4 minutes reading time
(724 words)
Where Are The Next Generation Of Property Owners?
The question of how – or even whether – the next generation will be able to own property in the UK is becoming more urgent with every passing year.
This week on Property Matters, airing Today, Tuesday 13th May at 1pm, host Gareth Wax is joined by conveyancing collaborator, Hamish McLay and guest Wendy Gibson, a specialist in supporting first-time buyers. Together, they’ll be exploring the current challenges facing aspiring homeowners and reflecting on the shifting dynamics of the UK property market.
This episode will be shaped in real time by the experiences and perspectives of those involved, one thing is already clear: the road to home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult for younger buyers.
Over the past decade, the idea of owning a home has drifted further out of reach for many. Rising house prices, growing deposit requirements, and the end of ultra-low mortgage rates have created a high barrier to entry. Many of the schemes that once helped people step onto the ladder - such as Help to Buy - are either gone or have limited reach. At the same time, salaries have not kept pace with housing inflation, and renters are often unable to save fast enough to keep up with deposit demands.
Recent figures from the Building Societies Association estimate that more than two million would-be first-time buyers are currently “missing” from the market. These are individuals and households who, under different conditions, might have expected to buy - however are now stalled indefinitely. This situation is not just about affordability, but also about confidence: many are unsure whether now is the right time to buy, or if they’ll be penalised for acting too soon.
Adding to the complexity is the UK government's commitment to ensuring that all new-build homes include solar panels by 2028. This is part of a broader move toward environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, although it comes with a cost. Industry estimates suggest that the requirement could add thousands of pounds to the build cost of each new property. While solar panels may reduce future energy bills, the upfront expense is likely to be passed on to buyers—potentially pushing prices further beyond the reach of first-time purchasers.
Balancing the nation’s green ambitions with the affordability needs of new buyers is no small task. The upcoming podcast episode doesn’t promise answers, however it will provide space for the realities and trade-offs of such policy to be discussed by those with first-hand knowledge of the market.
Property Matters is known for its unscripted, open format. Rather than relying on rehearsed talking points, the podcast invites guests to bring their lived and professional experience into a free-flowing conversation. Wendy Gibson brings a wealth of insight from working directly with first-time buyers, helping them navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain market. Hamish McLay, with his background as conveyancing collaborator, adds an understanding of how policy and regulation play out in practice. Host Gareth Wax guides the discussion, offering space for reflection, opinion, and occasional disagreement—always with a view to unpacking what really matters to buyers, sellers, and professionals alike.
This week’s discussion is likely to touch on a range of live issues - from how families are stepping in to support younger generations, to how the resale market is adapting, to whether the goal of ownership is even relevant in today’s world. Listeners can expect thoughtful input rather than fixed conclusions, and a shared attempt to understand what lies ahead.
The question of where the next generation of property owners will come from doesn’t just affect young adults - it affects families, the wider economy, and the long-term resilience of the housing market itself. Whether you're working in the sector, trying to buy your first home, or simply trying to understand the shifting landscape, this is a conversation worth joining.
Property Matters airs Today at 1pm. Tune in live to hear from Gareth Wax, Hamish McLay, and Wendy Gibson as they explore one of the most pressing issues in UK housing today.
Never miss an episode of Spilling The Proper-Tea again, subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch up or watch live: https://www.youtube.com/@SpillingTheProper-Tea
PS:
For content enquiries:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For podcast/media info:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This week on Property Matters, airing Today, Tuesday 13th May at 1pm, host Gareth Wax is joined by conveyancing collaborator, Hamish McLay and guest Wendy Gibson, a specialist in supporting first-time buyers. Together, they’ll be exploring the current challenges facing aspiring homeowners and reflecting on the shifting dynamics of the UK property market.
This episode will be shaped in real time by the experiences and perspectives of those involved, one thing is already clear: the road to home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult for younger buyers.
Over the past decade, the idea of owning a home has drifted further out of reach for many. Rising house prices, growing deposit requirements, and the end of ultra-low mortgage rates have created a high barrier to entry. Many of the schemes that once helped people step onto the ladder - such as Help to Buy - are either gone or have limited reach. At the same time, salaries have not kept pace with housing inflation, and renters are often unable to save fast enough to keep up with deposit demands.
Recent figures from the Building Societies Association estimate that more than two million would-be first-time buyers are currently “missing” from the market. These are individuals and households who, under different conditions, might have expected to buy - however are now stalled indefinitely. This situation is not just about affordability, but also about confidence: many are unsure whether now is the right time to buy, or if they’ll be penalised for acting too soon.
Adding to the complexity is the UK government's commitment to ensuring that all new-build homes include solar panels by 2028. This is part of a broader move toward environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, although it comes with a cost. Industry estimates suggest that the requirement could add thousands of pounds to the build cost of each new property. While solar panels may reduce future energy bills, the upfront expense is likely to be passed on to buyers—potentially pushing prices further beyond the reach of first-time purchasers.
Balancing the nation’s green ambitions with the affordability needs of new buyers is no small task. The upcoming podcast episode doesn’t promise answers, however it will provide space for the realities and trade-offs of such policy to be discussed by those with first-hand knowledge of the market.
Property Matters is known for its unscripted, open format. Rather than relying on rehearsed talking points, the podcast invites guests to bring their lived and professional experience into a free-flowing conversation. Wendy Gibson brings a wealth of insight from working directly with first-time buyers, helping them navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain market. Hamish McLay, with his background as conveyancing collaborator, adds an understanding of how policy and regulation play out in practice. Host Gareth Wax guides the discussion, offering space for reflection, opinion, and occasional disagreement—always with a view to unpacking what really matters to buyers, sellers, and professionals alike.
This week’s discussion is likely to touch on a range of live issues - from how families are stepping in to support younger generations, to how the resale market is adapting, to whether the goal of ownership is even relevant in today’s world. Listeners can expect thoughtful input rather than fixed conclusions, and a shared attempt to understand what lies ahead.
The question of where the next generation of property owners will come from doesn’t just affect young adults - it affects families, the wider economy, and the long-term resilience of the housing market itself. Whether you're working in the sector, trying to buy your first home, or simply trying to understand the shifting landscape, this is a conversation worth joining.
Property Matters airs Today at 1pm. Tune in live to hear from Gareth Wax, Hamish McLay, and Wendy Gibson as they explore one of the most pressing issues in UK housing today.
Never miss an episode of Spilling The Proper-Tea again, subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch up or watch live: https://www.youtube.com/@SpillingTheProper-Tea
PS:
For content enquiries:
For podcast/media info:
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