London, 11 June, 2026 – Over half (52%) of new first-time buyers will be 65 or older by the time their mortgage matures, according to new data released today by Experian.
The figures reveal the UK’s widening ‘homebuying gap’, as the average age of a first-time buyer creeps closer to 35 (34.7 years, up from 33.7 in 2024). The data highlights a significant demographic shift, with the proportion of 18 to 24-year-old buyers falling (from 9.1% to 7.3%), while those buying between the ages of 35 and 44 has surged to over 30%.
As buyers wait longer to get on the ladder, they are also borrowing more. The average mortgage for a first-time buyer now sits at £230,000 - a 5.5% increase - compared to £202,000 for non-first-time buyers. In 2025 alone, first-time buyers borrowed a staggering £115 billion in mortgages, representing 39% of all mortgage volume.
To tackle the mounting stress, jargon, and confusion that causes many would-be buyers to delay their property journey, Experian has today announced the appointment of SNL UK comedian Al Nash as its first-ever ‘Head of Mortgage Enlightenment.’
Starring in a new content series alongside Experian’s Consumer Affairs Expert, John Webb, Nash will help to demystify the process in a lighthearted and accessible way. The campaign, which launches today, seeks to empower the next generation of buyers to get their credit scores "mortgage-ready" earlier in life.
John Webb, Consumer Affairs Expert at Experian, commented: "The data shows a clear trend: the goalposts for first-time buyers keep moving. With buyers taking on larger loans later in life, and many facing the prospect of paying off their mortgage into retirement, getting your financial ducks in a row early has never been more critical.
"The mortgage market is intimidating, but your credit score doesn't have to be. We brought Al Nash on board because humour is a powerful tool to break down the taboo of financial anxiety and help people realise that with the right data, they have more power than they think."
Al Nash, ‘Head of Mortgage Enlightenment at Experian, added: 'Looking at a mortgage application usually feels like trying to read ancient Latin while someone shouts numbers at you. My job is to ask John the questions many people are too shy to raise or simply assume are fact. The goal is to hopefully bring the stress levels down from a 10 to a manageable 3 - let's get those keys in hand.'
Despite the age shift, the data offers a glimmer of hope: the overall credit quality of first-time buyers has risen by 0.4%, and average monthly payments have fallen slightly to £1,157 (down from £1,232) reflecting recent reductions in interest rates.
To watch the 'Head of Homebuying Vibes' in action and learn more about getting mortgage-ready, visit our Instagram and YouTube pages.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Analysis based on CAIS (Credit Account Information Sharing) data, and 2024 mortgage lending volumes, compared to year-to-date volumes 2026.
About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.