Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Guardian Property. Read the original article for full details.

Stoke-on-Trent Tops List of UK Cities for First-Time Buyers

Stoke-on-Trent has been identified as the leading UK city for first-time buyers, according to research by Savills shared with Guardian Property. The ranking highlights cities where young workers can rent affordably, save for a deposit, and access the property ladder.

The research considered factors such as property affordability, the ratio between rent and income, the ratio between sales price and income, and population growth. Stoke-on-Trent was ranked number one based on its flat price to income ratio.

According to the report, the average flat price in Stoke-on-Trent is £88,448, with an average monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat at £664. Average annual earnings in the city are £35,079, resulting in a flat price to income ratio of 2.5. This makes Stoke-on-Trent the most affordable of the ten cities listed by Savills for first-time buyers.

The report notes that graduates from local universities, such as the University of Staffordshire and Keele University, often choose to rent in Stoke-on-Trent before purchasing homes in nearby areas. The city is also highlighted for its transport links, with fast train connections to London and Manchester, and proximity to green spaces including the Peak District.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the findings underline Stoke-on-Trent’s appeal to young renters and first-time buyers, suggesting ongoing demand for rental properties and potential growth in the local lettings market.