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

First Name

Last Name

Your Email Address

Mobile Phone

Are you looking to

Buy

Sell

Rent

Let

Please enter message here

Please confirm that it is okay for us to contact you about this information as well as products and services. (You will always be given the right to unsubscribe at any point in the future)

Confirm

🏡 Flintshire Property Market Update – September (With July & August Highlights)

At Keystone, we know how important it is for you to feel up to speed with the local property market. Whether you’re planning to sell, already on the market, or simply keeping an eye on things, our monthly updates give you the insight you need — without the jargon.

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 >

Flintshire’s Rental Market in 2025: What You Need to Know 🏠🔑

The rental market in Flintshire is heating up in 2025. Tenants are facing stiffer competition, while landlords are enjoying stronger yields. Whether you’re letting, renting, or thinking of investing, here’s what you need to know about today’s market.

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 >