"Comparing where we are now versus a decade ago, it looks like there’s even more appeal from potential first-time buyers to live in cities, though the data does show that it can vary quite widely from city to city"
- Colleen Babcock - Rightmove
New analysis of the UK property market reveals that first-time buyer interest has grown in cities over the past decade, while demand along the coast has stayed steady.
The study by Rightmove, covering January to May 2025 compared with the same period in 2015, examined enquiries for typical first-time buyer homes, defined as properties with zero to two bedrooms. It compared 50 of Great Britain’s largest cities, excluding London, with 50 of the most popular coastal areas based on buyer enquiry volumes.
On average, the number of potential first-time buyers looking to move to cities has increased by 16% over the last ten years, though the rise varies considerably between cities. Dundee saw the largest growth, with enquiries nearly tripling (+176%), followed by Edinburgh (+91%) and Doncaster (+74%).
In contrast, demand from first-time buyers for popular coastal locations has remained flat compared with a decade ago.
London stands apart from this trend, with overall first-time buyer interest dropping by 7% in the last ten years. Higher asking prices are likely a factor in this decline.
Both city and coastal areas analysed have seen average price increases of 41% over the same period.
City hotspots
“We’ve seen a number of changes to the property market over the last ten years. Perhaps most notably is during the pandemic, when many people temporarily left cities and looked to the coast or countryside," said Rightmove property expert, Colleen Babcock. “Comparing where we are now versus a decade ago, it looks like there’s even more appeal from potential first-time buyers to live in cities, though the data does show that it can vary quite widely from city to city, and it will also depend how first-time buyer friendly a particular location is in terms of the type of homes that are available for sale,"
“Coastal areas haven’t seen the same level of growth as cities from this type of buyer, and again, it may be partly due to the availability of suitable homes in these areas for first-time buyers as well as affordability.”
Mary Lou-Press, President of NAEA Propertymark, comments, “Coastal locations can offer a slower and more picturesque quality of life, compared to the vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere of many cities. This can be appealing for younger people due to greater economic opportunities, cultural attractions, and diverse amenities.
“It’s likely we will continue to see a shift in first-time buyer activity within city centres as London remains increasingly desirable yet unaffordable for many people stepping onto the property ladder for the first time. This is likely pushing many to enter more affordable cities, and it’s unsurprising that Scottish cities are placed firmly at the top, as these can offer a blend of career opportunities, landmarks, and access to green spaces, all at a lower cost than many other major UK cities.”
