Not Walsall or West Bromwich

Location can make a big difference when it comes to property values

13:33, 23 May 2026

House prices are much lower in Stoke.(Image: Bristol Post)

A city has been named as the cheapest in the region for first-time buyers.

While people may automatically think of places like Walsall[1] or West Bromwich has having cheapest properties, it's actually Stoke-on-Trent.

The Staffordshire[2] city offers young couples the best chance of getting on the property ladder, latest data shows.

Get the latest court and crime news direct via our WhatsApp community here[4]

Many young people stay trapped living with their parents for years because of how long it takes them to claw together a deposit.

But average prices tend to be much lower in Stoke, meaning there's probably bargains to be found.

Couples typically pay ?171,500 for their first home, figures released by Lloyds bank showed.

The UK average house price is around ?268,000 - almost ?100,000 more - showing the savings that can be made by choosing the right location.

Of course, prices may be lower in parts of Stoke for a reason, in areas of high crime and poverty.

There may also be properties that have been left in a poor state of repair.

Blackpool is the cheapest area for first-time buyers in England at just over ?150,000.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: "Our research shows there are still genuine pockets of value for first-time buyers, particularly for those with an open mind who are willing to be flexible on location and property type.

"With ongoing cost of living pressures and wider economic uncertainty, it's completely understandable that some people are feeling cautious.

"But there are opportunities out there, and for many buyers, that flexibility can make a real difference.

"What matters most is finding a mortgage that works for your own budget and circumstances, not just today, but over the long term.

"Lower deposit options, such as our new ?5k deposit mortgage, could help some people get on the ladder years earlier than they might expect."

References

1. ^ Walsall (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Staffordshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Midlands motorway drivers fall foul of 71mph rule (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ here (chat.whatsapp.com)
5. ^ Not Aston or Lozells - six poorest parts of England all in Birmingham (www.birminghammail.co.uk)