New Rightmove analysis shows the government's Your First Home scheme may significantly expand purchasing power for single first-time buyers in England
The government's Your First Home scheme could more than double the number of new-build homes within reach of the average solo first-time buyer in England. That's the finding of new analysis from property platform Rightmove, released on Friday 2 October 2026. Under the scheme, buyers would put down 2.5%, access a government equity loan covering 20%, and take out a mortgage on the balance.
That shifts the price ceiling from £216,758 to £265,703 — a gain of nearly £49,000. The cash deposit required falls from £10,838 to £6,643.
Rightmove estimates this could lift the affordable new-build share in England by 114%. The analysis draws on current stock levels and ONS regional salary data.
Where does the Your First Home scheme have the greatest regional impact?
The North West stands out as the region where the scheme could deliver the most immediate benefit.
Its share of affordable new-build stock could climb from 20% to 31%. Yorkshire and The Humber would also see a significant shift, with the affordable proportion rising from roughly 10% to 22%.
Hull tops the local table, with 75% of its new-build stock falling within reach of an average-wage solo buyer. Liverpool reaches 72% and Luton 53%.
For brokers in these markets, the data offers a practical starting point for conversations with clients who may not have considered new-build as a realistic option.
Alex Slater, director of New Homes at Rightmove, said a smaller deposit combined with an equity loan could bring thousands more homes within reach of solo buyers.
"The final details announced at the Budget will be crucial, particularly any income and property price caps and regional variations," he said. "However, the early figures underline the potential for a well-targeted scheme to help more first-time buyers overcome both the deposit and borrowing barriers."
What does the data mean for broker conversations?
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, urged brokers to frame the data carefully in client conversations.
"Helping solo first-time buyers overcome the deposit and borrowing hurdles could make a real difference, particularly in areas where new-build homes are already within reach of average local earnings," he said. "But increasing purchasing power does not automatically mean buyers will find the right home at the right price."
Emerson noted that affordability remains a balance between mortgage capacity, deposit size and available supply. The scheme's impact will vary significantly by market.
Brokers will find that affordable entry points for first-time buyers across the UK differ sharply between North and South. The Your First Home scheme does not erase that divide.
Ian Harris, president of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Propertymark, offered a similar note of caution.
"Affordability on paper does not always translate into affordability at the point of purchase," he said. "Buyers are still facing higher borrowing costs and the challenge of raising a deposit, with many having to compromise on property type, location or budget."
For brokers, that points to a clear advisory opportunity. With industry pressure ahead of the October Budget intensifying, the Your First Home scheme adds another variable that clients will need help navigating.
How will Budget details affect Your First Home scheme lender appetite?
Rightmove stresses that its analysis reflects scheme details announced to date. Final affordability and eligibility will depend on the rules confirmed at the Budget, including income caps, property price limits and participating developers.
The house price recovery forecast for 2026 assumed a gradual improvement in first-time buyer conditions. A well-designed Your First Home scheme could accelerate uptake in the regions where new-build supply most closely matches solo buyer budgets.
For brokers, the immediate actions are clear. Understand the Your First Home scheme's eligibility rules before the Budget; identify which lenders are likely to participate; and map the affordability data for your patch. Those who do will be ahead of the client enquiries that follow the Budget announcement.
