The average age of first-time buyers has barely moved in more than a decade.

After examining “data on every UK mortgage” reported to the financial regulator in the 12 years to 2018, researchers at the Bank of England found that the average age of the first-time buyer had risen over the period by only 12 months to 31 years old.

During the same period – between 2006 and 2018 – the average house price rose 30% from £177,000 to £230,000, while home ownership fell from 70% to 65% as prices rose and mortgage regulations tightened.