Lloyds finds Scotland’s East Ayrshire most affordable UK area for first-time buyers

• Lloyds published new research ranking the UK’s most affordable local areas for first-time buyers, based on average prices paid by first-time purchasers.
• East Ayrshire in Scotland ranked as the most affordable, with an average first-time buyer price of GBP 147,353.
• The top 10 was dominated by Scotland and the North of England, where prices remain well below the UK average.
• Lloyds opened applications for a new first-time buyer mortgage requiring a minimum deposit of GBP 5,000, available on homes up to GBP 300,000.
• The bank estimated monthly mortgage costs would be below GBP 1,000 in each of the top 10 areas using the new product.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Lloyds Banking Group plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on May 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.