The most affordable cities for first-time buyers in England revealed

Motormouth Noel Gallagher may have dubbed Hull a "f****** s***hole" during a solo gig in America this week, but Zoopla has revealed it as the most affordable city in England for first-time buyers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The city in East Yorkshire scored favourably for first-time buyers in terms of average property prices in the area and the deposit payable.

The study by the UK property website took account of various other factors, including tax relief available on stamp duty and the cost of servicing a mortgage versus paying rent.

Each area was given a score out of 10, with Hull reaching an none too shabby 8.35 compared to a national average of 7.29.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The average price of a property in Hull is £104,376, with the average deposit payable £15,656.

It is followed by Middlesbrough (£107,041, £16,056 deposit) and Liverpool (£122,137, £18,320 deposit).

North-south divide

In contrast, cities in the south are the most unobtainable for first-time buyers, with eight of the least affordable cities in the south.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Unsurprisingly, London the most expensive place to live, with first-time buyers having to pay a whopping £518,178 for a property, along with a deposit of £77,727.

Cambridge came in second, with houses costing £438,109 (£65,716 deposit) followed by Brighton (£420,301, £63,045 deposit).

"It's no surprise to see cities in the north offering the most viable options for first-time buyers," said Lawrence Hall, spokesperson for Zoopla.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Prices in Southern England have continued to rise at a relatively fast rate, making it very difficult for the average first-time buyer to get on the property ladder.

"The recent relief from Stamp Duty Land Tax on the first £300,000 of a property purchase will clearly help those aiming to get on the property ladder."