Moneybox has revealed the top locations where first-time buyers purchased homes using its Lifetime ISA (LISA) in 2025. Based on data from over 50,000 house purchases, Bristol, Belfast and Sheffield topped the annual ranking.
The scheme offers savers up to £1,000 free from the government every year to help them onto the property ladder. Nationwide in 2025, Moneybox LISA customers put forward deposits that benefited from an average government bonus of £2,594.
For the sixth consecutive year, Bristol topped the rankings as the most popular place for first-time buyers using the LISA to buy their first home. Moneybox LISA-enabled purchases in Bristol grew 8% year-on-year as savers put aside an average of £16,285 in their LISA, which helped them buy properties worth £322,727 on average, unlocking an average government bonus of £2,953. Across the region, this added up to a remarkable £4.9 million in bonuses.
Belfast and Sheffield round out the top three as they also saw significant year-on-year growth of LISA-enabled purchases – increasing by 15% and 18% respectively. However, the fastest growing region for LISA-enabled house purchases was Nottingham as a new entry to the top 10 in eighth place, as comparatively lower house prices saw savers secure average deposits of £12,762 towards homes worth £234,212, supported by an average government bonus of £2,379.
New first-time buyer scheme must protect LISA savers
The latest data comes as the government prepares to consult on a potential new savings product for first-time buyers. Against this backdrop, research among Moneybox LISA savers underscores the importance of ensuring the needs of the over 1 million current LISA users are considered at the heart of any consultation.
83% of current LISA customers Moneybox surveyed said rising house prices relative to income and savings is the biggest hurdle on their home-buying journey, and 65% highlight feeling priced out or uncertain about affordability in their desired area.
When asked about how the government can better support them on their home buying journey, 82% said the government should increase the Lifetime ISA property purchase price cap in line with house price growth, while nearly three quarters (73%) said the unauthorised withdrawal penalty should be reduced or removed.
Brian Byrnes, director of personal finance at Moneybox said: “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.
“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.
“We recognise that discussions about a potential first-time buyer product to be offered to new customers in place of the LISA have created some uncertainty for aspiring first-time buyers. But it's important to be clear, the Lifetime ISA is not going anywhere.
“The LISA remains open to new savers until a new product is available – likely 2028 – and even when any new product is launched, existing LISA holders can save and invest into it indefinitely, continuing to benefit from the fantastic government bonus.
“We are working closely with HM Treasury to try and ensure that any future changes, or a new product, build on the strengths of the LISA, and deliver better outcomes for aspiring home owners overall.
“For now, the best thing prospective buyers can do is continue focusing on consistent saving and investing to make the most of the LISA government bonus.”
