UK Mortgage Costs Show Sharp Divide Between Cities, New Study Finds

• London remains the costliest city for buyers, with average monthly mortgage payments up £357 since 2020
• Scottish cities such as Glasgow and Aberdeen still record lower prices and payments, despite steady rises
• Northern and smaller English cities, including Preston and Hull, continue to offer the lowest monthly mortgage costs
• Larger cities such as Manchester, Cardiff, and Edinburgh have seen strong growth in prices and repayments

Buying a home in the UK has become harder over the past five years. House prices and mortgage costs have risen across the country, putting pressure on first-time buyers and existing homeowners who want to move.

A new study by Mortgage Lane compares 58 UK cities by average house prices and estimated monthly mortgage payments in 2025 and 2020. The ranking shows how affordability has shifted and where costs have risen the most.

The research shows that London remains the most expensive city for buyers. The average home now costs £469,305, up from £385,296 in 2020. Based on a 30-year mortgage, a 20 percent deposit, and current interest rates, the estimated monthly payment now stands at £1,993. This marks a rise of £357 per month over five years.

Brighton ranks next, with average monthly mortgage payments close to £1,758, an increase of £314 since 2020. Bristol and Bradford have also recorded notable rises, with typical monthly payments up by £282 and £238. In Cardiff, the average mortgage payment has increased by £231 to just over £950 a month.

Several northern and smaller cities remain more affordable, though costs continue to rise. In Glasgow, the estimated monthly payment now stands at £894, while Aberdeen averages £580 per month. In Preston, the typical payment has climbed by £211 to £663. Hull remains one of the cheapest cities, with monthly payments rising by just £59 to £485.

Joseph Lane, a broker at Mortgage Lane, said the changes reflect wider pressures in the housing market. “Mortgage rates are significantly higher than they were five years ago, and when you combine that with rising house prices, the impact on monthly payments is unavoidable,”

He said that the scale of change varies by location. Cities with strong job markets, good transport links, and steady demand have seen the largest increases, as competition pushes prices higher. Areas with slower price growth or better supply balance have faced smaller rises in monthly payments, even with higher interest rates.

“Location still matters. Some parts of the UK are seeing sustained pressure on prices, while others remain relatively affordable. What this ranking shows is just how uneven the housing market has become, and why buyers’ experiences can differ so dramatically depending on where they are looking to buy.”