First-Time Buyer Support Expands Across UK, Australia, US, Scotland

First-time homebuyers face a range of challenges globally, including rising average ages at purchase and financial strain from high costs. In the UK, the average first-time buyer is now 33 years old, with brokers emphasizing early financial education and alternative mortgage options to help buyers enter the market sooner. Skipton Building Society has introduced a mortgage allowing first-time buyers to delay repayments for three months, providing temporary financial relief despite interest accruing during this period. In Australia, parental financial support for first-time buyers has shifted significantly towards non-repayable gifts, though even large contributions often fall short due to high market prices. Scotland offers the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, enabling priority groups such as social renters and veterans to buy homes with partial government ownership to improve affordability. In the US, the city of Antioch provides up to $100,000 in assistance and supportive education programs for low- to moderate-income first-time buyers, aiming to facilitate homeownership through financial aid and counseling.