Stoke-on-Trent has been named the best city for young workers who want to rent while saving for a deposit and eventually buy a home, according to research by estate agents Savills. The ranking, based on property affordability, rent-to-income ratios, and population growth, highlights cities where graduates and career-focused individuals can access a dynamic jobs market and vibrant neighbourhoods without the prohibitive costs of London.
Stoke-on-Trent Leads the Starter Cities Index
With an average flat price of £88,448 and average annual earnings of £35,079, Stoke-on-Trent offers the lowest flat price-to-income ratio of 2.5 among the top 10 cities. Joe Shenton of eXp estate agents notes that students from the University of Staffordshire and Keele University often rent locally before buying in outer areas like Trentham, where three-bedroom semis start at £250,000. The city is well-connected via the A500, A50, and M6, with trains to London in under 90 minutes and Manchester in 35 minutes. Major employers include JCB and Emma Bridgewater, the latter offering graduate placements and a new ceramics apprenticeship scheme.
Hull Offers Affordability and Lifestyle
Hull ranks second with an average flat price of £91,815 and a price-to-income ratio of 2.7. Matthew Limb of Limb Estate Agents says young tenants favour central areas like Victoria Dock and Humber Street, while first-time buyers move to established neighbourhoods such as the Dukeries and Kingswood. Key employers include Smith+Nephew, Siemens Gamesa, and the University of Hull. Limb highlights the combination of affordability, employment, and quality of life, including waterside living and access to the Yorkshire Wolds.
Derby: Industrial Hub with Strong Job Market
Derby, with an average flat price of £111,529 and a ratio of 2.9, is described by Taj Gill of eXp as the industrial hub of the East Midlands. Major employers include Alstom, which recently began producing trains for London's Elizabeth line, and Rolls-Royce, based there since 1908. Students typically rent in the city centre and Chester Green, while young families head to Allestree. Two regeneration projects will add 1,000 homes and expand Derby theatre.
Milton Keynes: Purpose-Built City Turns 60
Milton Keynes, with an average flat price of £177,694 and a ratio of 4.3, is described by Maurice Lange of the Centre for Cities as the urban growth story of the millennium. It offers lower housing costs while providing access to London, Oxford, and Cambridge. Major employers include Red Bull Racing, Mercedes-Benz, and Santander. Young professionals rent in central Milton Keynes near Campbell Park, with one-bedroom apartments around £1,195 pcm. The city also offers leisure activities at Willen Lake and Xscape.
Liverpool: Cheaper than Manchester
Liverpool's average flat price of £160,286 and ratio of 4.4 make it more affordable than neighbouring Manchester. According to the Liverpool Business Improvement District, 76% of students stay in the city due to job opportunities in banking, fintech, and culture. Popular areas include Castle Street and the redeveloped Stanley Dock, where a third of buyers in the Tobacco Warehouse development were first-time buyers. Walton is an emerging hotspot for first-time buyers.
Plymouth: Defence Investment Drives Growth
Plymouth, with an average flat price of £152,286 and a ratio of 4.5, is undergoing change thanks to government defence investment. Babcock, the major employer, offers apprenticeships and graduate schemes. Young professionals gravitate to Peverell and the Barbican, while some first-time buyers commute from Cornish villages via ferry. The city boasts the Box museum, Tinside Lido, and access to Devon and Cornwall countryside.
Southampton: Green City with Maritime Economy
Southampton, with an average flat price of £170,211 and a ratio of 4.7, is one of the UK's greenest cities with 50 parks. Major employers include the University of Southampton, NHS, and maritime businesses. Young professionals rent in Ocean Village, while first-time buyers find affordable options in Shirley. The city scores highly in PwC's 'good growth' index.
Cardiff: Graduates Stay for Affordability
Cardiff, with an average flat price of £174,944 and a ratio of 4.8, sees many graduates from Welsh universities staying to rent and buy. Claire Turner of Savills notes that commuters from Bristol also buy in Cardiff for better value. The Bay area has been regenerated, with a new 15,000-capacity arena under construction. Popular areas include Canton, where two-bedroom apartments rent for under £1,000 pcm.
Glasgow: Cultural Hub with Growing Population
Glasgow, with an average flat price of £195,800 and a ratio of 5.0, has a growing population and strong cultural scene. Lisa Pitchers of Rettie says a high proportion of graduates stay, with popular neighbourhoods like Dennistoun offering one-bedroom flats for £750 pcm rent or £185,000 to buy. Return-to-office mandates from US financial companies are driving first-time buyers to purchase in the city rather than suburbs.
Norwich: Science and Arts Focus
Norwich, with an average flat price of £159,671 and a ratio of 5.0, is a key starter city due to its focus on science and the arts. Norwich Research Park, one of Europe's largest, partners with the University of East Anglia. Renters and first-time buyers head to the north side, where terrace cottages start from £350,000. The area has seen growth in independent shops and pubs.
Methodology
The 'starter cities' index is based on data from Savills, Oxford Economics, and the Land Registry, including average second-hand flat prices up to 2025, workplace annual earnings by local authority, and average monthly asking rent for one-bedroom flats for the 12 months to February 2026. Rankings were sense-checked with the Centre for Cities thinktank.
