Even though wages in city areas are usually higher than rural locations, the affordability of city living has worsened, with house prices in cities costing around seven and a half times wages, according to Halifax.
Whilst house prices have improved in other cities, such as Portsmouth, many cities have gone up in the rankings for most expensive city.
Russell Galley, managing director, Halifax, said: ‘Affordability is significantly better in the north and there are now just two cities – Plymouth and Portsmouth – with better than average affordability in the south.’
See More: Hampshire house prices remain some of the most expe nsive in the country, ONS data reveals .
We've put together a list of the 10 least affordable cities in the UK for a first time buyer.
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5. 6. Cambridge, East Anglia
The popular student city ranks sixth on the list, with a price to earnings ratio of 11:9. First time buyers can expect an average house price of £482,300 and they'll be on an average wage of £40,492. Photo: Google
6. 7. Brighton and Hove, South East
The seaside city has a price to earnings ratio of 11:6. The average house in the area is £449,243 and the average wage is £38,737. Photo: oversnap
7. 8. London, South East
Normally the city that's expected to reign in first place, London ranks in eighth place on the list. The average price to earnings ratio in London is 11:0. House prices average at £564,695 but wages are, on average, higher than other areas at £51,257. Photo: Google
8. 9. St Albans, South East
There are also two areas in joint ninth place on the list. The ratio of price to earnings in St Albans is 10:2 as the average house price is £604,423 and the average wage is £59,391. Photo: Google