North East highlighted as house price inflation hotspot: Lender hosts free event to help First-Time Buyers navigate tougher market

As annual house price inflation in the North East accelerates, rising to 7.8% in the 12 months to June 2025 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Newcastle Building Society is staging a free, in-person First-Time Buyer event at its flagship Monument branch to help buyers navigate the process of purchasing a home.

The event, taking place on Saturday, October 4th 1-4pm, will be hosted by the Society’s team of expert First-Time Buyer coaches who will offer practical, jargon-free guidance on every step of the home buying process – from saving for a deposit through to mortgage options and the application process. First-Time Buyers must register to attend.

ONS figures show the North East’s annual property inflation was 7.8% in the year to June 2025 (up from 5.8% in the year to May 2025) – the biggest increase anywhere in England – while London was the slowest growing region at 0.8% over the same period. With the average house price in the North East now at £163,684 according to data from the Land Registry, prospective First-Time Buyers in the North East must ensure their savings work harder than ever, and clear, local advice can make the difference between a stalled plan and successful purchase.

Mark Wilkinson, head of mortgage advice at Newcastle Building Society, said: “House prices in the North East are rising faster than anywhere else in England, and what we’re hearing from First-Time Buyers is that saving for a deposit and navigating mortgage options feels increasingly out of reach.

“As a Society, we’re committed to supporting as many First-Time Buyers as possible in getting a foot onto the property ladder. Our First-Time Buyer event is designed to give people clear, practical guidance so they can plan with confidence. Whether this means understanding what deposit they need, exploring schemes such as shared ownership, or discovering what mortgage they might qualify for, our First-Time Buyer coaches will be on hand to explain the options and help people to take the next step.”

First-Time Buyer case study

Stephen Harding, 39, lives in Gateshead, and works as a Digital Library Manager at Newcastle University. He’s also a part-time DJ in the local music scene.

Now newly engaged to his partner James, Stephen is preparing for a big life change. The couple currently live apart, each owning their own property. But with wedding plans on the horizon and their dog Oscar in tow, they’re looking to sell both homes and find a shared place in Gateshead with plenty of space and a garden.

Stephen popped into Newcastle Building Society’s Monument branch and received expert guidance from mortgage adviser Hayley – who is also one of the Society’s dedicated First-Time Buyer coaches.

Stephen said: “Hayley was so friendly and welcoming from the start. Even though I’ve had a mortgage before, this situation felt more complex: two homes to sell, combining finances, and securing a joint mortgage for the first time. But Hayley broke it all down for me. I left that meeting with a clear list of actions and a genuine sense of confidence.

“She didn’t just give me information, she really listened and showed a genuine interest in me as an individual, adapting her advice to me as a person. There was no pressure, no hard sell, just honest, practical guidance. She answered all my questions and showed me the tools we could use to figure out affordability together.”

For more information on Newcastle Building Society’s First-Time Buyer event and to register, visit: https://newcastle.co.uk/ftb-event