Solo first-time buyers are more common now than in the 1980s

Solo homeownership is becoming increasingly common, despite the barriers (Picture: Getty Images)

Whether it’s the power to split the weekly food shop, the council tax, or the mortgage, there’s little doubt it’s cheaper to buy as a couple.

But for many single people, particularly women, getting on the housing ladder can prove a lot more complicated, particularly without a high-flying six-figure salary or help from the Bank of Mum and Dad.

Now, there’s reason to remain optimistic, as new statistics find it’s actually more common to buy your first home solo in 2026 than it was pre-1980.

The insight, commissioned by Barclays, finds single first-time buyers are now more than twice as prevalent, which the bank attributes towards changing lifestyles and a stronger desire for financial independence.

A mere 15% of people who bought their first home before 1980 say they achieved it by themselves, and 83% of this generation of homeowners got on the ladder for the first time with a partner.

However, between 2020 and 2026, this figure has dropped to 54%, while in June, more than one third of completions (36.9%), were made by solo buyers.

Naturally, that’s not to say that it’s at all easy for people to become homeowners by themselves; statistically, single women are the least likely cohort to be able to afford it, largely owing to the gender pay gap.

In fact, one previous study published by the Women’s Budget Group found women need more than 12 times their annual salaries to be able to buy a home in England, but men need just over eight times.

The situation actually worsens in both London and the South East, as women need to earn anywhere between 18 times and 16 times their paycheck just to gain mortgaged access to their own four walls.

Nevertheless, there are some out there who are bucking the trend.

While 30% of all homeowners say they bought their first home alone, this figure rises to 38% of men, compared to 23% of women.

Women were also more likely to cite trust as a barrier towards buying with someone else, as 31% said they simply didn’t trust anyone else enough.

As for age, 32% were aged between 16 and 34, while 34% were between 35 and 54, and 27% were 55 and over, proving it’s now taking longer for people to quit renting and get into their first homes.

Gender and age aside, most people who do manage to get on the ladder themselves do so purely out of circumstance. Almost one third (29%) said they valued the independence of solo homeownership, while 55% felt homeownership is the ultimate form of long-term financial security.

Statistically, it’s more difficult for single women to buy a home (Picture: Getty Images)

Naturally, generational wealth does come into this, which necessitates an element of privilege not every prospective homeowner has access to.

Four in 10 homeowners (39%) received a contribution from their parents towards buying their first home, a figure which rises to 53% for people who got onto the ladder post-2020.

‘I bought alone after a break-up with a partner’

Two years ago, 32-year-old Stephanie Moir was renting with her partner. Together, they were steadily working towards buying together, topping up their savings pots each month.

But when their relationship broke down, and they decided to end things, she didn’t want to leave the prospect of homeownership behind.

She didn’t want to commit to a lifetime membership of Generation Rent purely because she was now single.

She tells Metro: ‘I needed to find somewhere to live. I only had half of what would’ve been a full deposit, but I managed to buy a place of my own through a shared ownership scheme.

‘The upside was I could afford to buy a place of my own, but the downside was I would have to pay rent on top of a mortgage.

‘I worked out I’d be able to cover the amount, but it wouldn’t leave me with much to account for savings or emergencies.’

55% feel homeownership is the ultimate form of long-term security (Picture: Getty Images)

So, Stephanie devised a plan: she’d only consider two-bedroom properties, so she could rent out the spare room for some extra cash.

Living near a university, she received a lot of interest from students, and quickly had a mature student, who was 26 at the time, fill the room. She charges her £725 per month in rent.

‘She was a great match as she would be out of the house studying a lot of the time, which was perfect for me as I work from home and don’t have a lot of extra space,’ she says.

‘We also work on pretty opposite schedules, which has worked out well for both of us. Since she’s a student, this meant I could keep my single person’s discount, and financially this worked out the same.

‘The money has not only helped me afford my monthly bills, but also put money aside for holidays and savings. These two years have been instrumental in helping me find my feet and regain my independence.’

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