# What are the most affordable cities in Britain for single home buyers?

By Nick Maud — 2026-02-12

Nick Maud, lead analyst at Connells Group, said: “Zoopla’s findings reflect a market that is increasingly opening up to first-time buyers. As the cycle of interest rate cuts looks set to continue into 2026, and the first sub-3.5% mortgage deals re-emerge, first-time buyers in January have accounted for 34.3% of sales – that’s the highest share for that month since Connells Group’s records began. The South East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands also saw record shares of first-time buyers for a January.

“First-time buyers are increasing opting for larger homes and part of this is related to the increasing age of this cohort. In 2025, the average age of a borrower taking out a first-time buyers’ mortgage was just over 33 (33.3), up from just over 30 (30.2) twenty years ago.

“This increases the likelihood that these purchasers will be buying with young families in tow or with a view to starting one. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that first-time buyers are also opting for shorter mortgage terms. The share of those taking out a product with a term of 30 years or more was 52% in January, down from 60% in 2023, when borrowing costs hit notable highs.”

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