First-timers 'dip into their nest eggs'

People currently saving up for their own homes – including Scottish first-time buyers – have spent a collective £1.98 billion from their nest eggs, according to a financial services provider. In news that may interest those looking to buy a house in Scotland, research by the financial services provider suggests that two-fifths (42 per cent) of such consumers have dipped into their deposit. This is almost four times the 11.2 per cent of people who did so last year. Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, director of Abbey Mortgages, explains: “First-time buyers may be more tempted to dip into their deposit savings this year because of the uncertainty in the market and prospect of falling house prices.” However, she adds that there are a number of reasons for consumers to get on the housing ladder since property remains a good investment for the long term. In related news, the financial services provider recently suggested that Britons prefer fixed-rate deals, despite the fact that further interest rate cuts from the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee are expected.