Bristol, Belfast and Sheffield were the most popular locations for first-time buyers using a Lifetime ISA in 2025 as affordability pressures continue to push buyers towards cities where savings stretch further.
Data from wealth platform Moneybox, based on more than 50,000 property purchases last year, shows the government-backed savings scheme is still playing a major role in helping buyers onto the ladder, with one home bought every ten minutes using a Moneybox LISA.
Across the UK, first-time buyers using the product benefited from an average government bonus of £2,594 towards their deposit.
Bristol retained its position as the top LISA hotspot for the sixth consecutive year, with buyers using average savings of £16,285 to purchase homes worth around £322,727. Belfast and Sheffield followed in second and third place, both recording strong year-on-year growth in LISA-supported purchases.
FASTEST GROWTH
Nottingham saw the fastest growth, entering the top 10 for the first time as lower average prices allowed buyers to secure homes worth £234,212 with smaller deposits.
Brian Byrnes, Director of Personal Finance at Moneybox, says that the figures underline how important the scheme remains despite difficult market conditions.
“In 2025 alone, over 50,000 first homes were purchased with the help of a Moneybox LISA, that’s approximately one every ten minutes. This is a striking reminder of the role this product continues to play in helping people onto the property ladder.
“More impressive still is that the LISA’s growing support for first-time buyers has come despite some of the toughest home buying conditions for generations, with high house prices and borrowing costs continuing to stretch affordability. Against this backdrop, the positive impact the LISA provides has never been clearer.”
WIDER SEARCH
He adds that buyers are increasingly widening their search beyond traditional hotspots.
“While Bristol retained the top spot, it’s clear the popularity of the LISA is spreading across the country with cities like Nottingham entering the top ten. This suggests more buyers are broadening their search towards areas where house prices allow their savings to stretch further.”
The data comes as ministers prepare to consult on a possible replacement savings product, with many buyers calling for the current £450,000 purchase price cap to be increased to reflect rising house values.
