How Do Attleborough’s First-Time Buyers Compare with the Rest of the World?

How Do Attleborough’s First-Time Buyers Compare with the Rest of the World?

Getting on the housing ladder in the UK is no easy feat, with property prices and inflation meaning it can take first-time buyers (FTBs) years to save the deposit for their first home.

As a result, the average age of an FTB in this country has risen to 34*. For context, it was 29 in 1981.
 
So, how does this compare to other countries? Are FTBs in Spain, South Africa or Switzerland older or younger**? Let’s take a look.
 
Switzerland
 
The land of luxury watches, decadent chocolates and yodelling has another claim to fame: its FTBs are the oldest in the world.
 
Property is expensive in Switzerland, with the average house costing 1.2 million francs*** (equivalent to just over a million pounds). As a result, the average age for a Swiss FTB is 48.
 
High property prices and the legal requirement for a 20% deposit mean many people rent. Only 36% of the Swiss population owns their home, compared to 65% in the UK.
 
The rest of Europe
 
Belgium has the youngest FTBs in Europe (average age 27), followed by France and Austria (31), Germany (34), Romania (36) and Spain (41).
 
Interestingly, as in Switzerland, many Germans never buy a home. Less than half of the population are owner-occupiers, a statistic attributed to high transaction taxes, positive attitudes towards renting and a strong social housing sector.
 
Australia and New Zealand
 
Aussies tend to be obsessed with real estate, especially in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, where property prices (which have boomed over the past decade) are a popular topic of conversation.
 
First-timers get on the ladder around the age of 36, often helped along by the generosity of the Bank of Mum and Dad. The average age for their Kiwi neighbours to buy their first home is 35.
 
Africa and North America
 
The average age of FTBs in South Africa and Kenya is 35, and in Nigeria, it’s 40. Looking across the pond, in the US, the average age of newcomers to the property market is 33, while in Canada, it’s 36.
 
Looking to turn your dream of buying your first home into a reality? Get in touch.
 
We’re here to help – contact us today.
 
 
*Source: Coventry Building Society
**Source: Money.co.uk
***Source: Rigby AG.

Get in touch with us

Selling Your Home: Why Realistic Pricing and Flexible Contracts Lead to Success

When selling your home, the initial valuation and contract terms significantly impact your experience. Discover why a realistic price from the outset, combined with a flexible agency agreement, is crucial for a smooth and successful sale.

CLICK HERE >

The True Cost of Overpricing: Why 'Testing the Market' Can Undermine Your Sale in 2026

In today's property market, the temptation to 'test the market' with an ambitious asking price can be strong if you're not in any particular hurry to sell. However, this strategy often backfires, costing vendors valuable time, credibility, and ultimately, money. Let's explore why.

CLICK HERE >

1 in 5 of Attleborough Homes Still Unsold After 12 Weeks, What Is Going Wrong?

Timing can make or break a house sale. New Attleborough property market data reveals why the first few weeks are critical, how overpricing can cost sellers valuable buyers, and why homes that sell quickly are far more likely to complete. The numbers tell a powerful story. Click the link to learn more...

CLICK HERE >

Flats vs Houses, by Region

Across almost every UK region, houses are more likely to sell than flats. In some areas the gap is small, in others it is dramatic. Scotland is the only exception, where flats outperform houses. So what is driving this divide, and what does it mean for homeowners in Attleborough? Click to learn more...

CLICK HERE >