FTBs account for 40% of transactions - Nationwide

But it says only about 20% of homeowners are in the 20-24 age group compared to 30% ten years ago. Nationwide’s research suggests affordability has deteriorated significantly over the last 10 years. Mortgage payments for a first-time buyer on average earnings now account for around 42% of take-home pay compared with only around 18% in 1996. House prices, by comparison, have increased by more than 200% since 1996, while earnings have increased by less than 50%. Deposit and income multiple constraints are also causing problems for first-time buyers and prevent many from entering the mark...