"Alongside house type and price, factors like affordability, income growth, educational quality, and access to green spaces all play a significant role in shaping their choices too."
- Steve Mariner, sales and marketing director at Barratt Homes
Buying your first new home is a big decision. However, beyond the look and feel of the property, how much does location matter?
Barratt Homes surveyed 500 UK first-time buyers aged 21-34 to find out what factors influence their decision to buy in a specific location. Participants shared their top priorities, including property prices, local transport routes, school Ofsted ratings, and even annual salary growth.
By analysing Government and ONS data, Barratt Homes then ranked the top 10 UK locations that best meet the needs of first-time buyers.
Lincoln City tops the list with an average house price of £168,000, making it great for first-time buyers. The city also has moderate traffic, so commutes are less stressful, and there's plenty of green space for outdoor activities.
Eastbourne shines in second place with a 15.7% salary growth, boosting financial stability for new homeowners. It also has great bus routes for easy commuting, including strong school ratings which proves reassuring for families. York also stands out with its extensive bus routes, while it boasts a varied range of local supermarkets giving you plenty of choice when it comes to the weekly food shop.
Blackpool and Sunderland top the list as the most affordable spots for first-time buyers
While first-time buyers in the UK have shared their location preferences, the key question remains: how much will it cost to buy a property in these areas?
According to 2024 ONS data, Blackpool and Sunderland are the most affordable, with average house prices of £119,000 each. But these locations offer more than just low prices. Blackpool stands out with nearly 10% annual salary growth, appealing to those looking for new job opportunities. Meanwhile, Sunderland boasts over 72,000m² of green space, making it the second greenest area in the ranking.
Bath and North-East Somerset rated as top location for excellent education
Alongside immediate priorities, first-time buyers are also thinking about their future family, with 48% of our survey respondents stating that the quality of local schools was the most important factor in their home-buying decision.
By examining the average Ofsted scores for schools in each area, we found Bath and North-East Somerset to be the top destination for quality education, with an impressive average score of 7.9 out of 10. This is closely followed by Lincoln, Eastbourne, and Bournemouth, each with an average Ofsted score of 7.5.
Eastbourne and Oxford lead the way in income growth opportunities
Recent studies indicate that the average first-time buyer is now around 33 years old, a time when career progression is a top priority. In fact, 40% of our survey respondents share this view.
If you're aiming to climb the career ladder and boost your earnings, Eastbourne and Oxford are top choices. Eastbourne leads with an impressive 15.2% average salary growth, offering plenty of job opportunities. Oxford is not far behind, with a strong 10.8% average salary growth.
Research from Santander showed two-thirds (67%) of Brits who purchased their first home in the last two years had never visited their new neighbourhood before buying, and three in five (60%) moved to an area they had never even heard of.
First-time buyers are increasingly considering new neighbourhoods based on evolving preferences like quality education, income growth, and local transport links.
Steve Mariner, sales and marketing director at Barratt Homes, said: "These findings highlight the complex decision-making process that first-time buyers face when choosing where to settle. Alongside house type and price, factors like affordability, income growth, educational quality, and access to green spaces all play a significant role in shaping their choices too. Each of the top 10 locations offers a unique combination of these benefits, catering to the diverse needs of today’s buyers.
“As the property market evolves, it’s more important than ever for buyers to stay informed about these trends. Understanding how location impacts not just the price but also the long-term value and lifestyle can help first-time buyers make decisions that support their financial and personal goals."
