Aberdeen is the most affordable city in the UK for single people looking to buy a home, according to new analysis from Zoopla.

The property portal found that a one or two-bedroom home in the Scottish city costs an average of £114,700, requiring monthly mortgage repayments of £438 based on a 20% deposit.

With an average single income of £33,100, this equates to a house value to earnings ratio of 3.5.

The findings underline the continued dominance of couples in the first-time buyer market. Almost 60% of first-time purchases are made by couples, compared with 39% by single buyers.

However, Zoopla said improved mortgage affordability and lower mortgage rates over the past 12 months have widened options for those looking to buy alone.

MARKETS IN NORTHERN ENGLAND LEAD ON AFFORDABILITY

Cities in northern England and Scotland account for six of the 10 most affordable locations for single buyers. Sunderland ranks second, with an average one or two-bedroom home costing £106,700 and monthly repayments of £408. This represents 17% of gross monthly income for a typical single earner on £28,600.

Hull comes third, where the average property price of £115,300 results in repayments of £440 per month, or 19% of gross income.

Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent also feature among the more affordable cities, with average values of £137,100 and £134,400 respectively.

Not all northern markets offer the same accessibility. In York, a one or two-bedroom home averages £256,100, with repayments of £978 per month, accounting for 34% of monthly income.

In Stockport, the average value of £225,100 translates into mortgage payments of £860, or 30% of gross income.

In the south of England, Milton Keynes is identified as the least expensive city for single buyers, with an average value of £230,400 and repayments of £880 per month, based on an average income of £36,900.

Brighton, by contrast, is the least affordable city outside London, with average repayments of £1,238 on a typical price of £324,100.

TOWNS WHERE PRICES ARE CLOSE TO TWICE EARNINGS

Looking beyond cities, the data shows that some towns offer significantly stronger affordability metrics.

Stevenston in Scotland emerges as the cheapest area overall. A one or two-bedroom home costs an average of £70,650, just 2.0 times the average annual salary of £35,473. Monthly mortgage repayments are £270, or 9% of gross monthly income.

Shildon in County Durham follows, with an average value of £64,200 and repayments of £245 per month on an average income of £30,400.

Workington, Ferndale and Mexborough also feature among the most affordable towns, with house value to earnings ratios ranging from 2.9 to 3.3.

LONDON REMAINS A STRETCH FOR SINGLE BUYERS

In London, even the most affordable boroughs require mortgage payments in excess of £1,100 per month for a one or two-bedroom home.

Havering is the cheapest borough for single buyers, with an average property value of £305,200 and a required 20% deposit of £61,000. This results in monthly repayments of £1,166 on an average income of £41,600.

Croydon ranks second, with repayments of £1,173 per month, equating to 34% of gross income. Sutton, Bromley and Redbridge also feature among the more accessible London boroughs, although house value to earnings ratios range from 7.3 to 9.4 across the capital.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “Buying a home can feel out of reach for many singles who have to rely on just one income to cover mortgage and other costs of home ownership.

“Rising incomes and lower mortgage rates mean that owning a home by yourself is increasingly possible.

“For many that means buying a smaller sized home where property prices have risen more slowly than for larger, family sized homes in recent years.

“It’s important to do your research digging into mortgage affordability and products aimed at singles while considering alternative locations and selecting the right area for you. It’s important to know that buying as a singleton is an option.”

Kesha Foss-Smith, regional director at John D Wood & Co, said: “Single buyers are becoming far more strategic about where and what they buy.

“Many are prioritising affordability over postcode prestige and choosing areas that still offer good transport links, local amenities and long-term value.

“The combination of stabilising house prices and improved mortgage rates has opened doors again, and we’re seeing renewed confidence in the market, particularly for one and two-bed homes.

“With more choice coming onto the market and sellers being more open to negotiation, this is one of the more favourable windows we’ve seen for single buyers in recent years.

“For anyone buying solo, being flexible on location and property type is now the key to making ownership realistic.

“While buyers currently have more choice and negotiating power than in recent years, this window of opportunity is unlikely to last forever – making now a smart time for single buyers to act.”