Glasgow tops the list of UK cities for first-time buyers
According to the Tembo First Time Buyer Index for Q2 2026, Glasgow is the most favourable city for first-time buyers, followed by Liverpool and Belfast.
By The Guardian
Glasgow has been identified as the top UK city for first-time buyers in the latest Tembo First Time Buyer Index for the second quarter of 2026. Liverpool and Belfast follow in second and third place, respectively, due to their combination of low entry costs and borrowing potential.
The complete top 10 list includes Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle upon Tyne, Hull, Leeds, and Sheffield, with Manchester ranked 11th. The index evaluates cities based on an overall score out of 21, taking into account financial returns and affordability in relation to local wages.
Glasgow has maintained its position as the leading city since the first quarter of 2026, while Hull has made a notable leap from 13th to 6th place. This trend reflects a growing number of graduates and career-oriented individuals considering cities outside London, largely due to the high housing costs in the capital.
The report highlights vibrant areas where young workers can rent while saving for a deposit before entering the property market. Many potential buyers are now reassessing their options, with some surveys indicating that the average deposit for a first home in Greater London has reached approximately £130,000, even as rental prices continue to rise.
Frances McDonald, director of research at Savills, noted a shift in housing and migration patterns, with graduates increasingly weighing housing costs against career opportunities. This trend has been developing over decades, as demand for housing in London has outstripped supply, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to move to and remain in the capital.
The Tembo Index aims to assist young workers in identifying cities with dynamic job markets and affordable housing options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.