Around 64% of prospective first-time buyers said raising a deposit was a major barrier to a property purchase, but increased product innovation could unlock demand. According to the latest Building Societies Association (BSA) Property Tracker survey, which surveyed around 2,104 adults, in January 2026, around 64% of prospective first-time buyers said raising a deposit was a major barrier to a property purchase. Approximately 30% in this age group said stamp duty was a barrier, a rise from 24% last year. The BSA said this would risk discouraging older homeowners from moving, “reducing the supply of homes coming to the market”. Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage and housing policy at the BSA, said: “We are starting to see more encouraging signs for first-time buyers.