Scotland’s repayment mortgage levels are the best in the UK.

Compared to borrowers earnings, monthly repayment mortgage levels in Scotland are at the lowest level compare to the whole of the UK, according to recent research.

New first-time buyers and those home-owners moving house in Scotland make mortgage repayments considerably below the national long term average of 30 per cent of income.

Figures from the end of 2011 show the lowest repayment to income ratio for the last 9 years. Borrowers monthly repayment mortgage requirements in Scotland are now 20 % of their income which is 7 % lower than for borrowers throughout the rest of the UK.

Recent research by the Bank of Scotland found that the area of East Ayrshire is actually the most affordable place in the whole of the UK, where average mortgage repayments are around 16 % of local earnings. A close second are North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire which are level with average repayments at 16.2 %. Over all 7 of the 10 cheapest local authorities for mortgage repayments are found in Scotland.

Edinburgh comes top of the most expensive list with average monthly mortgage repayments at just over 26 % of earnings, second on the most expensive list is Aberdeenshire where repayment are 25.9 % of earnings followed by Kinross & Perth at 25.6 %.

Dr John Boyle who is the head of research at Rettie & Co commented by saying that the housing market continues to suffer despite the positive figures for Scotland.

Dr Boyle went on to advise that housing affordability has been helped in Scotland by a small drop in property prices combined with reduced monthly repayment mortgage rates and an increase in house buyer deposit levels. He added that high deposit levels required and lending restrictions are making it increasing difficult for buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.