For hopeful house hunters in 2025, the journey to homeownership may feel particularly challenging. As property prices and interest rates continue to soar, many buyers face an uphill battle to save for a deposit. In a recent survey of more than 2,200 users on sharetobuy.com, 21% of respondents said they currently have less than £10,000 in savings, while 31% reported having less than £5,000 in the bank. With the average first time buyer in the UK needing a deposit of around £53,000* to purchase a property, many budding buyers are effectively priced out of the market
A one-stop-shop for affordable homeownership
For those looking for a more accessible route on to the housing ladder, Share to Buy is the country’s leading property portal for first time buyers – the home of shared ownership, Rent to Buy, Deposit Unlock and a number of other schemes designed to help all aspiring homeowners find their space. The platform is home to the largest listing of affordable properties for sale across the country, with thousands of new homes added to the website each month from over 300 of the UK’s biggest names in housing – including Peabody New Homes, L&Q, NHG Homes and Places for People.
If you are just starting to navigate your homebuying journey, or wondering which scheme might be right for you, Share to Buy is here to help you through the process. The bright, vibrant and easy-to-understand website features a huge collection of unbiased educational resources, including free explainer guides and buyer FAQs which cover a range of topics, from applying for a mortgage and viewing properties to paying Stamp Duty.
The portal also makes it easy to contact the different property experts and specialists you might need on your journey, bringing mortgage brokers, conveyancing firms and even Share to Buy’s own expert team together all in one place.
Whether you’re searching for a flat in a bustling city centre or a family house in the countryside, Share to Buy makes it easy for you to filter your search based on personalised criteria and register to receive alerts when relevant properties are announced by email. A monthly cost calculator on every live listing allows you to understand the minimum deposit required on each property and clearly see what your estimated monthly rent, service charge and mortgage costs would be, while a helpful mortgage comparison tool allows you to search for a shared ownership mortgage to meet your affordability needs.
The London Home Show: A must-visit for hopeful homebuyers
For anyone wanting their questions answered face-to-face, Share to Buy hosts the London Home Show – the capital’s largest first time buyer event. This twice-yearly exhibition showcases the best of affordable homes available across the city and surrounding commuter belt, and has attracted over 73,000 hopeful buyers since it began in 2013.
During the day, guests can explore hundreds of new homes spanning different budgets and life stages. Offering the opportunity to meet with property experts, mortgage brokers and solicitors, attendees can receive tailored financial and legal advice, plus free one-on-one mortgage appointments. What’s more, exclusive giveaways, merchandise and special deals available only at the event will be on offer to those who attend. The next London Home Show will take place on Saturday 26 April 2025 at the QEII Centre in Westminster and is free to attend.
Meanwhile, for those looking to step on to the property ladder in the North West, Share to Buy will be hosting the first-ever Manchester Home Show on Saturday 31 May 2025.
For tickets to the London Home Show and the Manchester Home Show, or to register on Share to Buy, visit sharetobuy.com
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
