Why is it looking brighter
2026 for First Time Buyers
Buying your first home in Bristol this year?
Good news, 2026 is shaping up to be a far better time to get started.
If you’ve been dreaming about buying your first home in Bristol, 2026 might finally be the year.
The last few years have been tough - rising prices, tight affordability checks, and limited mortgage options haven’t exactly made the journey easy.
But this year, we’re seeing some big changes that could make getting onto the ladder more achievable than you might think.
Let’s break down what’s going on.
And what it means for you.
One of the most promising shifts is the sheer number of mortgage products now available across the UK.
So, is 2026 a good time to buy in Bristol? In short, potentially, yes. Here’s what’s encouraging.
More mortgage choice. More flexible lending. Smaller deposits becoming the norm. Sub‑5% mortgage rates returning
A growing number of first‑time buyers successfully getting into the market
It doesn’t mean buying will be easy - Bristol remains a popular, high‑demand city, but compared to the last few years, the landscape is definitely shifting in buyers’ favour.
If 2026 is your year to stop renting and start owning, it could be a better moment than you think to explore your options, check your borrowing power, and start viewing homes.
Explore our buyer guides and insights
Ocean has been helping first‑time buyers in Bristol for over 40 years.
Share
Free mortgage arrangement
Once we've found the best deal for you, a dedicated team will process the paperwork, track your application, and chase the lender.