How Do Flintshire 's First-Time Buyers Compare with the Rest of the World? 🗺️

How Do Flintshire 's First-Time Buyers Compare with the Rest of the World? 🗺️

Getting on the housing ladder in the UK is no easy feat, with property prices and inflation meaning it can take first-time buyers (FTBs) years to save the deposit for their first home. As a result, the average age of an FTB in this country has risen to 34*. For context, it was 29 in 1981.

So, how does this compare to other countries? Are FTBs in Spain, South Africa or Switzerland older or younger**? Let’s take a look.
 
Switzerland
 
The land of luxury watches, decadent chocolates and yodelling has another claim to fame: its FTBs are the oldest in the world.
 
Property is expensive in Switzerland, with the average house costing 1.2 million francs*** (equivalent to just over a million pounds). As a result, the average age for a Swiss FTB is 48.
 
High property prices and the legal requirement for a 20% deposit mean many people rent. Only 36% of the Swiss population owns their home, compared to 65% in the UK.
 
The rest of Europe
 
Belgium has the youngest FTBs in Europe (average age 27), followed by France and Austria (31), Germany (34), Romania (36) and Spain (41).
 
Interestingly, as in Switzerland, many Germans never buy a home. Less than half of the population are owner-occupiers, a statistic attributed to high transaction taxes, positive attitudes towards renting and a strong social housing sector.
 
Australia and New Zealand
 
Aussies tend to be obsessed with real estate, especially in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, where property prices (which have boomed over the past decade) are a popular topic of conversation.
 
First-timers get on the ladder around the age of 36, often helped along by the generosity of the Bank of Mum and Dad. The average age for their Kiwi neighbours to buy their first home is 35.
 
Africa and North America
 
The average age of FTBs in South Africa and Kenya is 35; in Nigeria, it’s 40. Looking across the pond, in the US, the average age of newcomers to the property market is 33, while in Canada, it’s 36.
 
Looking to turn your dream of buying your first home into a reality? Get in touch.


 
We’re here to help – contact us today.
 
*Source: Coventry Building Society
**Source: Money.co.uk
***Source: Rigby AG.
 

Get in touch with us

Why Keystone is Different from Other Flintshire Agents ✨

Not all estate agents are the same. Here’s why more buyers and sellers in Flintshire are choosing Keystone - and why our approach makes the selling and buying process smoother, faster, and more rewarding.

CLICK HERE >

First-Time Buyers in Flintshire: What You Need to Know 🗝️🏡

Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel daunting, especially in a fast-moving market like Flintshire. From average prices to mortgage rates and practical tips, here’s what first-time buyers need to know in 2025.

CLICK HERE >

Flintshire Property Market Update – October 2025 📊🏡

As we move into the final months of the year, we at ­Keystone have taken a deep dive into the latest figures for the Flintshire market — and our valuer duo, Ben and Sammie, have been busy analysing what’s happening with instructions, viewings and sales for October. Here’s what they found — and what it means for you.

CLICK HERE >

How Long Does It Really Take to Sell a Home in Flintshire? ⏱️🏡

One of the first questions sellers ask is: “How long will it take to sell my home?” The truth is, timescales vary — but in Flintshire’s market, smart pricing and the right agent can make all the difference between months of waiting and a fast, stress-free move.

CLICK HERE >