First-time buyers (FTBs) were more interested in moving to cities over the past 10 years, while demand for homes in coastal areas had not changed, according to a report from Rightmove.
The analysis compared enquiries for typical FTB properties, which were 0-2 bedroom homes, in 50 of the largest cities outside London and 50 popular coastal spots.
Between January and May 2025, compared with the same period in 2015, the number of FTBs looking at cities was up by 16% on average.
Dundee saw the biggest rise with enquiries up 176%, followed by Edinburgh at 91% and Doncaster at 74%.
Liverpool, Plymouth and Glasgow also saw notable increases.
London did not follow this trend, with FTB demand down by 7% compared with 10 years ago, likely due to higher asking prices.
In coastal locations, demand from FTBs was flat over the same period.
Both city and coastal areas had gone up in price by 41% on average since 2015.
Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: “We’ve seen a number of changes to the property market over the last ten years.
“Perhaps most notably is during the pandemic, when many people temporarily left cities and looked to the coast or countryside.
“Comparing where we are now versus a decade ago, it looks like there’s even more appeal from potential first-time buyers to live in cities, though the data does show that it can vary quite widely from city to city, and it will also depend how first-time buyer friendly a particular location is in terms of the type of homes that are available for sale.”
Babcock added: “Coastal areas haven’t seen the same level of growth as cities from this type of buyer, and again it may be partly due to the availability of suitable homes in these areas for first-time buyers as well as affordability.”
Mary Lou-Press, president of NAEA Propertymark, said: “Coastal locations can offer a slower and more picturesque quality of life, compared to the vibrant fast-paced atmosphere of many cities.
“This can be appealing for younger people due to greater economic opportunities, cultural attractions, and diverse amenities.
“It’s likely we will continue to see a shift in first time buyer activity within city centres as London remains increasingly desirable yet unaffordable for many people stepping onto the property ladder for the first time.”
Lou-Press added: “This is likely pushing many to enter more affordable cities and it’s unsurprising that Scottish cities are placed firmly at the top, as these can offer a blend of career opportunities, landmarks, and access to green spaces, all at a lower cost than many other major UK cities.”
