Claims ‘financial ignorance’ stops Young Renters from buying.

A controversial survey suggests many young people say financial ignorance – not deposits or rents – stop them from buying. Around half of UK adults want to improve their financial literacy in 2026, says property builder Barratt London. The house builder’s research shows that 31% of adults are planning to save towards a property deposit in 2026, rising sharply to 52% among Generation Z aged 18 to 28.

Craig Carson, regional director at Barratt London, says: “We continually hear from young buyers that they don’t know where to start with getting on the ladder. Many aspiring buyers are missing out on advice that would not only help them get on the ladder earlier than they might expect, but at a more affordable price too.

“Buying a home is the biggest purchase someone is likely to make in their life and yet financial education around homeownership is almost completely absent from the curriculum.

“… It’s encouraging to see so many aspiring buyers being proactive in improving their financial literacy and taking steps towards home ownership next year. By raising awareness through this dedicated campaign, we hope that aspiring buyers will feel confident in finding the information and advice they are looking for.”

The research is one element of Barratt London’s Step on the Ladder campaign, which seeks to educate would-be buyers on the home purchasing process and highlight how home ownership may be more achievable than they imagine.

Matthew Dean

12th January 2026.