Dundee tops first-time buyer interest as pandemic trend reverses

The analysis, conducted by the property website, of the first five months of 2025 reveals that enquiries from those looking to take their first step onto the property ladder in major urban centres have increased by an average of 16% compared with the same period in 2015.

The study examined the UK’s 50 largest cities, excluding London, and focused on properties with a maximum of two bedrooms, typical for first-time buyers. The findings mark a clear reversal of the pandemic-fuelled “race for space”, which saw a surge in interest for coastal and rural locations.

Dundee has emerged as the premier hotspot, with a staggering 176% jump in first-time buyer enquiries over the ten-year period. Scotland’s fourth-largest city, situated on the River Tay, has cultivated a reputation as a vibrant cultural hub with plentiful green spaces and relatively affordable housing.

Following Dundee in popularity are Edinburgh, Doncaster, Liverpool, and Plymouth.

This renewed urban appeal contrasts sharply with the trend observed during the pandemic. In 2021, the most sought-after locations were predominantly villages or seaside towns. Now, while demand for cities is on the rise, interest in popular coastal areas has remained completely flat compared with a decade ago.

London, however, stands as an exception to this urban revival. The capital has experienced a 7% decrease in first-time buyer demand compared to 2015, largely attributed to its significantly higher property prices which have made homeownership unattainable for many.