Mortgage brokers believe first-time buyers should be the main focus of future government housing support, warning that continued barriers to entry are clogging up the entire housing market.
New research from a broker poll conducted by Accord in partnership with Pegasus Insight shows that half of brokers (50%) identify first-time buyers as the group most in need of government intervention.
Brokers report that first-time buyers are facing persistent challenges, with 44% citing deposit and affordability pressures as their primary obstacles. A lack of effective support schemes is also a growing concern, with brokers noting that ‘it’s more and more difficult to get on the ladder’.
Intermediaries warned that the difficulties faced by first-time buyers are having broader consequences for market stability. One broker commented: “If they don’t get on the ladder then people don’t move around,” underlining the critical role first-time buyers play at the bottom of the housing chain in enabling wider transaction flow.
Education and guidance were also highlighted as essential. Brokers stressed that first-time buyers require greater support with navigating the buying process, reinforcing the importance of professional advice. As one respondent said: “More support is needed for anyone buying a property for the first time.”
Chris Hill, head of sales at Accord Mortgages, said: “Brokers are consistently telling us that first-time buyers are under more pressure than ever. High house prices and challenging deposit requirements, along with affordability constraints and a lack of targeted schemes are all making it harder for people to take that first step onto the ladder.”
Hill insisted the solution had to be multifaceted – from better-designed support schemes and affordability measures to continued innovation from lenders. “There also needs to be a strong focus on education so that first-time buyers understand the options available to them – and this is where brokers play a critical role.”
While first-time buyers topped their list, brokers also pointed to other groups in need of government and industry support. Landlords ranked second, with 21% of brokers highlighting the pressures facing the private rental sector. Meanwhile, 14% said older homeowners should be a priority, warning that many are effectively trapped, struggling to downsize due to a combination of increased Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) costs and limited mortgage options for older borrowers.
Brokers cautioned that these challenges are contributing to low housing stock and reduced housing market flow, with knock‑on effects across the market.
By contrast, brokers said current homeowners and those simply looking to move require the least support (both at 3%), while renters also came lower down the list at 9%. This is at odds with recent government intervention, which has largely focused on tenant protection and rental reform.
The findings suggest brokers want to see a more balanced housing strategy – one that continues to improve standards while also removing barriers for first-time buyers, supporting responsible landlords, and enabling older homeowners to move more easily. Together, this would help restore flow, affordability and long‑term stability.
