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

AVERAGE ATTLEBOROUGH HOUSE PRICE PAID MONTHLY (ROLLING MONTHLY OVER LAST 12 MONTHS)... to April 26

Curious about what is happening in the Attleborough property market? Our latest April House Price Review explores local pricing trends and what they could mean for homeowners and landlords. Understanding market movements can help you make smarter property decisions. Click the link to learn more...

CLICK HERE >

Thinking of Moving? Start With a Market Appraisal

If you are thinking about moving in the next 6 to 12 months, a market appraisal is often the best first step. It gives you a clearer view of value, timing and buyer demand, helping you plan with more confidence in a competitive 2026 market.

CLICK HERE >

“What’s happening in the UK property market?”

Look beyond the headlines and a very different UK property story emerges. Regional performance varies widely, with some areas seeing strong growth while others adjust. It’s a reminder that property is truly local. So how does Attleborough compare? Read on to find out.

CLICK HERE >

Percentage of People in Europe who live in Houses

Across Europe, where people live reveals striking contrasts. The UK leans heavily towards houses, unlike many countries where apartments dominate. This shapes demand, pricing and expectations at home. Is it culture or design? The answer may surprise you… read on to explore the full story.

CLICK HERE >