A recent survey by the Yorkshire Bank has found that a combination of rises in energy prices and increases in council tax are making it harder for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder.
Gas and electric prices are now at such a high level that one in three first time buyers would not consider buying a property that was not energy efficient, and lacked the basics such as double glazing and cavity wall insulation.
One in six would also only choose a house heated by electricity as they believe gas is too expensive. The report also found that one in four first time buyers were also putting off buying a house until local councils announced their charges for the year ahead.
Our view
As ever, younger people expect too much too early and we have to look back to grandparents who had to save for years before being able to get on the property ladder. This is now back with us for a few years yet.