UK rental sector growth and first‑time buyer savings challenges

Deposit‑replacement provider Reposit reported a 58% rise in sales in the first half of 2026, driven by a more than doubling of sales to the build‑to‑rent sector and the addition of over 195 new agent partners. The firm secured exclusive partnerships with Goodlord, Mydeposits and integrated with Let Alliance and HomeLet’s Vision+ platform, providing more than £34 million of cover for landlords and helping tenants avoid over £17 million in upfront moving costs.

Research by comparison site Reallymoving found that a solo first‑time buyer in England would need to save for 113 months – about nine and a half years – to afford a £27,315 deposit and associated costs for an average £250,000 home. Savings periods vary regionally, with London buyers in the capital facing up to 13 years, while those in the North East need around six and a half years. Using a Lifetime ISA can cut the required time by 23 months, and the government plans to replace the LISA with a First Time Buyer ISA in 2028.