Andrew Brint

Based on three different data sets, the average age for a first-time buyer in the UK is 34 – a figure that has been rising over the last decade, whichever analysis you look at.

Bedrooms that never get used? Too much time spent cleaning and fixing? Yearning to be mortgage free? It may be time to weigh up the pros and cons of downsizing to a smaller property.

Spring traditionally sees a peak in property interest and there are signs that this is definitely the season to move home. Many of the metrics we monitor are on the up, starting with asking prices. The figures show confidence among sellers continues to build.