In an analysis carried out by property website Zoopla, Belfast has been named the U.K.’s number one city for tech lovers.
British real estate company Zoopla has named Belfast the number one city in the U.K. for tech lovers following a comprehensive analysis carried out by the company.
The analysis takes into account several factors, including tech jobs per 100,000 households, electric vehicle charging points, average download speed, the number of tech startups, and the affordability of housing.
Each city was given a score out of 100 for each of these categories, and an overall score was taken from the average.
Belfast is the top spot for tech lovers – a tech haven
Coming in the top spot, Belfast achieved an overall score of 85.4 while Bristol took second place with a score of 74.2.
Zoopla’s analysis found that the capital city of Northern Ireland offered 54.2 tech jobs per 100,000, that the city is home to 58 electric vehicle charging points, the average download speed is 79.8 Mbit/sec, and there are 18 tech startups.
As well as offering such good scores in terms of tech, Belfast is also one of the most affordable cities among the top ten cities for tech lovers with the average income required to buy a home is £26,401 (based on a 4.5% LTI and an assumed 15% deposit).
The average household disposable income in the U.K. after taxes and benefits is £30,800, meaning tech lovers should easily be able to afford property in Belfast.
Other cities on the list – top spots for tech lovers
Alongside Belfast on the list of the best U.K cities for tech lovers are cities such as Bristol, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Brighton, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
Bristol takes the second spot with a score of 76.2 out of 100, offering 48.4 tech jobs per 100,000 households, 124 electric vehicle charging points, an average download speed of 81.3Mbit/sec, and 44 tech startups.
However, the price of property in Bristol is much higher than Belfast as prospective buyers will need an average household income of £55,148.
The most affordable city on the list is Liverpool, and you will only need an average household income of £25,218 to afford to buy in the city.
Liverpool achieved an average score of 71.8 out of 100 offering 10.8 tech jobs per 100,000 households, an impressive 140 electric vehicle charging points, an average download speed of 70.6Mbit/sec, and nine tech startups.
The importance of technology – a technological revolution
After a year that has seen people rely more than ever before on technology with thousands of people working from home and online teaching reaching new heights, we must be able to depend on the technology we have.
Consumer expert at Zoopla Tom Parker said,
“We live in a world where technology is vital to so many aspects of our lives – from helping local businesses stay afloat by allowing them to take orders online, to keeping families connected with one another during lockdown.
“Therefore, living in a city that hones in on this could be just the answer for someone looking to relocate.
“Knowing that you can excel in a career in tech, as well as drive an EV and do your bit for the environment could be very appealing. Pair that with a property that is affordable and has fast internet speeds – that could be the recipe for a tech-lovers dream home.”
