The average deposit for those in search of a home has come to rest, for now, at more than 26,500 pounds.  Also according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the average age of those who are in search of a home for the first time is 37 years old.  This is taking into account the person is not receiving any assistance from the family.  Grant Shapps, housing minister, is making a nationwide suggestion.  Seek out your mates as possible roommates.  Pooling your funds will help make it possible to afford the high cost of a deposit on a home.

Helen Adams, of Firstrungnow.com, commented on sharing mortgage costs as a way to affording a new dwelling, saying: "Buying with friends or family can be a way of lowering the amount of deposit you need and sharing mortgage and running costs. Another advantage is you have an in-built social life. In many case friends have rented together before – so why not purchase together?"

This is a way to move into a house sooner rather than later, and could even be an avenue to ownership that might not take place otherwise.  This does not however solve the problem of lenders being too cautious, and not willing to take any risk on first time buyers.

James Hillon, head of mortgages at the Co-operative Bank and Britannia, remarked on first timers and their widely known difficulties they encounter, saying: "We know how difficult it can be for first-time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder. We've seen a lot of siblings or groups of friends who have chosen this type of mortgage.  As well as making their first home more affordable it also gives a lot of flexibility – there is no limit to the overpayments they can make, plus there are no penalties or tie-ins."