Buying a first home isn’t always easy, but our data suggests that the biggest source of pressure is uncertainty and confusion, rather than the transaction itself.

In our survey of first-time buyers who have purchased in the last two years, we found:

• 46% found the homebuying process confusing
• 44% say the stress of buying made them feel ill
• 42% say it made them feel depressed

The research highlights three clear areas where expectations and reality don’t match up for first-time buyers:

One of the clearest expectation gaps is affordability.

Prospective first-time buyers told us they think they will spend around 26.7% of their income on mortgage costs. In reality, recent first-time buyers spent 31% of their income on average, rising significantly for younger buyers and those living close to London.

This gap matters because it influences decisions long before an application is submitted. By the time a broker is involved, buyers may already have had an offer accepted on a property that doesn’t really fit their budget.

By getting involved early, you can talk affordability through in practical terms, helping first-time buyers understand what they can realistically borrow and what monthly repayments are likely to look like. That reduces the risk of rejections further down the line.

Another clear knowledge gap sits around deposits. Most aspiring owners understand loan-to-value ratios and they know the bigger the deposit the better.

But they might not understand the best ways to save.

Our research found that 40% of prospective first-time buyers are holding their deposit in a current account, while only 14% have their savings in a Lifetime ISA (LISA).

This suggests many buyers may underestimate how little interest current accounts typically pay, or may not be fully aware of the 25% government bonus attached to LISAs.

It’s not your job to give savings advice, but early conversations on how to build a deposit can play an important role in helping buyers take advantage of the benefits available to them.

Recent buyers who used a broker unsurprisingly told us the experience was extremely good.

Almost all (95%) prospective buyers who have used a broker say it was useful, and 91% of recent first-time buyers report a good experience.

But the more striking finding in the research is not how highly brokers are rated (as you’d expect), but how late many buyers engage with mortgage advice.

Only 24% of prospective first-time buyers have used a broker at an early stage of the buying process. This rises to 71% of actual first-time buyers by the time a purchase completes.

In other words, first-time buyers know brokers are valuable; they just don’t think they need one yet.

That timing mismatch can mean missed opportunities, such as considering a LISA, parental support or affordable homeownership schemes. It also allows misconceptions around affordability and eligibility to build up, adding to the stress highlighted in the data.

But when brokers are involved early, they explain the process, manage expectations and help with paperwork, reducing the chance of delays or rejections.

The challenge isn’t proving broker value: our data shows first-time buyers already recognise that. It’s helping them understand when that value is greatest.

Brokers make the biggest difference when they are involved before problems arise, rather than being brought in at the last minute to fix them. Early involvement helps buyers get mortgage-ready, understand realistic affordability and approach their property search with clearer boundaries. Going back to basics with your clients is often needed.

Of course, brokers can’t control when first-time buyers make contact. Many will still arrive after an offer has been accepted, or once a lender has already declined them.

What brokers can do is make it clearer that support is available much earlier in the journey. Positioning yourself as an early-stage guide, not just a mortgage arranger, can hopefully help pull some buyers forward before problems set in.

That might include promoting mortgage-ready checks in your marketing, offering informal online Q&A sessions for those still at the thinking stage, or running free first-time buyer clinics in your local community. Working closely with local estate agents, or speaking to existing clients about helping their adult children, can also open earlier conversations.

The opportunity lies in helping more buyers realise that support is available before worry, rejection or disappointment take hold.

Not every buyer will arrive early. But for those who do, the impact is significant: better preparation, less stress and a smoother path to homeownership.

Research conducted, on behalf of Aldermore bank, by Opinium between 10 October – 3 November 2025, among 2,000 prospective first-time buyers and 500 recent first-time buyers from the last two years.