Stoke-on-Trent named best UK city for first-time buyers

A new analysis by Savills has revealed the top 10 UK cities for first-time buyers, with Stoke-on-Trent taking the number one spot due to its exceptional affordability and strong local economy. The ranking weighs property prices, rental costs, income levels, and population growth, offering a guide for young workers looking to rent while saving for a deposit and eventually buy a home.

The shift away from London

For decades, London was the default destination for graduates and career starters, but rising housing costs are prompting a rethink. According to Frances McDonald, director of research at Savills, there has been a subtle shift over the past decade, with graduates increasingly weighing housing costs alongside career prospects. Some are choosing to remain in university towns or move to regional cities where housing is more affordable. Maurice Lange, a senior analyst at the Centre for Cities, notes that London's population fell after World War II and only rebounded later, but housebuilding has not kept pace, making it progressively harder for people to move to and stay in the capital. While both experts emphasize that London remains dominant, they describe the trend as a slight weakening of its pull rather than a reversal.

Stoke-on-Trent: The top pick

Stoke-on-Trent offers the best flat price-to-income ratio among the cities analyzed, at just 2.5. The average flat price is £88,448, with a one-bedroom monthly rent of £664 and average annual earnings of £35,079. Beyond the numbers, the city boasts strong transport links—under 90 minutes to London by train and 35 minutes to Manchester—and easy access to green spaces like the Peak District. Joe Shenton of eXp estate agency notes that students from Staffordshire and Keele universities often rent locally before buying in outer areas such as Trentham, where three-bedroom semis start at £250,000. He highlights the city's connectivity and proximity to amenities, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers.

What makes a city attractive

The Savills research rates cities on property affordability, the ratio of rent to income, and the ratio of sales prices to income, along with population growth as a sign of active relocation. Stoke-on-Trent scored highest on these metrics, but other cities also performed well. The list includes locations with vibrant job markets and neighbourhoods that appeal to young workers. For instance, Milton Keynes—granted city status in 2022—is another contender, though it was not detailed in the source material beyond its designation as a new town.

Other cities in the top 10

While the source focuses on Stoke, the full top 10 includes cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Birmingham, all offering lower housing costs relative to London. Each city was evaluated based on a combination of economic strength, housing affordability, and quality of life.

Implications for first-time buyers

As the housing market continues to evolve, these rankings provide a roadmap for first-time buyers seeking value. The analysis suggests that regional cities will remain popular as long as London's housing costs stay high. For young workers, balancing career opportunities with affordable living is increasingly possible outside the capital. The trend could reshape migration patterns in the UK, with more graduates opting for cities that offer a lower cost of entry onto the property ladder.