THE areas in Bournemouth and Poole most popular with first time buyers have been revealed.

Springbourne, East Cliff, Boscombe, Canford Heath and Creekmoor are hotspots for people getting a foothold on the property ladder, according to a local property expert with Purplebricks.

Mark Turk, local property Expert for Bournemouth at Purplebricks, said: “These areas tend to have lower house prices than the other post codes within Bournemouth and Poole, amenities are close by and they have excellent transport links.

“Springbourne, East Cliff and Boscombe are close to the Bournemouth Travel Interchange. These areas are also very close to Bournemouth town centre with its night life."

Read more: Six properties that could be ideal for first-time buyers in Bournemouth and Poole

Mr Turk added: "Canford Heath and Creekmoor are popular with young families as there is a mix of properties, mainly small family homes and the schooling is excellent.”

New research by Purplebricks shows nearly half of today’s first-time buyers have put their lockdown savings to good use by fully funding their own deposit - compared to a third of first-time buyers in 2016.

According to the research:

  • Forty-five per cent of first-time buyers have raised a full deposit on their own without help from other sources, although the bank of mum and dad will still help 19% to get on the property ladder.
  • First time buyers are planning to put down an average deposit of £34,887 - a decrease from £41,989 in 2016.
  • Good Wi-Fi is now important to over half (58 per cent) of first time buyers compared to 26% in 2016 – making it a bigger priority than proximity to good schools, pubs and cafes.

According to Purplebricks, first time buyers are planning to put down smaller deposits than their counterparts five years ago - with down payments dropping from £41,989 in 2016 to £34,887 today.

This may partly be due to the recent announcement of the government’s mortgage guarantee scheme (which enables first time buyers to get on the property ladder with just a 5% deposit) meaning first time buyers feel able to start their property search with a smaller deposit.