HOUSE prices in rural areas of south Bucks are the least affordable in the country, new figures show.

Data from the National Housing Federation shows the average cost of a house in the district is more than 20 times the average wage.

The study showed the the average house price in south Bucks is £563,032 against an average wage earned in the district of £27,903 - giving what the NHF called an 'affordability ratio' of 20.2.

South Bucks is the only rural area in the country with a ratio above 20 with the second least affordable area, the Cotswolds, having an affordability ratio of 19.1.

The NHF report said: "We have a rural housing crisis. High house prices, low wages, seasonal rental and jobs markets, high levels of second home ownership, and an ageing population are all piling pressure on to rural communities and local services.

"Families and young people are still being priced out of our villages and market towns.

"The ageing rural population, continued high levels of second home ownership, rising energy prices, welfare reform, and the loss of homes through Right to Buy, are all hampering progress in bringing about changes that are needed to address this crisis."

A rural area is defined as a local authority area where at least half the population is in a rural settlement or market town.