Young renters still optimistic over home ownership

People living in rented accommodation are not optimistic home ownership, according to a new study from Halifax and YouGov.

Their research revealed that three out of every 10 private renters thinks they’ll be renting for life.

But more than half of those in the 18-24-year-old age group are more optimistic about their chances of buying a property than those aged between 35 and 44.

More women dream of buying than men

Meanwhile, a study of first-time buyers by specialist lender Aldermore has revealed that women dream of home ownership more than men.

However, the female of the species is less confident they will actually achieve their dream of buying their own property.

Aldermore asked more than 1,000 would-be homeowners how optimistic they feel about getting a foot on the bottom rung of the housing ladder.

Of those, 87 percent of women – almost nine in 10 – said they’d dreamed of becoming a homeowner, compared to 71 percent of men.

A third think they’ll rent for life

The Halifax study, carried out by pollsters YouGov, revealed that a third of those who currently rent a home believe they’ll do that for the rest of their life.

Russell Galley, mortgage director at Halifax, said:

“Taking that first step on to the property ladder remains a rite of passage for many.

“Last year, first-time buyers accounted for the majority of the mortgage market for the first time in well over 20 years.

“This shows that, with the right support and a few sacrifices, home ownership can remain an attainable goal.

“The financial hurdle of saving enough for a deposit might feel like a daunting task. But there are a number of options out there to help put first-time buyers on the right track.”

Gender gap in buying expectations

Meanwhile, the Aldermore research focused on the gap between home ownership expectations between males and females.

More women than men think getting a deposit together will be the biggest barrier to buying a home.

And only one in five (26 percent) women thought they’d apply for a mortgage on their own. That compares to 39 percent of men who believe the same.

Bringing down home ownership barriers

Sue Hayes is managing director of retail finance at Aldermore.