The proportion of mortgages taken out by first-time buyers through financial advisers and brokers has fallen to its lowest level, according to figures published today.

Just 10.5 per cent of home loans arranged by them were for people taking their first step on to the property ladder during the three months to the end of September, compared with 10.8 per cent in the previous quarter.

It is the lowest ratio recorded in surveys by Paragon Mortgages.

Friday October 24, 2003