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The Best UK Cities for Graduates to Start Homeownership

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Everest Mortgage Services
Everest Mortgage Services
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5.090 Google reviews
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Chloe Stringer profile picture
Chloe Stringer
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ John was fantastic throughout the whole mortgage process. Professional, knowledgeable, and always happy to help. He made everything feel simple and stress-free. Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker!
Posted on Google Google
Jordan Nicholls profile picture
Jordan Nicholls
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely brilliant service from John from start to finish. As first-time buyers, the mortgage process could have been really stressful and confusing, but John made everything so straightforward and easy to understand. He was always available to answer any questions we had, explained everything clearly, and kept us updated throughout the whole process. John worked hard to find us the right mortgage and has been incredibly helpful, professional and supportive every step of the way. We genuinely couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor and would 100% recommend John to anyone looking for a mortgage. Thank you for all your help!
Posted on Google Google
Kath Tonkyn profile picture
Kath Tonkyn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have known John since we bought our first rental in 2009 and he has guided and helped us all the way. He laid out a plan for us that this month will be fulfilled exactly as he said it would. He has never let us down and he is always there when we have needed him. Nothing is too much trouble. Great guy and a true proffessional. Thanks John for everything. You are truly the best.
Posted on Google Google
Louise Holmes profile picture
Louise Holmes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have used Johns services a few times now, when remortgaging. John is extremely knowledgeable and always strives to find the best deal that works for you. His communication is excellent, he’s very friendly and explains thoroughly the best way for you to go forwards and we would highly recommend his services.
Posted on Google Google
Christina profile picture
Christina
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I honestly don’t know how I would have got through buying my first house without John. From the very beginning, he helped us work out what we could afford and get our Agreement in Principle sorted, but his help went way beyond just arranging the mortgage. While we were viewing houses, he was always happy to give his thoughts on whether an asking price seemed sensible and what we might want to offer. His experience and knowledge were incredibly valuable when we were trying to navigate something we knew very little about. Once we found our house, John made the whole process so much easier. He was incredibly quick to respond, explained everything clearly and was always happy to answer my many questions! What really impressed me was how much he handled himself. He dealt directly with the estate agent, solicitors and lender, meaning we weren’t constantly stuck in the middle passing messages around. If an issue came up, he’d often just sort it in the background and let us know there was an issue but it's resolved, rather than adding to our stress. John genuinely cares about his clients and it really shows. He’s friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and always made us feel like we were in safe hands. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Five stars doesn’t really do justice to how much he helped us!
Posted on Google Google
Kyle McClorey profile picture
Kyle McClorey
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable. John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer. His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way. I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!
Posted on Google Google
james foley profile picture
james foley
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We’re do I start I’m so glad I got recommended to John. He made getting a mortgage feel so easy and effortless. Every question I had to ask John he was so quick to get back to you. He made you feel like he couldn’t do enough. I can not thank him for making it feel personal like he knew us and wanted the best outcome. He also is one of the nicest person I have ever met. If I was going to recommend anyone it would 100% be John.
Posted on Google Google
Victoria profile picture
Victoria
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am so grateful to have found John! He is an incredible broker and a genuinely lovely person who goes above and beyond. He makes no question seem like a silly question and has made a stressful process as simple as it can be. I would highly recommend John to everyone and can't thank him enough for his help :)
Posted on Google Google
abanoub alfonse profile picture
abanoub alfonse
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When I arrived in the UK, I had only been here for 3 months. I was on a spouse visa, had very little UK employment history, and other mortgage advisers told us that getting a mortgage would be extremely difficult or even impossible. From the first conversation, John gave us confidence. He explained exactly what we needed to do and told us that the most important thing was getting my first few payslips and building my employment record. He had a clear plan from the start. What I liked most was how honest and straightforward he was. He always answered our questions, kept us updated, and made the whole process easy to understand. Nothing ever felt too much trouble. John didn't just help us get a mortgage. He advised us on properties, helped us understand what was a good purchase, guided us on what offer to make, and even helped us find solicitors. It felt like he genuinely cared about helping us buy the right home, not just getting the mortgage approved. In less than 4 months, John achieved what two other mortgage advisers told us was impossible. We now have a mortgage offer and are buying our first home together. The whole experience was smooth, professional and surprisingly stress-free. John was always there when we needed advice and support. If you are a first-time buyer, new to the UK, or have a complicated situation, I highly recommend speaking to John before anyone else. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve something we never thought would be possible, and we will always be grateful.
Posted on Google Google
valeria rafla profile picture
valeria rafla
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding Mortgage Broker – Truly Exceptional Service My husband and I cannot recommend John Everest at Everest Mortgage Services highly enough. As first-time buyers, we were told by two other mortgage advisers that getting a mortgage would be virtually impossible due to our circumstances. My husband, Aba, had only been in the UK for five months on a spouse visa, had a very limited UK credit history, and was still building his employment record. We were repeatedly told that lenders would not consider our application. From our very first conversation, John was different. Rather than focusing on the obstacles, he focused on finding solutions. He took the time to understand our situation, explain every stage of the process, and gave us honest, realistic advice from day one. What seemed impossible suddenly felt achievable. In less than four months, John successfully secured our mortgage offer. Throughout the entire journey, he was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly reassuring. Every question was answered promptly, every concern was dealt with calmly, and we always felt that he genuinely cared about helping us achieve our goal. What impressed us most was that John didn't just act as a mortgage broker. He became a trusted adviser and mentor throughout the whole process. He guided us on property choices, helped us understand market values, advised on offer strategies, and ensured we didn't make costly mistakes as first-time buyers. His experience and insight were invaluable. Buying a home is often described as one of the most stressful experiences in life, but John made it the complete opposite. It was the most smooth, stress-free, and well-managed process we could have hoped for. We always felt supported, informed, and confident in the decisions we were making. Thanks to John's hard work, dedication, and expertise, my husband and I are now able to purchase our first home together. We genuinely believe this would not have happened without him. If you are a first-time buyer, have a complex case, are a foreign national, or have been told "no" elsewhere, speak to John before giving up. His knowledge, persistence, and commitment to his clients are second to none. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve a dream we thought was out of reach, and we will always be grateful. 🏡⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Valeria
John Everest, mortgage adviser
John Everest
Qualified Mortgage Adviser & Founder

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The Best UK Cities for Graduates to Start Homeownership

Manchester is the best city for British graduates to buy their first homes, a June 2026 report finds. With UK house prices at record highs, a new study by Everest Mortgages reveals where early-career professionals can realistically afford a property right now.

  • Manchester is the best city to move to and buy a house as a fresh graduate, with 164K open jobs and mortgages that stay within reach.
  • At £114K, Aberdeen has some of the cheapest real estate markets in the UK, and graduates can put together a deposit in just 5 months on local salaries. 
  • Nottingham has the lowest cost of living, with monthly expenses under £600, leaving more budget for mortgage repayments.

The research examined 30+ UK cities to find where graduates have the best chance of buying their first home. For each city, the study tracked the number of job openings, the average house price, and how many months a typical graduate would need to save for a 10% deposit. It also measured the monthly mortgage repayment on a 25-year term, council taxes, and the cost of living. Cities were ranked by combining all these factors, revealing where it’s easier to become a homeowner. 

Here’s a look at the top 10 best UK cities for graduates to start homeownership:

City

Open Jobs

Average House Price

Months to Pay Down Payment

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly Net Income

Mortgage-to-Income Ratio (%)

Final Score

Manchester

164K

£233K

12

£683

£1,900

70

99

Birmingham

161K

£211K

12

£704

£1,779

69

98.2

Glasgow

100K

£166K

8

£674

£1,976

48

94.3

Leeds

131K

£213K

11

£677

£1,956

63

91.4

Nottingham

84.4K

£177K

9

£596

£2,004

55

81.7

Aberdeen

25.9K

£114K

5

£657

£2,093

34

78.7

Newcastle upon Tyne

69.8K

£178K

9

£640

£1,977

55

75.7

Bristol

129K

£309K

14

£688

£2,145

81

73.6

Sheffield

75.8K

£196K

10

£607

£1,910

61

72.5

Stoke-on-Trent

29.5K

£140K

7

£568

£2,099

41

71.6

You can access the complete research findings here.

1. Manchester

  • Open jobs: 164K
  • Average first-time buyer house price: £233K
  • Months to save a deposit: 12
  • Monthly cost of living: £683
  • Mortgage-to-income ratio: 70%
  • Final score: 99/100

Manchester is the best place for British graduates to buy their first home. The city has a large job market with 164K open vacancies right now, meaning graduates who move here have a realistic chance of finding well-paid work quickly. That income, combined with monthly living costs of just £680, makes saving for the deposit achievable in about a year. And once the mortgage starts, it only takes up 70% of disposable income.

 

2. Birmingham

Birmingham is the second-best city for first-time homebuyers. The job market is almost as big, with 161K openings, so career prospects are just as strong. But the average property costs £211K, about £22K less than Manchester, which brings the deposit down and makes saving it achievable in 12 months on a typical graduate salary. The mortgage then eats up less than 70% of the remaining leftover money, which is quite manageable.

 

3. Glasgow

Next on the list is Glasgow, where it takes just 8 months for recent graduates to save for a down payment. At £166K, Glasgow properties are significantly cheaper than those in Manchester, Birmingham, or Leeds, so less savings are needed to get started. Once the mortgage begins, it then takes just 48% of disposable income, meaning graduates here also end up with more financial breathing room. Companies in Glasgow are actively hiring, too, with around 100K vacancies listed across the city right now.

 

4. Leeds

Leeds is also among the best cities to buy a first home. With 131K vacancies, it has the third-largest job market in the UK, yet remains affordable, as monthly expenses are under £700. With living costs this low, and typical homes in the city selling for around £213K, early-career professionals here would need about 11 months to save for a deposit. And once mortgage payments begin, they would take roughly 60% of take-home income, still leaving enough to save for a vacation or other goals.

 

5. Nottingham

Nottingham rounds out the top five as one of the most affordable cities in the UK. Monthly living costs here rarely exceed £600, allowing graduates to keep more of their salary. Properties average £177K, and with those low running costs, young professionals here can realistically save for a down payment in just 9 months. Plus, after putting down the deposit, the mortgage will take only 55% of their disposable income.

A housing analyst from Everest Mortgages commented on the study: 

“A lot of graduates assume they need to be in London or the South East to build a career, but that thinking is outdated. Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham all have strong tech, finance, and professional services sectors, and you can buy a home in those cities for less than half the price of an equivalent property in the capital. For a graduate weighing up their first purchase, the north of England and Scotland are offering a good deal right now.”

When using the data, please credit: https://everest-mortgages.co.uk/

2026-01-17 07.51.21

John Everest

About Author

John Everest is a well-regarded mortgage and financial services adviser based in Brighton & Hove, UK. As Director of Everest Mortgage Services Ltd, John uses his industry expertise to empower clients to make sound financial decisions with confidence.

Experience Snapshot:

– Director, Everest Mortgage Services Ltd (company no. 10145887)
– FCA-registered firm (REF: 786425)
– Whole-of-market mortgage adviser with a focus on client-centric service
– Contributor to public finance platforms, offering commentary on mortgage regulation and consumer protection

Over 21 years in the banking industry working with banking operations in all aspects of banking.

Now to use this skill set by helping you the consumer achieve the most from your financial needs

Free consultation

Everest Mortgage Services
Everest Mortgage Services
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
5.090 Google reviews
Posted on Google Google
Chloe Stringer profile picture
Chloe Stringer
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ John was fantastic throughout the whole mortgage process. Professional, knowledgeable, and always happy to help. He made everything feel simple and stress-free. Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for a great mortgage broker!
Posted on Google Google
Jordan Nicholls profile picture
Jordan Nicholls
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely brilliant service from John from start to finish. As first-time buyers, the mortgage process could have been really stressful and confusing, but John made everything so straightforward and easy to understand. He was always available to answer any questions we had, explained everything clearly, and kept us updated throughout the whole process. John worked hard to find us the right mortgage and has been incredibly helpful, professional and supportive every step of the way. We genuinely couldn't have asked for a better mortgage advisor and would 100% recommend John to anyone looking for a mortgage. Thank you for all your help!
Posted on Google Google
Kath Tonkyn profile picture
Kath Tonkyn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have known John since we bought our first rental in 2009 and he has guided and helped us all the way. He laid out a plan for us that this month will be fulfilled exactly as he said it would. He has never let us down and he is always there when we have needed him. Nothing is too much trouble. Great guy and a true proffessional. Thanks John for everything. You are truly the best.
Posted on Google Google
Louise Holmes profile picture
Louise Holmes
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have used Johns services a few times now, when remortgaging. John is extremely knowledgeable and always strives to find the best deal that works for you. His communication is excellent, he’s very friendly and explains thoroughly the best way for you to go forwards and we would highly recommend his services.
Posted on Google Google
Christina profile picture
Christina
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I honestly don’t know how I would have got through buying my first house without John. From the very beginning, he helped us work out what we could afford and get our Agreement in Principle sorted, but his help went way beyond just arranging the mortgage. While we were viewing houses, he was always happy to give his thoughts on whether an asking price seemed sensible and what we might want to offer. His experience and knowledge were incredibly valuable when we were trying to navigate something we knew very little about. Once we found our house, John made the whole process so much easier. He was incredibly quick to respond, explained everything clearly and was always happy to answer my many questions! What really impressed me was how much he handled himself. He dealt directly with the estate agent, solicitors and lender, meaning we weren’t constantly stuck in the middle passing messages around. If an issue came up, he’d often just sort it in the background and let us know there was an issue but it's resolved, rather than adding to our stress. John genuinely cares about his clients and it really shows. He’s friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and always made us feel like we were in safe hands. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Five stars doesn’t really do justice to how much he helped us!
Posted on Google Google
Kyle McClorey profile picture
Kyle McClorey
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker than John. From our very first conversation, he was incredibly friendly and immediately put me at ease, making what initially felt like a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable. John’s communication was outstanding throughout. No question was ever too big or too small, and he always took the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. Thanks to his support, I was able to navigate the entire mortgage process with complete confidence. I never once felt stressed or under pressure, which made such a difference as a first-time buyer. His knowledge and expertise are second to none, and he was able to secure me a fantastic mortgage deal. I genuinely felt that he had my best interests at heart every step of the way. I can’t recommend John highly enough. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients, he’s the person to go to. Thank you, John, for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!
Posted on Google Google
james foley profile picture
james foley
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We’re do I start I’m so glad I got recommended to John. He made getting a mortgage feel so easy and effortless. Every question I had to ask John he was so quick to get back to you. He made you feel like he couldn’t do enough. I can not thank him for making it feel personal like he knew us and wanted the best outcome. He also is one of the nicest person I have ever met. If I was going to recommend anyone it would 100% be John.
Posted on Google Google
Victoria profile picture
Victoria
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am so grateful to have found John! He is an incredible broker and a genuinely lovely person who goes above and beyond. He makes no question seem like a silly question and has made a stressful process as simple as it can be. I would highly recommend John to everyone and can't thank him enough for his help :)
Posted on Google Google
abanoub alfonse profile picture
abanoub alfonse
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When I arrived in the UK, I had only been here for 3 months. I was on a spouse visa, had very little UK employment history, and other mortgage advisers told us that getting a mortgage would be extremely difficult or even impossible. From the first conversation, John gave us confidence. He explained exactly what we needed to do and told us that the most important thing was getting my first few payslips and building my employment record. He had a clear plan from the start. What I liked most was how honest and straightforward he was. He always answered our questions, kept us updated, and made the whole process easy to understand. Nothing ever felt too much trouble. John didn't just help us get a mortgage. He advised us on properties, helped us understand what was a good purchase, guided us on what offer to make, and even helped us find solicitors. It felt like he genuinely cared about helping us buy the right home, not just getting the mortgage approved. In less than 4 months, John achieved what two other mortgage advisers told us was impossible. We now have a mortgage offer and are buying our first home together. The whole experience was smooth, professional and surprisingly stress-free. John was always there when we needed advice and support. If you are a first-time buyer, new to the UK, or have a complicated situation, I highly recommend speaking to John before anyone else. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve something we never thought would be possible, and we will always be grateful.
Posted on Google Google
valeria rafla profile picture
valeria rafla
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Outstanding Mortgage Broker – Truly Exceptional Service My husband and I cannot recommend John Everest at Everest Mortgage Services highly enough. As first-time buyers, we were told by two other mortgage advisers that getting a mortgage would be virtually impossible due to our circumstances. My husband, Aba, had only been in the UK for five months on a spouse visa, had a very limited UK credit history, and was still building his employment record. We were repeatedly told that lenders would not consider our application. From our very first conversation, John was different. Rather than focusing on the obstacles, he focused on finding solutions. He took the time to understand our situation, explain every stage of the process, and gave us honest, realistic advice from day one. What seemed impossible suddenly felt achievable. In less than four months, John successfully secured our mortgage offer. Throughout the entire journey, he was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly reassuring. Every question was answered promptly, every concern was dealt with calmly, and we always felt that he genuinely cared about helping us achieve our goal. What impressed us most was that John didn't just act as a mortgage broker. He became a trusted adviser and mentor throughout the whole process. He guided us on property choices, helped us understand market values, advised on offer strategies, and ensured we didn't make costly mistakes as first-time buyers. His experience and insight were invaluable. Buying a home is often described as one of the most stressful experiences in life, but John made it the complete opposite. It was the most smooth, stress-free, and well-managed process we could have hoped for. We always felt supported, informed, and confident in the decisions we were making. Thanks to John's hard work, dedication, and expertise, my husband and I are now able to purchase our first home together. We genuinely believe this would not have happened without him. If you are a first-time buyer, have a complex case, are a foreign national, or have been told "no" elsewhere, speak to John before giving up. His knowledge, persistence, and commitment to his clients are second to none. Thank you, John. You have helped us achieve a dream we thought was out of reach, and we will always be grateful. 🏡⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Valeria

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