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

LIDL to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

LIDL to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

2

Inspired board reject takeover bid from major shareholder inspired-500x500.png

Inspired board reject takeover bid from major shareholder

29 Apr 2025

3

Pure Leisure Group Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Twin Lakes Country Club John Morphet at Twin Lakes

Pure Leisure Group Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Twin Lakes Country Club

29 Apr 2025

4

County’s universities join forces to help business community University of Central Lancashire

County’s universities join forces to help business community

29 Apr 2025

5

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
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
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

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

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

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

09:00 - 15:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 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 Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin