Whilst things have eased slightly since the financial markets meltdown of 2007/8, first time buyers still face a number of obstacles if they are to afford their first step on the property ladder.

None of the parties has made housing affordability a manifesto priority. This is bad news for the millions of young people who are stuck in rented accommodation, at the mercy of one-month notice periods.

Should you have to pass an exam before you are allowed to take out your first mortgage? According to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, the answer is yes.

There is more incentive than ever for potential first-time buyers to look into getting a foot on to the property ladder, it has been suggested.

Think about this… If I could offer you the dream of home ownership with NO bank qualifying today, would you take me up on that offer?

The proportion of first-time buyers expecting to enter the property market in the next 12 months has fallen for the third consecutive quarter to just 25.8%, shows the first Rightmove Consumer Confidence Survey of 2010.