The new must-have for people buying their first home is a garden according to a Cumbrian building society.

Research by The Cumberland revealed that out of a survey of 200 first-time buyers, 85 per cent said that a garden was important to them.

The Cumberland’s area manager for mortgages, Jack Green, said the study has tackled some myths around buying a first home.

He said: “It’s great to find out that a third of those people who took part in our survey thought buying their first home was much easier than they had expected it to be.

“Although it’s no surprise that being in a chain and having initial offers rejected were two things first-time buyers found challenging.

“Understandably, 25 per cent said their biggest source of support came from family, but we were delighted to discover that 38 per cent said their mortgage advisor and lender were hugely helpful.”

You can read more about the study at https://www.cumberland.co.uk/news/blooming-marvelous-the-great-first-time-buyer-survey-results-revealed.

Part of the reason for gardens being put higher up on the wish lists of fir-time buyers is an increased appreciation for the outdoors following as a result of lockdown.