Research out today by the Bank of Scotland suggests first-time buyers looking for a decent upward lift from their new properties in the coming years should, basically, head north. Top hotspots are said to include the Openshaw area of Manchester, Falkirk in Scotland, Ardwich (also in Manchester) and Teeside in Middlesborough. The survey looked for areas about to profit from urban renewal, but still with current low property values. One London area did make it into the top ten... Stratford (surprise, surprise) - although the Rat and Mouse would be interested to hear from developers... have ftbs already missed the boat?