Second steppers finding it harder to move

One in three (35%) potential second steppers feel that it's harder to sell their current property now compared to 12 months ago.

Second steppers finding it harder to move

Three in five second steppers find it harder to move up the property ladder than get on in the first place, research from Lloyds Bank found.

One in three (35%) potential second steppers feel that it's harder to sell their current property now compared to 12 months ago.

On average, they have been in their first property for three and a half years, and expect to wait another 18 months before moving up the ladder.

Andrew Mason, mortgages director, Lloyds Bank, said: “When considering their next property purchase, second steppers typically look for more space, a better location and a garden. However, first-time sellers now say they have to wait longer to take the next step in the current buyers’ market.

“The move up the ladder for second steppers is often linked with their aspirations in life, meaning they’ll have to wait until they have raised enough money or found the right property. This is an important step however, as movement from second steppers helps with the flow of properties suitable for first-time buyers on the market.”

Second Steppers now intend to stay in their second property for around five years, with more than a quarter (27%) not planning to move again.

Another 27% are considering staying put to undertake home improvements in case they can’t sell their property within their desired timescale.

However, the majority (59%) still think they will own either one or two more properties in their lifetime before reaching their dream home.