The financial system is making it more difficult for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder, it is believed.

Katy John, spokesperson at PricedOut.org.uk, said the system is "unregulated and reactionary", which is making an impact on those looking for the finances to buy a new home.

"If there had been better regulation of bank lending over the last ten years, there would be a better choice of sensible, affordable mortgages available today," she continued.

High house prices remain a barrier to first-time buyers, Ms John suggested, particularly as the average cost of a property exceeds five times the average salary.

She revealed that banks need to provide better mortgages to first-time buyers and house prices need to decline.

First Direct recently revealed its tips to defy the credit crunch, which included switching to an offset mortgage, which it said could be an option of those with a pot of savings.

By doing this, it suggested homeowners with a £100,000 mortgage could cut its length by as much as three years.