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What happened: Down payment assistance programs, designed to aid homebuyers, have seen increased demand due to rising home prices. In the U.S., buyers are saving for down payments often exceeding $50,000. A study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that the UK's Help to Buy scheme primarily benefited higher earners and had limited impact on social mobility.

Market impact: This narrative affects the housing sector and first-time homebuyers. In the U.S., it's pushing up the average down payment required, pricing out lower-income buyers. In the UK, it raises questions about the equity and effectiveness of government assistance programs. Real estate companies, mortgage lenders, and homebuilders may face shifts in demand and customer profiles.

What to watch next: In the U.S., monitor the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, which could influence home affordability. In the UK, track the government's response to the IFS report and any potential changes to the Help to Buy scheme. Additionally, watch for updates on home price indices in both countries to gauge the evolution of this narrative.