Many would-be buyers hesitate, waiting for calmer times before taking the plunge. Yet history shows that waiting often costs more than acting. While renters lose money monthly, owners build equity and stability. The market rewards time, not timing—progress starts the moment you buy.

Falling mortgage rates are bringing welcome relief to first-time buyers. Monthly repayments on the average UK first-time buyer mortgage are now around £355 less than three years ago — easing financial pressure and making homeownership feel more achievable for many ready to take their first step onto the property ladder.

A new £2m-plus home surcharge is billed as progressive, but its impact falls mainly on London and the South East, where many owners now face an annual bill from 2028. Critics warn it punishes long-term residents, cools the prime market and deepens regional divides, even as households weigh downsizing. Many fear a new cliff edge at £2m too.

Many Attleborough homeowners set out to move with optimism, only to find their plans stalled before they ever got going. The market has shifted, expectations have drifted, and ambitious pricing has quietly derailed countless moves. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward making your next chapter a reality.