Rents have surged unevenly in recent years, revealing a striking divide shaped by shifting incomes and tenant affordability. While some areas have seen rapid momentum, others have moved more steadily, exposing a complex landscape that reflects economic pressures and evolving demand in communities.

Buying your first home in Attleborough is never easy, but it’s not as impossible as headlines suggest. While prices are high, history shows affordability is improving—mortgage costs now take a smaller slice of income than in past decades, giving today’s buyers more breathing room.

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.

If you’re planning to buy a home soon, you might assume the best place to start is on the property portals, Rightmove, Zoopla, or OnTheMarket. But the truth is, the savviest buyers are seeing homes long before they ever appear online. Here’s why registering with an agent puts you one step ahead.