09/08/2026
🏡 Homeownership is still the goal for young buyers – even if the journey is taking longer.
Two-thirds of 16–34 year-olds, 69%, still expect to buy a home eventually, according to the latest English Housing Survey. That's unchanged from a decade ago, when the same proportion (69%) said the same thing in 2014–15.
The encouraging news? Progress is being made:
📈 42% of 16–34 year-olds are now owner occupiers, up from 31% a decade ago, while the proportion privately renting has fallen from 50% to 43%.
However, expectations around timing have shifted. Of those hoping to buy, 49% believe it will take five years or more, while just 11% think they'll get onto the property ladder within the next one to two years.
For those who have already bought, saving remains the most common route:
💰 78% used their own savings towards their deposit.
👨👩👧 29% received a gift or loan from family.
🏠 21% funded their purchase through the sale of a previous home.
At Belvoir Telford, we're here to help buyers navigate every step of their homeownership journey. Whether you're buying your first home or planning your next move, our local team is ready to offer expert advice and support.
📞 Get in touch on 01952 248000 to discuss your options.
Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, English Housing Survey 2024–25, published May 2026. Figures reflect households headed by a 16–34-year-old (i.e. those already living independently), not all individuals in this age group.
