Manchester is the top spot for first-time buyers
When you are buying a home, cost and finances will almost certainly be at the top of the list of concerns — particularly if you are on a tight budget and haven’t yet dipped your toe into the housing market.
First-time buyers make up a significant proportion of all property purchases, which is why the government provides various schemes to help with that first step. But one of the key questions — assuming there are no major ties to one location — is where the most cost-effective place to buy actually is.
New research by Lloyds Bank has identified the hottest locations for first-time buyers across Great Britain. Manchester has come out on top as the most popular, while Worcester is the fastest-growing location in the first-time buyer market. Regionally, the East of England is faring best overall, with four locations in the top ten areas by first-time buyer share.
Why Manchester leads the way
The Lloyds research looked at places across the country outside London where first-time buyers make up the highest proportion of all mortgaged home purchases — particularly relevant after several years of higher prices and rising borrowing costs. As Lloyds notes, affordability is improving, and there are clear hotspots where first-time buyer activity is thriving.
What makes Manchester particularly popular is a combination of affordable housing, strong job opportunities, excellent transport links and a number of major regeneration projects in some of the city’s less affluent areas. The proportion of first-time buyers in Manchester reached its highest level for six years in 2025.
Top 10 areas with the biggest first-time buyer share
| Location | Region | % of FTBs (2025) | Average FTB price (2025) | Difference from regional average |
| Manchester | North-West | 70.2% | £230,090 | +£38,110 |
| Sandwell | West Midlands | 69.7% | £185,235 | -£45,491 |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 69.4% | £214,825 | -£15,900 |
| Luton | East of England | 69.4% | £251,798 | -£59,990 |
| Thurrock | East of England | 68.2% | £289,819 | -£21,969 |
| Leicester/Oadby | East Midlands | 66.9% | £221,663 | +£2,718 |
| Coventry | West Midlands | 66.5% | £193,022 | -£37,703 |
| Harlow | East of England | 66.1% | £265,156 | -£46,632 |
| Stevenage | East of England | 65.9% | £286,949 | -£24,838 |
| Salford | North-West | 65.6% | £201,682 | +£9,703 |
| GB average (excl. London) | 46.3% | £254,920 | N/A |
Top 10 fastest-growing first-time buyer markets
| Local authority area | Region | % of FTBs (2024) | % of FTBs (2025) | Increase in market share | Average FTB price (2025) |
| Worcester | West Midlands | 40.6% | 58.7% | +18.1 | £224,056 |
| Runnymede | South-East | 47.1% | 62.4% | +15.3 | £445,236 |
| East Hampshire | South-East | 33.6% | 48.8% | +15.1 | £393,716 |
| Angus | Scotland | 31.2% | 44.2% | +13.0 | £151,548 |
| West Lancashire | North-West | 31.6% | 44.6% | +13.0 | £203,461 |
| Vale of White Horse | South-East | 37.5% | 50.0% | +12.5 | £347,004 |
| Farnham | South-East | 33.7% | 45.8% | +12.1 | £288,799 |
| East Lindsey | East Midlands | 30.0% | 41.8% | +11.8 | £191,067 |
| Exeter | South-West | 41.8% | 53.4% | +11.6 | £262,926 |
| East Cambridgeshire | East of England | 45.7% | 56.9% | +11.1 | £288,491 |
What the experts are saying
Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Lloyds, commented on the findings:
“Choosing your first home is a huge moment. Affordability is the number one priority for most first-time buyers, and we’re seeing more people cast their net wider to find places that match both their lifestyle and their budget. That flexibility can quite literally open up more doors.
Manchester is a magnet for those seeking modern city living, while increasing demand for Worcester’s more historic charm shows just how quickly new and unexpected hotspots can emerge.
Homeownership remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term financial security. If you’re thinking about buying, speaking to a mortgage expert is a great first step. They can explain what’s affordable for you and talk you through the support available, including low-deposit options.”
Ready to take that first step?
Wherever you are buying, you will need a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal side of your purchase. At Best Value Conveyancing, we keep the process moving without cutting corners on quality. All our quotes are fixed prices, with standard disbursements stated upfront — no surprises.
We also offer a no completion, no fee guarantee: if your purchase falls through for any reason, including if you are gazumped, you will not be charged.
Call us on 0800 0387 007 (free from mobiles) to get started, or use our online quote tool for an instant price.
