First-time buyer conditions remain challenging. OneFamily research found that 70% of surveyed young adults with student loans believe repayments make it harder to save a deposit, equating to more than 1.5 million people. Separately, first-time buyer demand softened in the third quarter, while higher mortgage rates and the prospect of Budget measures appear to be weighing on activity.
The advice opportunity is broader than selecting a mortgage. Clients may need structured support on deposit planning, the impact of committed expenditure on affordability, family assistance, Lifetime ISA considerations and the full costs of buying. Advisers should avoid assuming that a student loan automatically prevents borrowing: outcomes remain lender- and client-specific.
AI-assisted budgeting and affordability-preparation tools can help clients organise documents, model savings scenarios and understand the questions a lender may ask. Used well, these tools can improve readiness; used poorly, they can create false certainty. Human review remains essential before any application or recommendation.