New analysis by Rightmove reveals the first-time buyer hotspots where buyer demand is increasing, bucking the national trend over the last month.

West Oxfordshire leads the way. with demand for typical first-time buyer properties up by 45% year-on-year.

According to Rightmove,  a 37% increase in available first-time buyer type homes for sale and flat house prices are helping first-time buyers in West Oxfordshire.

East Staffordshire (+31%) and Bracknell Forest (+28%) are next on the list

Nationally, first-time buyer demand was 4% lower in April than the same month last year. However, according to the research, first-time buyer demand is holding up better than the wider market, despite higher mortgage rates:

The average first-time buyer monthly mortgage payment is now £998 per month, up from £904 in February

First-time buyer type properties are defined as 0-2 bedroom homes, which someone would usually use as a first step onto the housing ladder.

The data suggests that a significant increase in available first-time buyer type properties (+37% year-on-year) and flat house prices (-0.8% yoy) are supporting greater demand for starter homes in West Oxfordshire.

Further highlighting the resilience of the first-time buyer market, data from UK Finance shows that first-time buyers make up around 55% of home purchases, up from 39% 15 years ago, demonstrating continued desire and drive to get onto the ladder for the first time.

Looking at the top 25 areas where first-time buyer demand has increased the most year-on-year, some themes emerge.

Commuting is playing its part, with several of the areas having strong links into London, while others are well-connected to other major cities and key employment hubs.

Affordability is also key. 17 out of the top 25 areas have average asking prices below the national average for a first-time buyer property, which is currently £228,048.

Additionally, more supply is likely helping increased demand in these areas. The number of available first-time buyer type properties for sale has increased year-on-year in 21 out of 25 hotspots, at an average of 14%, outpacing the national trend where available supply of typical first-time buyer properties is up by 4%.

Commenting on the latest figures Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock said: “First-time buyers are more exposed to mortgage rate rises, so it was quite surprising to see this sector holding up more strongly than the wider market. While overall buyer demand is lower than last year, there are pockets of Great Britain seeing more activity, where local factors are making a real difference.

“In some of these areas, a rise in the number of suitable starter homes coming onto the market, alongside prices edging down year-on-year, is helping to improve affordability and support demand for first-time buyer properties, with each local market shaped by its own unique dynamics and local economy.”

NAEA Propertymark president Mary-Lou Press commented: “The resilience of the first-time buyer market, despite higher mortgage costs, reflects the determination many buyers still have to get onto the housing ladder, particularly in areas where affordability and choice have improved.

“On the ground, buyers are becoming more value-driven and flexible on location. Areas like West Oxfordshire, East Staffordshire and Bracknell Forest are attracting strong interest due to a mix of improved stock levels, stable pricing and good connectivity to larger employment hubs.

She added “The rise in available starter homes is also giving first-time buyers more confidence and negotiating power compared with the highly competitive conditions of recent years. However, affordability remains stretched nationally, with higher mortgage rates continuing to impact monthly repayments significantly.

“This reinforces how important first-time buyers now are to overall market activity, especially in regional areas where pricing remains more accessible for buyers balancing affordability with lifestyle and commuting needs.”