NEW BUILD HOMES
Whether you are the type to write resolutions or not, a new year is a powerful motivator for change. And, this year, that could mean big change. Will 2026 be the year you purchase your first home? And could that home be somewhere you’ve never considered, or even been?! Debbie Clark explores why you should consider upping sticks in '26! ALL CHANGE FOR 2026!
As we move through a new year it is natural to make plans and reassess, and for first time buyers with hopes to buy this year, it is encouraging to note that monthly mortgage costs as a share of income are at their lowest level since 2022. Amanda Bryden, Head of Halifax Mortgages, is optimistic for first time buyers in 2026. She says, “While affordability remains challenging, the picture has improved compared to recent years, driven by a combination of above-inflation wage growth, lower interest rates and some expansion of eligibility criteria from mortgage lenders… lower interest rates and easing inflation should help to gradually improve homebuyers’ purchasing power.” When choosing your first home, there are many factors you will need to consider and location is obviously one of the most important. The pandemic saw a shift, with thousands relocating from urban areas. However, a new survey by specialist home insurance provider, Homeprotect, suggests Gen Z are now prioritising proximity to large towns and cities over square footage again. The specialist insurer surveyed 2,000 UK adults to determine the most important factors when choosing a new home, and while nearly 45% of participants voted property and garden size their most important consideration, young buyers were more concerned with proximity to a large town or city. Whether town or country, the temptation is to look for a property in an area you already know well – often where you grew up, studied or now work. After all, you know what you’re getting and there is a comfort in the familiar. However, if you don’t look further afield when buying your first home, you could be missing out! There are many compelling reasons to make this big life change an even more monumental one, by choosing to start your next chapter as a homeowner somewhere completely new. AFFORDABILITY Getting more property for your money is likely to be high on your agenda as a first time buyer, so look at more affordable areas.You may find that, in a new area, your
if you were to relocate? Now is the perfect time to actively follow your interests. Do your research and find an area with great facilities and like-minded folk and you will feel right at home in no time! WORK-LIFE BALANCE It is, of course, important to consider how a move will impact your commute and work-life balance.You may find that moving closer to work frees up time for hobbies and family, or you may decide that a longer commute is worth it for the benefits of living in your desired location. Either way, do your research as to the times and costs involved. A FRESH START Relocating can help you to break old habits and routines and create new, healthier ones. It is an opportunity to ditch the old, and start the new life you have always wanted. Finally, whatever your motivation to move somewhere new, know that you are not alone! You will meet plenty of others who have also taken the plunge, and who you already have something positive in common with when you start to make new connections.
budget will stretch to an extra bedroom, for example, or give you outside space or off- street parking you didn’t think you could afford. Perhaps you are still a way from saving the deposit you need for your dream home in your desired location, but, if you were to relocate, you could be a homeowner this year!
PROXIMITY TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Moving away from loved ones can understandably feel daunting but, with careful consideration, a move needn’t negatively impact your relationships – especially if you’ve managed to stretch to an extra bedroom to host them! Conversely, if you already have friends and family scattered across the country, relocating to a more central area – with strong transport links – could make your relationships stronger. Remember, anyone else could also move at any time so you need to prioritise the needs of you and your family!
LIFESTYLE
Think carefully about what is most important to you. Do you have hobbies that you would be able to pursue more actively
24 First Time Buyer February/March 2026
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