The number of people buying for the first time is rising but behind the sales figures, sacrifices are being made.

At the end of last year, the number of first time buyers in the capital had fallen to 19 per cent, a figure thought to reveal how much the property market was struggling. Now with the same group making up almost 30 per cent of sales, is this a sign that the market is booming?

The research emerged from Haart estate agents and its chief executive, Paul Smith, although optimistic, puts the figures in context: “Many potential first-time buyers were sitting on their hands waiting to see what would happen to the market. Recently we have seen a resurgence of this all important group to 28 per cent of the market share, as confidence has returned. However, in early 2004, they represented 35 per cent of the market. We are obviously not there yet, but we are confident of reaching this level again soon.”

While more people are willing to get onto the property ladder, the restraining factor is an obvious one, namely affordability. Recently, another survey revealed the lengths first time buyers were going to in order to get on the property ladder. Cuts to social life and holidays are the norm and one in 10 people took a second job. The research was carried out by mortgage broker Purely Mortgages, which claims 62 per cent of buyers said that they had changed their lifestyle to afford a new home.

Mark Chilton, chief executive of Purely Mortgages, said: “It seems the UK will go to any lengths to maintain its love affair with home ownership and as house prices have continued to rise, people are adopting even more drastic cost cutting measures to get that first step on the ladder” Borrowing money from parents is now commonplace and 26 per cent of buyers took a 100 per cent mortgage. The situation is less than ideal and with budgets tight, buying in up and coming areas is another route to affordability.

Property Link in Twickenham has one bedroom apartments in Whitton – an area attracting more buyers and developers. The apartments are nearing completion.

They are priced from £179,975, which could be within budget for a couple looking for their first home.

Property Link has a range of properties under £200,000 and you can find out more by calling 020 8892 5151 or visiting www.property-link.net.