CONTINUING stability in the housing market appears to be helping many first-time buyers shun long-term mortgages and be far savvier with their offers.

According to Yorkshire Bank, 43 per cent of first-time buyers are now prepared to risk offering under the asking price and then only raising it if really required.

Research also found a number of first-time buyers are keeping their fingers crossed for a continuing hot British summer and hoping the Bank of England doesn't lose its cool on interest rates.

The rate hasn't changed for 11 months.