,139.

Duncombe adds: “When you consider figures like these, it’s not hard to understand why first-time buyers are increasingly aiming at home ownership despite the higher-interest-rate environment.”