PEOPLE looking to step onto the first rung of the property ladder are finding it tougher than ever, according to a report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The first UK Accessibility Index indicates that a first time buyer couple now have to save more than three-quarters of their joint take home pay to build up the £32,784 needed for up front buying costs on a typical home, which includes deposit and stamp duty.

Trevor Hines, RICS South East regional director, said: "Spiralling house prices have created a property glass ceiling for many first time buyers.

"With couples needing nearly 82 per cent of joint take home income to fund the up front buying costs of a typical home, the Government's plans to create an inclusive society seem like a pipe dream.

"Unless the Government builds more affordable housing, and raises the stamp duty threshold, many households will continue to struggle to access the housing market."