Window of opportunity for first-time buyers

In its November House Price Index this morning, which showed flat growth last month, Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at the Halifax, said: “While slower growth may disappoint some existing homeowners, it’s welcome news for first-time buyers. Comparing property prices to average incomes, affordability is now at its strongest since late 2015."

On the back of this, Newspage asked property market experts for short reels on whether now represents a narrow window of opportunity for first-time buyers, as mortgage rates are edging down (see Nationwide yesterday) and markets increasingly price in a base rate cut on 18 December.

After all, if borrowing costs continue to drop, the balance of power could soon shift back in favour of sellers, which could send prices north again.

They will appear below until 16:00.