Housing affordability in the UK has worsened notably since 2020, with the share of income spent on mortgage rising for first-time and repeat buyers. In 2023, homebuyers spent, on average, 20.6 percent of their income on mortgage payments, 4.4 percentage points higher than in 2020. This increase was higher for first-time buyers than for repeat buyers. House prices have soared since the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a dramatic increase in interest rates. As fewer people can afford to buy a home, the number of mortgage approvals for house purchase has dropped.

When comparing the mortgage or rental costs incurred by owners with mortgage, private renters and social renters in England, private renters pay a considerably larger share of their income than the other two groups. While owner occupiers with mortgages paid approximately 18.7 percent of their income on mortgage in 2024, private renters paid 34 percent, or more than one third. In terms of average monthly costs, renting a three-bedroom house is more expensive than buying.

Expenditure on rent by renters and mortgages by mortgage holders, by region and age from the Living Costs and Food Survey for the financial year ending 2022. Data is presented as a proportion of total expenditure and a proportion of disposable income.

In the UK, the only occupation group which could easily afford a mortgage in 2023 was managers, directors, and senior officials. First-time buyers in these positions spent on average 27.6 percent of their take-home pay on mortgage payments. At the other end of the spectrum were sales and customer service employees, who spent close to 55 percent of their take-home pay on mortgage payments.

In the 3rd quarter of 2024, the debt of households in the United Kingdom amounted to 120 percent of their income. This indicator shows the average level of indebtedness of the the general population and their ability to repay their debts. The total value of household debt (total liabilities and loans to households) has increased annually since 2000. Debt to income ratio increased during the pandemic As we have seen here, households have been decreasing their indebtedness levels in the past years. However, the volume of new consumer lending actually soared between 2022 and 2024. Meanwhile, the growth rate of mortgages in the UK has remained lower these past years, but it has also shown an increase on amount of lending.

Indebtedness in Europe The household debt of many countries in Europe as a share of their disposable income in 2024 was over 100 percent. That was mostly the case for Northern and Western European countries, such as Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Germany and Austria were some of the largest exceptions, as they were among the few countries in that part of Europe with households' debt representing less than 80 percent of hteir income.

Average weekly household expenditure on goods and services in the UK. Data are shown by region, age, income (including equivalised) group (deciles and quintiles), economic status, socio-economic class, housing tenure, output area classification, urban and rural areas (Great Britain only), place of purchase and household composition.

Affordability ratios calculated by dividing house prices by gross annual residence-based earnings. Based on the median and lower quartiles of both house prices and earnings in England and Wales.

This statistic shows the ratio of house prices to household income in the United Kingdom from 1976 to 2016. In 1976 the ratio of house prices to household income was 2.64. This has risen to 4.54 in 2016. The lowest ratio at any point in this statistic was 2.23 in 1996.

UK adults aged 35 to 44 were most likely to have a mortgage loan in 2022, with more than half of the respondents in a nationally representative survey sharing that they held one in their own name or joint names. The average for the country stood at 28 percent at that time. Among older generations, the percentage of mortgage holders declined, as these were more likely to have already paid off their mortgage.

The cost-to-income ratio of the United Kingdom (UK)-headquartered Nationwide Building Society fluctuated overall between 2011 and 2024, peaking at 75.9 percent in 2020. After declining to its lowest point in 2023 at 41.9 percent during this period, by 2024 it slightly increased and stood at 51.9 percent.

In 2022, selling assets was the most popular option among interest-only mortgage borrowers in the UK to pay off the remaining mortgage capital. The proportion of respondents who intended to sell assets, inheritance, or utilize pensions or savings to finance their mortgage repayments was 47 percent. Additionally, about 23 percent of respondents planned to sell the mortgaged house to make the repayment and 15 percent planned to take out a new type of mortgage to pay off the old mortgage. Many individuals were unaware of their repayment plan or had never considered it, totaling 17 percent.

The house price ratio in the United Kingdom (UK) increased in the third quarter of 2024, after falling for the past two years. The ratio measures the development of housing affordability and is calculated by dividing nominal house price by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 set as a base year when the index amounted to 100. The UK's index score in the third quarter of 2024 amounted to 109.2, which means that house price growth has outpaced income growth by nine percent since 2015. This was close, but still lower than the Euro area 17 average.

Portugal, Canada, and the United States were the countries with the highest house price to income ratio in 2023. In all three countries, the index exceeded 130 index points, while the average for all OECD countries stood at 117.5 index points. The index measures the development of housing affordability and is calculated by dividing nominal house price by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 set as a base year when the index amounted to 100. An index value of 120, for example, would mean that house price growth has outpaced income growth by 20 percent since 2015. How have house prices worldwide changed since the COVID-19 pandemic? House prices started to rise gradually after the global financial crisis (2007–2008), but this trend accelerated with the pandemic. The countries with advanced economies, which usually have mature housing markets, experienced stronger growth than countries with emerging economies. Real house price growth (accounting for inflation) peaked in 2022 and has since lost some of the gain. Although, many countries experienced a decline in house prices, the global house price index shows that property prices in 2023 were still substantially higher than before COVID-19. Renting vs. buying In the past, house prices have grown faster than rents. However, the home affordability has been declining notably, with a direct impact on rental prices. As people struggle to buy a property of their own, they often turn to rental accommodation. This has resulted in a growing demand for rental apartments and soaring rental prices.

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Payday Loans Market Size 2025-2029

The payday loans market size is forecast to increase by USD 9.9 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness and acceptance among young demographics and the expanding number of lenders offering these short-term financial solutions. However, it is essential to acknowledge the controversy surrounding payday loans, with concerns regarding their high interest rates and potential for debt traps. This market's dynamic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders. On the one hand, the rising demand for quick and accessible credit solutions, particularly among underbanked populations, offers a lucrative business opportunity. Moreover, technological advancements have streamlined the application and approval process, making payday loans increasingly convenient for consumers. On the other hand, regulatory scrutiny and growing public awareness of the potential risks associated with payday loans necessitate careful navigation of this market. Companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities in the market must prioritize transparency, ethical business practices, and compliance with evolving regulations to build trust and maintain a strong market position.

What will be the Size of the Payday Loans Market during the forecast period?

Request Free SampleThe market encompasses short-term, high-interest loans designed to provide immediate cash for individuals facing financial emergencies or cash shortages. This market caters to those in need of quick access to funds, often through unsecured personal loans or payday lenders. High-interest rates characterize these loans, with online loan applications streamlining the process and enabling rapid digitization. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms facilitate loan decisions based on pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of income. Despite controversy surrounding high-interest rates and potential predatory lending practices, the market continues to grow. Young adults and those burdened by college debt increasingly turn to payday loans for financial relief. The industry's shift towards online platforms enhances accessibility, while borrower protection measures aim to mitigate debt pressure. The market remains a significant player in the broader consumer lending landscape, with ongoing innovation in fintech solutions and lending platforms shaping its future direction.

How is this Payday Loans Industry segmented?

The payday loans industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeStorefront payday loansOnline payday loansConsumerSingleMarriedAge Group31-4021-3051 and above41-50Less than 21GeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaSouth AmericaMiddle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The storefront payday loans segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.Payday loans, also known as short-term loans, provide immediate cash for individuals facing financial emergencies or cash shortages. The market for payday loans includes both storefront lenders and online platforms. While storefront lenders allow borrowers to apply and receive approval in person, online payday loans offer a streamlined application process and increased convenience. However, consumer advocacy groups have raised concerns regarding predatory lending practices, such as high-interest rates and fees. Regulatory bodies have implemented measures like interest rate caps and limits on fees to protect consumers. The use of automated underwriting systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms in online payday lending has expedited the loan application process and approval decisions. Traditional bank loans, with their lengthy application processes and stringent credit requirements, offer alternative financial solutions for those with limited credit history. Despite the controversy surrounding payday loans, they continue to be a popular choice for young adults and middle-aged individuals during financial crises. The market is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing digitization of financial infrastructure and the availability of online lending platforms and digital payment methods.

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The Storefront payday loans segment was valued at USD 23.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 46% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and driv

Attitudes towards savings and debt differ greatly among countries worldwide. While the household debt in Denmark represented a 255 percent of their disposable income in 2021, those figures amounted to 26 percent in Mexico. Household debt represented a 148 percent of disposable income in the UK and 101 percent in the U.S..

Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many businesses have had to close their doors or have struggled to pay rent. As a result, commercial property landlords suffered loss of income, leading to failure to repay mortgage loans. In 2020, the default rate of commercial real estate mortgages rose to 4.6 percent, which is the highest value observed since the global financial crisis.

In 2023, the average mortgage rates in European countries varied from 2.6 percent in Bulgaria to over eight percent in Hungary. The mortgage rate for a home purchase is decided depending on the individual situation of the homebuyer, their credit history, and income, but they also follow macro determinants including the base lending rate, inflation, economic growth, and the health of the housing market. Starts, completions and prices The supply of new housing varies in different countries in Europe. In 2023, the number of new housing units completed per 1,000 citizens was between 0.8 and seven, with this number varying greatly in different countries. Ireland and Poland were among the countries with most completed housing units. When it comes to housing starts, Ireland tops the ranking. The average transaction price of a new dwelling in 2023 ranged anywhere from roughly 1,300 euros per square meter to under 5,000 euros per square meter. Housing stock As the most populous country in Europe, Germany has the largest housing stock. Comparing the number of housing units per 1,000 citizens is an easy way to identify housing shortages. In Greece and the UK, for example, the number of dwellings per 1,000 citizens measured less than 400, compared to Bulgaria and Spain, where it was around 600.

Public sector net debt amounted to 88.9 percent of gross domestic product in the United Kingdom during the 2023/24 financial year, rising to 97.8 percent when the Bank of England is included. This is the highest debt incurred by the government since the early 1960s. After peaking at 251.7 percent shortly after the end of the Second World War, government debt in the UK gradually fell, before a sharp increase in the late 2000s at the time of the global financial crisis. Debt not expected to start falling until 2029/30 In 2022/23, the UK's government expenditure was approximately 1.15 trillion pounds, around 45.3 percent of GDP. This spending was financed by 1.02 trillion pounds of revenue raised, and 1.28 billion pounds of borrowing. Although the UK government can still borrow money in the future, it also needs to abide by certain fiscal rules, one of which is that debt should be falling within a five-year timeframe. Recent forecasts suggest that while this is expected to be the case, it is based on falling government deficits in the next five years. Next government faces hard choices Whoever wins the UK's 2024 general election will face tough economic choices in the coming years. Hitting fiscal targets, such as reducing the national debt, will require a careful balancing of the books, and possibly the need for either spending cuts or tax rises. The two major parties, Labour and the Conservatives, have both ruled out raising the main government tax sources, Income Tax, National Insurance, and VAT, and have so far remained silent on possible spending cuts. With limits on borrowing, and no tax rises or spending cuts, maintaining, let alone improving public services, will prove a challenging prospect for the next government.

The house price to income index in Europe declined in almost all European countries in 2023, indicating that income grew faster than house prices. Portugal, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands led the house price to income index ranking in 2023, with values exceeding 125 index points. Romania, Bulgaria, and Finland were on the other side of the spectrum, with less than 100 index points. The house price to income ratio is an indicator for the development of housing affordability across OECD countries and is calculated as the nominal house prices divided by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 chosen as a base year. A ratio higher than 100 means that the nominal house price growth since 2015 has outpaced the nominal disposable income growth, and housing is therefore comparatively less affordable. In 2023, the OECD average stood at 117.4 index points.

The ability to offset mortgage interest payments and other fees was the biggest driver for setting up a limited company, according to landlords in the UK in 2023. Additionally, 57 percent of respondents picked the ability to pay corporation tax over income tax. The rise of limited companies as a preferred vehicle for landlords is a result of the changes to Section 24, which substitute the ability to offset mortgage interest payments with a 20 percent tax credit.