Is Manchester calling you? It’s officially the UK’s hottest spot for first-time buyers!
A new study by Halifax has revealed that 75% of homes bought with mortgages in Manchester last year were snapped up by first-time buyers. This surge in first-time buyers is thought to be driven by the sky-high house prices in London, pushing people to look elsewhere for their dream homes.
Where are the First-Time Buyer Hotspots?
The top 10 list of first-time buyer hotspots is dominated by areas outside of London, with Manchester taking the crown. Other areas include:
- Thurrock in Essex
- Dartford in Kent
- Slough
- Reading
- Luton
Why is Manchester so Popular?
Manchester offers a diverse range of housing options, from swanky modern apartments in regenerated areas to charming traditional terraced houses in the suburbs. This variety, coupled with a buzzing cultural scene and a strong jobs market, has made it a magnet for first-time buyers.
The average price for a first-time buyer property in Manchester is a more affordable £212,800, which is significantly less than the national average of £247,800 (excluding London).
Slough on the Rise
Coming in at second place is Slough in Berkshire. A significant 73% of homes bought with mortgages were purchased by first-time buyers, a big jump from 54% in 2020.
Slough’s popularity is boosted by its excellent rail links to London, including the new Elizabeth line, and its proximity to Heathrow airport. While more expensive than Manchester, the average price of £322,900 is still lower than nearby London.
Affordable Homes in the West Midlands
Sandwell in the West Midlands secures third place on the list, also with 73% of homes purchased by first-time buyers. This surge is likely due to the attractive average house price of £179,000, making it a significantly cheaper option compared to the UK average.
The Top 10 First-Time Buyer Hotspots
Here’s the full list of the top 10 locations outside of London where first-time buyers are flocking:
- Manchester
- Slough
- Sandwell
- Leicester/Oadby
- Reading
- Thurrock
- Dartford
- Knowsley
- Wolverhampton
- Luton