Scottish cities for first time buyers to call home
In Scotland, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exciting cities. From cultural hotspots like Edinburgh and Glasgow to smaller hives of activity like Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness, it’s a nation of places you’d be proud to call home.
If you’re a first time buyer in Scotland considering a move or wanting to purchase a property in your hometown, these are the cities where you can expect to find new-builds for sale through affordable homeownership schemes like Shared Ownership and New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE).
Edinburgh
Fascinating history, vibrant culture, breathtaking nature and stunning architecture – Edinburgh has it all. The Scottish capital is ranked among the best places to live, especially for young people. Indeed, there’s so much on offer by way of things to do, including a world-renowned cultural scene, centred around the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It’s also rich in job opportunities, with three universities, Scottish Parliament and a host of national businesses with headquarters in the city.
All of this makes it a desirable place to put down roots. In fact, Edinburgh is a hub of first time buyer activity, with suburban areas growing in popularity as neighbourhoods like Gilmerton and South Queensferry experience significant new-build development. When it comes to the availability of homes for sale, Edinburgh has one of the highest new-build rates in Scotland, so keep an eye out for affordable housing in and around the city.
Glasgow
With its edgy, exciting energy, Glasgow is the place to be if you love all things artsy. Straddling the River Clyde, this former industrial powerhouse is a creative hub where music, art and design thrive. It’s also lovingly known as the ‘Dear Green Place’ for its abundance of green space – there are over 90 parks and gardens in the city.
If you’re eyeing up Glasgow as the place to buy your first home, you’re not alone. The city comes out on top for first time buyer demand in Great Britain, according to data from Rightmove. With average first time buyer property prices of approximately £149,000, homes in Glasgow offer a more accessible price point than the likes of Edinburgh, where the average asking price for a first time buyer home is around £251,000.
Aberdeen
Located on the north-east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen blends seaside and city living. Known as the ‘Granite City’ due to the speckled stone architecture that dominates the streets, Aberdeen’s modern amenities, lively nightlife and growing restaurant scene are balanced by tranquil parks and a serene, sandy coastline overlooking the North Sea.
Aberdeen offers an accessible entry point for budding buyers. In December 2025, the average price paid for a first time buyer home in Aberdeen was £113,000, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Plus, it’s been crowned the most affordable city in Scotland for solo buyers.
Inverness
If you love the great outdoors but want the convenience of city amenities, Inverness could be the place for you. It’s the UK’s northernmost city but has the charm of a small town, and its location in the Highlands means you can enjoy unbeatable access to nature. What’s more, it’s a gateway to the Hebrides, a collection of diverse islands where you’ll find close-knit towns rooted in traditional Gaelic culture, rugged mountain ranges with untamed hiking trails, and stunning, secluded beaches.
Offering a lifestyle where it’s easy to find balance means that Inverness appeals strongly to first time buyers in Scotland. House prices in the city have increased by 36% on average over the past decade, a trend that’s expected to continue due to high demand. This is being met by the supply of new-build homes and plans for further developments across Inverness and the surrounding area.
Dundee
Perched on the mouth of the River Tay, Dundee is a coastal city in eastern Scotland, offering easy access to the Highlands and their myriad wilderness experiences. But there’s more to Dundee than its proximity to nature – it’s an educational hub and emerging cultural destination, particularly regarding art, design and digital innovation. It’s also the sunniest city in Scotland, averaging 1,523 hours of sunshine each year.
As an up-and-coming city with ongoing area regeneration, Dundee is attracting an increasing number of first time buyers. The city experienced a 176% increase in first time buyer demand between 2015 and 2025, with new-build homes in Dundee seeking to meet this surge in popularity. Its affordability is a strong lure too. As of December 2025, the average first time buyer property price in Dundee was £122,000, significantly lower than the UK average of £228,218.
Find a home in Scotland on Share to Buy
Share to Buy is the UK’s leading property portal dedicated to affordable homeownership and buying schemes. We make your choice easier with a selection of new-build homes in Scottish locations such as Aberdeen, available through alternative homeownership schemes like New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE).
Visit our property portal to start your search and create an account to save your preferences, register for alerts, enquire about homes and more!
