Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Anna White

Everything London's first-time buyers need to know to get on the ladder in 2026

There have been 32 viewings on this one-bed flat in London Fields, which has an asking price of £550k - (Stow Brothers)

First-time buyers have returned in earnest to the home sales market this January, taking advantage of discounted prices, falling interest rates — the Bank of England reduced the base rate from four to 3.75 per cent in December — and an increase in high loan-to-value mortgages.

The price of a flat in London is at its lowest since Covid-19 swept across the UK and the housing market was forcibly shut.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.