Demand for houses among first-time buyers is rising most rapidly in East Anglia and the south-east of England, according to figures released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Rightmove at the end of October.

According to the RICS August Housing Market Survey, contributing surveyors in East Anglia reported a 43 per cent increase in enquiries from those seeking to get a foot on the property ladder.  However, the rise is from a low base – only 6 per cent of enquiries were by first-time buyers in the region, compared with 23 per cent in the north-west. Countrywide, first-timers account for 13 per cent of overall enquiries. 

Research by Rightmove found that 65 per cent of first-time buyers believe that now would be a good time to buy, attracted by price falls and lower interest rates despite continuing difficulties obtaining mortgages.

Fenn Wright’s managing partner Alan Williams commented: “Our offices are reporting a gradual return by first-time buyers and we are in a position to help with independent mortgage advice.  In my view, if a new entrant to the market can put together funds for a reasonable deposit, now is a good opportunity to make that first property purchase.”