BIRMINGHAM, England, September 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

First time buyers will give up on a new car and cut down on holidays when saving for their dream home - but they insist on looking good and hanging on to their hair and beauty regime.

A survey into savings habits by building society the West Brom showed that more than half of the 1,741 respondents would happily park their car buying plans (53%) or give their holiday spending a break (65%) if it helped them towards their first house.

Yet only one in four (26%) would give the chop to a decent hair-do or otherwise compromise on beauty and grooming products.

Top of the list for things would-be homeowners are prepared to compromise on is eating out (66%), with electronic gadgets (46%) and new clothes (43%) also featuring prominently.

Fewer people are prepared to reduce spending on food shopping (5%), delay starting a family (10%) or abandon their long term savings or pension plans (19%) in order to achieve home ownership.

David Taylor, head of products at the West Brom, said: "Growth in house prices means there are no easy routes to owning your first home and people have to consider making compromises.  What is encouraging is that long term saving is among the things buyers are least likely to give way on. They may be focusing on the near future in terms of wanting to buy a property, but can also see the sense in making plans for later in life."

Most buyers accept they will have to wait before securing a suitable deposit for their first house purchase. The survey found 22% are prepared to give it one year, while 42% are willing to wait for three years or more to reach their goal.  

Some would even quit rented accommodation and move back in with their families if it made it easier to build up a deposit.  A quarter (26%) said they would do so 'if necessary' and six per cent were already trying it, although 38% valued their independence too much and refused to consider the idea.

The West Brom's David Taylor added: "Buying a home is a huge financial and emotional step and people must consider their priorities and spending patterns. We would advise first time buyers to save regularly, budget carefully and make a proper financial plan to help realise their dream. Those choices include seeking the best mortgage to suit their needs now and in the future."

Notes to editors  

Things would-be home owners are most willing to compromise on in order to get on the property ladder:

   
Eating out                                 66%
Going on holiday                           65%
Buying a new car                           53%
Having the latest electronic gadget        46%
Buying new clothes                         43%
Socialising with friends                   39%
Hair and beauty / grooming products        26%
Long term savings plans                    19%
Starting a family                          10%
Food shopping (ie spending less)            5%

(Source: Opinion Matters. Sample size 1,741 UK adults)

The West Brom is a provider of savings, investments and residential mortgages and the UK's seventh largest building society.

SOURCE The West Bromwich Building Society