Bridlington in East Riding of Yorkshire and St Helens in Merseyside lead the way where first-time buyer prices are rising fastest across Great Britain Rightmove reveals.

In these areas, average asking prices up 18% compared to last year with the average cost of a house in Bridlington standing at £167,321 and in St Helens at £133,106.

Falkirk in Stirlingshire and Hartlepool follow closely behind, up 17% to £118,327 and 12% to £104,276 respectively.

All of the fastest-growing locations in the analysis remain below the £170,000 asking price mark, which Rightmove says underlines sustained demand for homes that are within reach for first-time buyers.

Across Great Britain, the average asking price for a typical first-time buyer property featuring up to two bedrooms is now £228,048, which is 0.7% lower than this time last year.

By contrast, some higher-priced southern markets are seeing more subdued conditions.

Locations including Brighton and Southampton have recorded declines in first-time buyer asking prices this year, suggesting that affordability constraints and high levels of stock are prompting buyers to be more selective.

St Albans in Hertfordshire is the most expensive area to buy a typical first-time buyer home, with the average asking price at £401,352. This compares to Middlesbrough, which is listed as the most affordable at £90,929.

Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock says: “Affordability continues to shape where first-time buyers are looking, and we’re seeing the strongest price growth in areas where homes remain within reach for more people.”

“Lower-cost locations are still seeing strong interest, with competition for homes helping to hold prices up. In more expensive markets, tenants are taking a bit more time and thinking more carefully about what they can afford, which is keeping growth relatively flat.”