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Number of first-time buyers rises 35% in a year, says Halifax

The number of first-time buyers has reached record levels in the midst of runaway house prices.

Numbers are up 35 per cent, from 303,970 in 2020 to 409,370 in 2021, according to the annual study by Halifax.

And for the first time, the typical age of a buyer is 30-plus in every region. 

The higher levels come at a time when first-time buyers are having to balance saving up as much as they can for a deposit while trying to get onto the property ladder in a red hot market.

The number of first-time buyers in Britain has reached a record level, according to Halifax

The number of first-time buyers in Britain has reached a record level, according to Halifax

NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME BUYERS FROM 2009 THROUGH TO 2021
Number of first-time buyers Annual % change FTBs as % of all house purchases loans
2009 193,940 39%
2010 193,590 0% 37%
2011 187,990 -3% 38%
2012 211,920 13% 40%
2013 258,210 22% 44%
2014 310,280 20% 46%
2015 298,090 -4% 46%
2016 328,500 10% 48%
2017 345,920 5% 49%
2018 353,120 2% 50%
2019 351,260 -1% 51%
2020 303,970 -13% 50%
2021* 409,370 35% 48%
Sources: UK Finance and *Halifax estimate for 2021   

The average price of a home in Britain rose £24,000 last year to £276,091.

All regions across Britain saw a marked rise in the number of first-time buyers, with the biggest increase being in London where numbers rose 49 per cent.

The smallest increase was in Scotland, but even in this region, numbers rose by a quarter.

The number of first-time buyers has more than doubled over the last 10 years in every region except London.

There has been a 118 per cent increase since 2011, up from 187,990 first-time buyers that year.

NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME BUYERS ACROSS DIFFERENT REGIONS
Region 2011 2020 2021* 10-year change 1-year change
North 8,370 13,890 18,422 120% 33%
Yorkshire and the Humber 15,010 25,070 32,792 118% 31%
East Midlands 12,780 23,110 29,850 134% 29%
East Anglia 6,750 11,010 14,640 117% 33%
Greater London 31,290 38,140 56,857 82% 49%
South East 36,630 61,250 85,666 134% 40%
South West 14,670 24,250 32,017 118% 32%
West Midlands 14,740 25,570 33,798 129% 32%
North West 18,470 32,050 40,748 121% 27%
Wales 8,060 12,310 16,815 109% 37%
Scotland 16,220 28,740 35,627 120% 24%
N. Ireland 4,690 8,570 12,110 158% 41%
UK** 187,990 303,970 409,370 118% 35%
Source: Halifax           

As more buyers entered the market, the average first-time buyer deposit fell 6 per cent for Britain.

Halifax explained that the fall in the average deposit was set against a rise in the average purchase price of first homes, meaning that overall the gap between purchase price and deposit widened in every region.

This includes the South West where the average house prices has risen 5 per cent, from £239,434 in 2020 to £252,263 in 2021. At the same time, the average deposit in the region dropped 3 per cent in a year from £51,178 to £49,592 in 2021.

Amid lower affordability, the average age at which someone buys their first home has risen.

The average age of a first-time buyer now stands at 32, up from 29 in 2011 and is now over 30 in every region.

Clackmannanshire has been named as one of the most affordable places for first-time buyers (pictured; the county's town of Alloa)

Clackmannanshire has been named as one of the most affordable places for first-time buyers (pictured; the county’s town of Alloa)

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE AND AVERAGE DEPOSITS AMONG FIRST-TIME BUYERS
Region Average House Price 2020 (£s) Average House Price 2021 (£s) 1 Yr % change in Average Price Average Deposit 2020 (£s) Average Deposit 2021 (£s) Deposit as % of purchase price 2021 1 Year % change in Deposit
London 488,771 475,819 -3% 130,281 115,759 24% -11%
Scotland 154,821 166,919 8% 35,607 37,038 22% 4%
South West 239,434 252,263 5% 51,178 49,592 20% -3%
South East 322,386 320,591 -1% 66,706 60,953 19% -9%
Northern Ireland 147,394 156,594 6% 29,546 29,199 19% -1%
Wales 165,272 180,392 9% 32,368 33,622 19% 4%
East of England 297,548 303,166 2% 58,531 55,250 18% -6%
North West 175,389 189,588 8% 34,185 33,983 18% -1%
West Midlands 204,948 209,270 2% 41,928 37,159 18% -11%
East Midlands 199,503 210,203 5% 39,077 37,171 18% -5%
North East 145,254 151,814 5% 28,643 26,769 18% -7%
Yorks & Humber 167,267 177,683 6% 33,032 31,212 18% -6%
UK 256,057 264,140 3% 57,278 53,935 20% -6%
Source: Halifax             

Esther Dijkstra, of Halifax, said: ‘There were a number of factors influencing home buying decisions in 2021. 

‘While working from home and the “race for space” was key for many, particularly movers, it is clear that the Stamp Duty holiday increased the availability of first-rung homes as others moved up the ladder.

‘Lifestyles have changed. Over time more people have chosen to go on to higher education, go travelling, or move around for work, which are all factors in the increase in first-time buyer age.

‘However, undoubtedly, the biggest drivers are the cost of homes and the need to save a significant deposit to get on the housing ladder.

‘In 2021, the increase in average house price to £264,140, combined with difficulties in raising a deposit, meant that the gap between purchase price and deposit widened in every region in the UK.’

Merton saw affordability halved: This three-bed semi-detached house between Wimbledon and Colliers Wood is for sale for £799,950 via Dexters estate agents

Merton saw affordability halved: This three-bed semi-detached house between Wimbledon and Colliers Wood is for sale for £799,950 via Dexters estate agents

AREAS WITH THE BIGGEST CHANGES IN AFFORDABILITY
Local Authority Average price 12 months to Dec 2021 (£) Ave earnings 2021 est (£) P/E ratio 2021 P/E ratio 2011 Deterioration in affordability
Merton 513,811 51,880 9.9 4.8 108%
Reigate and Banstead 386,719 47,929 8.1 4.1 97%
South Kesteven 250,788 36,152 6.9 3.6 94%
Westminster 682,361 67,962 10 5.2 94%
Ashford 298,239 35,216 8.5 4.4 92%
Source; Halifax           
Pictured: Camden in London is among the least affordable locations for first-time buyers

Pictured: Camden in London is among the least affordable locations for first-time buyers

The growth of house prices has outstripped that of incomes, with the average price of property for first-time buyers now being 6.9 times their salary.

It follows Halifax announcing earlier this month that house prices rose by £24,500 last year, with average values now standing at £276,091. 

The lender said affordability has fallen since 2011 in all but three local authorities, which are Clackmannanshire, Moray and East Ayrhsire.

Merton saw this price to earnings ratio more than double, which means that affordability halved, while Reigate and Banstead nearly doubled.

The price of an average first-time home is now less than four times the average income – which is considered to be the limit for affordability – in only 15 local authorities around the Britain.

The least affordable local authority for first-time buyers is the London borough of Brent, where homes are 12.3 times average earnings.

By contrast, the most affordable is Clackmannanshire in Scotland, where it is only three times.

Least affordable is London's Brent where this five-bed semi-detached house is for sale for £650,000 via Drivers & Norris estate agents

Least affordable is London’s Brent where this five-bed semi-detached house is for sale for £650,000 via Drivers & Norris estate agents

MOST AFFORDABLE AREAS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS
Local Authority Region P/E Ratio 2021
Clackmannanshire Scotland 3
West Dunbartonshire Scotland 3.2
East Ayrshire Scotland 3.2
North Ayrshire Scotland 3.3
Renfrewshire Scotland 3.5
Source; Halifax     
LEAST AFFORDABLE AREAS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS
Local Authority Region P/E Ratio 2021
Brent London 12.3
Camden London 12.2
Haringey London 11.4
Waltham Forest London 10.9
Hillingdon London 10.6
Source: Halifax     

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Hottest property markets revealed: Homes in Liverpool take just 17 DAYS to sell – half the typical average

  • Liverpool and Manchester homes selling the fastest, Zoopla data shows
  • Cheaper homes in demand while four-beds are taking longer to sell  

Homes in Liverpool and Manchester are the fastest selling in England, new data reveals. 

While properties in the North West are seeing rapid average sales times, those in southern England, Wales and the Midlands are taking almost two weeks longer to sell than in 2022.

Across England, homes are on the market for an average of 34 days before securing a sale, figures from Zoopla claim. 

Rapid sale: Homes in Liverpool and Manchester are selling quickly, Zoopla says

Rapid sale: Homes in Liverpool and Manchester are selling quickly, Zoopla says 

Homes in Salford, Basingstoke and Deane and Sheffield are also selling reasonably quickly, with an average timeframe of up to 24 days. 

Waltham Forest is the only London borough to see homes selling faster than the national average for England, with sales agreed in around 24 days. 

Two-bedroom terraced houses are the fastest selling property type in four in five regions, while four-bedroom homes are taking the longest to sell. 

In London, pricey detached homes with four or more bedrooms are taking around 59 days to sell, the findings suggest.  

In hotspots like the North West, the fastest selling type of property is the one-bedroom flat, taking 21 days on average to sell, and with prices around the £100,000 mark.

Meanwhile, four-bedroom homes in the North West are typically taking around 53 days to sell, with higher price tags at around £477,000. 

In the North West and North East, the average home is between £72,000 to £125,000 less expensive than the national average, according to Zoopla.

Quick sale: New data suggests it only takes an average of 17 days to sell a home in Liverpool

Quick sale: New data suggests it only takes an average of 17 days to sell a home in Liverpool

Higher interest rates on mortgages and the rising cost of living have been causing some buyers to ponder for longer when it comes to property purchases.

Izabella Lubowiecka, a senior property researcher at Zoopla, said: ‘Over the last 12 months, the time to agree a sale has increased by almost two weeks. 

‘This is due to a few factors: there are fewer buyers in the market alongside cost of living concerns and higher mortgage rates which has meant many have had to pause a search for their next home. 

‘However, we are now simply seeing a return to more normal market conditions experienced in the years leading up to the pandemic. 

‘Anyone thinking about selling should bear this in mind and be prepared that it may take longer to sell their property than in recent years.’

Data published by Nationwide on Wednesday revealed house prices defied expectations by rising 0.9 per cent last month.

But the index showed that house prices remain 3.3 per cent down compared to October last year.

House prices also remain 5.23 per cent, or £14,328 below their peak in August 2022, before mortgage rates began to rapidly rise.

The average home increased in price from £257,808 in September to £259,423 in October, Nationwide said.

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Choco: Revolutionizing The FoodTech Industry With Innovation & Sustainability | EU20

By Clint Bailey

— In the rapidly evolving world of food technology, European startup Choco has emerged as a pioneering force. With its website, Choco.com, this Berlin-based company is transforming the way food industry professionals operate by leveraging innovative digital solutions. By linking restaurants, distributors, suppliers, and producers on a single platform, Choco is streamlining the supply chain process while promoting sustainability.

Let’s explore the journey of Choco.com and its impact on the overall foodtech industry.


  1. Company: Choco Technologies GmbH
  2. Website: www.Choco.com
  3. Head Office: Berlin, Germany
  4. Year Established: 2018
  5. Founders: Choco was co-founded by Daniel Khachab, Julian Hammer, and Rogerio da Silva.
  6. Industry: Choco operates in the foodtech industry, specifically focusing on digitizing the supply chain for the food industry.
  7. Funding: Choco has secured significant funding rounds from investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners & Coatue Management.
  8. Market Presence: Choco has a strong presence in several European cities, including Berlin, Paris, London & Barcelona.
  9. Mission: Choco aims to revolutionize the food industry by leveraging technology to simplify supply chain management, promote sustainability, and reduce food waste.

Simplifying Supply Chain Management

One of the core focuses of Choco is to simplify supply chain management for food businesses. Traditionally, the procurement process in the food industry has been cumbersome and inefficient, with numerous intermediaries and manual processes. Choco’s digital platform replaces the traditional paper-based ordering system, allowing restaurants and suppliers to communicate and collaborate seamlessly.

Choco’s platform enables restaurants to place orders directly with suppliers, eliminating the need for phone calls, faxes, or emails. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors and miscommunications.

By digitizing the ordering process, Choco improves transparency, making it easier for restaurants to compare prices, track deliveries, and manage inventory efficiently.

Streamlining Operations For Suppliers & Producers

Choco’s impact extends beyond restaurants. The platform also provides suppliers and producers with valuable tools to streamline their operations. By digitizing their product catalogs and integrating them into the Choco platform, suppliers can showcase their offerings to a wide network of potential buyers.

Suppliers benefit from increased visibility, enabling them to reach new customers and expand their market presence. Moreover, Choco’s platform helps suppliers manage their inventory, track orders, and plan deliveries effectively. These features enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable food system.

https://youtube.com/@choco233
YouTube Channel

Promoting Sustainability & Reducing Food Waste

Choco recognizes the critical importance of sustainability in the food industry. According to the United Nations, approximately one-third of the world’s food production goes to waste each year. By digitizing the supply chain and enabling more efficient ordering and inventory management, Choco actively works to combat this issue.

Air France – Deals & Destinations

Choco’s platform facilitates data-driven decision-making for restaurants, suppliers, and producers. By analyzing purchasing patterns & demand, Choco helps businesses optimize their inventory levels, reducing overstocking and minimizing food waste. Additionally, Choco supports local sourcing, enabling businesses to connect with nearby suppliers & promote sustainable, community-based practices.

Expanding Reach & Impact

Since its founding in 2018, Choco has experienced rapid growth and expansion. The startup has successfully secured significant funding rounds, allowing it to scale its operations and establish a strong presence across Europe and other global markets. Today, Choco’s platform is used by thousands of restaurants and suppliers, revolutionizing the way they operate.

Choco’s impact extends beyond operational efficiency or sustainability. By connecting restaurants, suppliers & producers on a single platform, Choco fosters collaboration & encourages the exchange of ideas. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall foodtech ecosystem and creates a supportive community of like-minded aiming to drive positive change within the industry.

Future Of FoodTech

Choco’s rise to prominence in the foodtech industry exemplifies the reach of sustainability, innovation, and community. Through its user-friendly platform, Choco simplifies supply chain management, streamlines operations for restaurants & suppliers, and actively promotes sustainable practices. By harnessing the potential of digital, Choco is disrupting the future of the food industry, making it more efficient and transparent.

As Choco continues to expand its impact and reach, its transformative influence on the foodtech sector is set to inspiring, grow other startups, and established players to embrace technology for a better and more sustainable food system.


We Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Support!


— Compiled by Clint Bailey | Team ‘Voice of EU’
— For More Info. & News Submissions: info@VoiceOfEU.com
— For Anonymous News Submissions: press@VoiceOfEU.com


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Want to sell your home over Christmas? Here’s why you should put the decorations AWAY

Across the country, a warm glow is beginning to appear — but might it be from Yuletide decorations destroying the chances of selling your home?

For some people the festive season involves inflatable Santas clinging to windowsills like burglars. Others prefer illuminated reindeers in the front garden.

But if you’re among the 100,000 households trying to sell this Christmas, the advice from many experts is to leave the lights in the garage and the plastic snowman in the loft.

Keep them in the garage: Over-the top decorations

Keep them in the garage: Over-the top decorations

Vendors must avoid anything that handicaps a sale in today’s difficult market.

Rightmove says the average asking price of homes across the UK coming to the market in November is 1.7 per cent down on October, while posh estate agency Savills reports some London prices are now 19 per cent below their peak.

And as buyers struggle to afford mortgages, the number of house sales nationwide this year is expected to be one million, according to Zoopla — or 20 per cent lower than usual.

The Your Move chain of estate agents is clear that decorations should be off the agenda, adding: ‘The key to potential buyers falling in love with a property is them being able to imagine themselves living there.

‘Piles of clutter and decorations make it harder. So make it easier for them by keeping spaces as open as possible.’

The key to potential buyers falling in love with a property is them being able to imagine themselves living there. Piles of clutter and decorations make it harder

The public seems to agree. A survey by GetAgent, a comparison site on which the public can find favourably reviewed estate agents, shows 24 per cent of would-be buyers say they’re deterred from viewing a home with excessive outdoor Christmas lights.

Colby Short, chief executive of GetAgent, advises: ‘Selling at Christmas is no different to any time of year and you have to remember that not everyone will share your tastes, or sense of humour.

‘A blank canvas works best when it comes to attracting potential buyers and if your home is covered in Christmas decorations, it can be hard for them to get a true sense of the property.’

Tasteful: Forget inflatable Santas and pick refined, calming colours if you're hoping to sell a property this Christmas

Tasteful: Forget inflatable Santas and pick refined, calming colours if you’re hoping to sell a property this Christmas

Tips for selling a home over Christmas

GetAgent recommends sellers stick to white lights and not coloured, flashing ones visible on a ‘walk-by’ initial viewing, and no gaudy exterior decorations.

Instead it suggests a festive twist on the smell of freshly baked bread — vendors should use Christmas scents such as cinnamon and mulled wine.

Not every agent is against decorations. Some, like Alex Oliver of buying service Prime Purchase, says they are inevitable and most buyers grin and bear them.

Nonetheless he tells sellers that if they must have decorations, they should follow two golden rules.

Firstly, don’t get a home photographed by agents at this time of year because listings on Rightmove with decorations in the photographs will make a home feel stale in the New Year.

Secondly, take the decorations down soon after the festivities to avoid giving the wrong message.

‘If the decorations were still up I’d be concerned there may be other issues that the vendor has not kept on top of such as maintenance or permissions for any works they may have had done,’ Oliver adds.

But many experts say listing your house now and having it on sale over the festive season has unexpected advantages.

That’s because Christmas is when many families have time to make plans for major events such as house-moving and, sadly, many couples agree to split up.

Agents say anyone preferring to view homes now instead of relaxing is likely to be a serious buyer, while there will also be significantly fewer homes on the market too, so you will face less competition.

Twelve months ago there were a jaw-dropping 51 million visits to Rightmove between Boxing Day and the first working day of 2023.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s data director, says: ‘Traffic to our website more than doubles between Christmas and the New Year, those sellers who get a head start now and have their home ready to launch can benefit.’

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