New research has revealed the best places in Britain for first-time buyers, with Dartford taking the top spot after recording the highest number of first-time buyer mortgage sales relative to its housing stock.
Bracknell Forest claimed seventh place after recording 848 purchases by first-time buyers across its 54,561 dwellings. Its rate of 15.54 sales per 1,000 dwellings secures its place among Britain’s top-performing areas.
House buying experts HouseBuyers4uanalysed first-time buyer mortgage sales across local authorities in Britain and compared them with each area’s total dwelling stock to reveal where first-time buyers made up the largest share of home purchases in 2024.
Dartford comes out on top after recording 965 first-time buyer mortgage sales in 2024. That is the equivalent of 19.36 sales per 1,000 dwellings, the highest rate anywhere in Britain.
Paul Gibbens, property expert at HouseBuyers4u, said: “Buying a first home remains one of the biggest financial milestones many people will ever reach, but where buyers choose to settle can make a significant difference.
“Areas with strong levels of first-time buyer activity often offer a combination of affordability, good transport connections and access to employment opportunities, making them attractive places to get onto the property ladder.
“While affordability challenges remain across much of Britain, these locations show that first-time buyers are still finding opportunities to purchase their first homes. As the housing market continues to evolve, understanding where first-time buyers are most active can provide valuable insight into changing demand across the country.
“What stood out is Bracknell Forest’s strong showing. With good transport links, a mix of housing stock, and relative affordability compared to nearby areas, it has clearly become a landing spot for buyers looking to get onto the ladder without stretching into central London prices.”
