Market update: Surge in first time buyers

By Altius Group

07 Sep 2021

new-25-08-21-1.jpg

For our social media followers throughout 2020, the impact of first-time buyers will come as no surprise. Altius Group is delighted to announce 149 completions so far in 2021. Of this number, a staggering 49% of deal completions are by first-time buyers.

At the beginning of 2021, we anticipated first-time buyers would substantially impact the market in the coming year. Our projection was based on evidencing the continued and ever-increasing first-time buyer registration levels. In Spring, we published our latest market report which noted the extensive interest we were witnessing in businesses for sale from first-time buyers. This interest has now materialised into a number of completions.

Our research and buyer intelligence notes two critical factors contributing to the first-time buyer boom—a fundamental shift in the motivations of first-time buyers and the optimum conditions for them to enter the market.

First-time buyers most cited motivations include a desire to relocate, a passion for a specific sector, or a lifestyle change. The easing of lockdown, staycation explosion, and increased buyer confidence are further driving factors behind this boom.

The strong market is driven by the greater ease with which buyers can finance transactions. Ultra-low interest rates, flexible bank mortgages, and high deposits from residential sales have created a pool of credible buyers who are funded and looking to invest.

We are witnessing deals across all sectors, industries, and locations. Kings Business, are seeing considerable interest in typically rural businesses, having closed on 26 deals. Askham Stores, a Lake District village store, was sold to first-time buyers looking to relocate and saw the business as a new lifestyle opportunity. A 100-year-old Post Office in Gosport was purchased by first-time buyers seeking a new venture and lifestyle change.

The childcare and healthcare sectors are not immune to the first-time buyer boom with 34 deals facilitated by Redwoods Dowling Kerr. Stompers Childcare Services Ltd, a reputable nursery in Aberdeenshire was sold to Flynn Nursery Group Ltd, first-time buyers with prior experience within the sector. Rock Residential Home, a renowned residential care home in Devon was acquired by a first-time buyer with experience in the care sector.

Bruce & Co has witnessed 13 first-time buyers entering the market drawn by operating a business they are passionate about and/or enjoying the spacious properties that can accompany the business sale. Recent examples include the stunning sales of Kinross Guest House in the town of Granton-on-Spey and The Steadings in Inverness-shire.

We expect high levels of first buyer acquisitions to continue throughout 2021. We have observed a 43% rise in buyer registrations in comparison to 2020. This continued increase comes as no surprise, with first-time buyers and experienced operators drawn to the market for long-term prospects and opportunities as buyers seek to acquire a lifestyle business and invest in a new future.

We anticipate a host of acquisitions from first-time buyers to reach completion in the remainder of Q3 and continue to make their positive presence felt on the market throughout Q4.

With more than 30 years of experience in brokering the sale of mid-market SME's, we have completed more than 1,000 transactions in the last five years. We offer our clients bespoke corporate sales packages that are tailored to meet their individual sale goals.

If you are considering selling your business and wish to speak to us regarding a no-obligation business sale consultation, please call us on 01772 775 776

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin