First time property buyers in the UK are finding it harder than ever to get on the ladder, but many remain determined to do so at whatever cost.
Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) show that four out of five buyers are getting mortgages without the help of family or friends, and spending an average of 2 years saving the deposit.
First time buyers at the start of 2008 may benefit however, from lower house prices as a result of a slowing property market.