Scotland's most affordable areas for first-time buyers named in new research

Irvine Harbour with some small craft moored and the town itself can be seen beyond the harbour.
North Ayrshire is one of the most affordable areas of Scotland according to the new research -Credit:jimmcdowall / Getty Images


The most affordable areas in Scotland for first-time buyers has been revealed in new research.

With people across the country looking to purchase their first home and get on the property ladder, it is important to know where you can get the most bang for your buck. In general, Scotland's cities are more expensive than rural towns and villages, but a new study has named exactly where your money will go the furthest.

According to the research, which was conducted by L&C Mortgages, Ayrshire is the most affordable area in the UK for first-time buyers. The experts analysed GOV.UK data on average house prices across the nation, as well as median earnings, to work out the best and worst regions to buy an affordable home.

East and North Ayrshire topped the UK-wide list, with homes costing an average of just £103,453. Meanwhile, the median monthly salary in these areas was found to be £2,268 — just £50 lower than the UK average — giving East and North Ayrshire a price-to-income ratio of 3.8.

The largest settlement in East Ayrshire is Kilmarnock, with a population of around 47,000. Most famous for its bustling centre, which is home to a wealth of charming independent shops, the town also features the 200-acre Dean Castle and Country Park and The Dick Institute culture centre.

Meanwhile, the biggest town in North Ayrshire is Irvine — home to approximately 34,000 people. As well as enjoying idyllic views out towards the Firth of Clyde, highlights of the coastal town include the stunning Eglintgon Country Park and the fascinating Scottish Maritime Museum.

Titchfield Street Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock is the largest town in East Ayrshire -Credit:Getty Images

Elsewhere, other parts of Scotland that are among the most affordable locations for first-time buyers are South Lanarkshire and the regions of Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire. These areas all have a price-to-income ratio of 4.39 according to L&C Mortgages.

An expert from L&C Mortgages commented: "Identifying regions with favourable house-to-income cost ratios shows just how regionalised affordability can be and highlights how some first-time buyers may find it easier to get on the property ladder than others.

"Scotland features high up in the list of regions offering numerous areas with more affordable housing prices when compared to earnings. On this metric it looks to have a solid status as the top UK area for affordability for prospective homeowners."

More information can be found on the L&C Mortgages website.

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