Research shows that 31% of adults are planning to save towards a property deposit next year, rising sharply to 52% among Generation Z aged 18 to 28

Almost half of UK adults want to improve their financial literacy in 2026, according to new research from Barratt London, as buying a home emerges as one of the most common financial goals for the year ahead.

The research shows that 31% of adults are planning to save towards a property deposit next year, rising sharply to 52% among Generation Z aged 18 to 28.

The findings form part of Barratt London’s Step on the Ladder campaign, which aims to educate aspiring buyers on the home buying process and highlight how home ownership may be more achievable than many expect.

The campaign has also revealed that a lack of understanding about how to buy a home is now the single biggest barrier to home ownership for Gen Z. Around 30% of aspiring buyers in this age group said limited awareness of the buying process ranked higher than saving for a deposit or qualifying for a mortgage.

A quarter of Gen Z respondents said they feel overwhelmed by the idea of buying a home, while almost half of Gen Z and Millennials said not owning a property is holding them back in life.

Craig Carson, regional director at Barratt London, said: We continually hear from young buyers that they don’t know where to start with getting on the ladder. Many aspiring buyers are missing out on advice that would not only help them get on the ladder earlier than they might expect, but at a more affordable price too.

Buying a home is the biggest purchase someone is likely to make in their life and yet financial education around homeownership is almost completely absent from the curriculum. Barratt London helps buyers get on the ladder year-round, with a range of schemes and incentives designed to offer a much needed helping hand, he said.

He added: It’s encouraging to see so many aspiring buyers being proactive in improving their financial literacy and taking steps towards home ownership next year. By raising awareness through this dedicated campaign, we hope that aspiring buyers will feel confident in finding the information and advice they are looking for.