The House of Lords has issued a briefing about the state of home ownership in England ahead of a debate on the subject on September 10.
A key point in the briefing is that home ownership has fallen by 6% since 2003. Statistics show 65% of English households in 2025/26 own a home compared to 71% in 2003. The average age of a first-time homebuyer is 34, whereas in 2003 it was 31.
One of the main reasons why homeownership has decreased is affordability. In 2000, average house prices were four times average earnings. In 2025, this has increased to 7.63 times earnings. Affording a deposit is a barrier for many first-time buyers, with an increasing number relying on parental support.
More affordable housing has been delivered, but even though many new homes are labelled affordable, their prices are still too high for low-income households.
Mortgage affordability checks and high interest rates have restricted access to borrowing for house purchases. However, recent lender and regulatory changes have created more attractive mortgage offers.
Another issue is the shortage of homes. Though an extra 199,500 new homes were built in 2025/26, that is short of the government’s housing targets. Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister, has said that he wants more council houses to be built.
Despite these difficulties, many first-time homebuyers are managing to purchase homes. If you are one of them, you’ll need a reliable removal service. For house in Liverpool and beyond, contact Merseyside Movers & Storers.
