BUYING a property remains among the top priorities for people under the age of 30, according to research by Alliance & Leicester building society.

Fifty-seven per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds cite property ownership as a realistic goal by the time they reach 30 despite the current climate of the market.

This priority is not unrealistic as the Council of Mortgage Lenders found the average age of a first-time buyer is 29.

Renting with a partner prior to owning a first property was seen as a natural progression for half of 18 to 30-year-olds Head of mortgage products at Alliance & Leicester Richard Taylor said: "Reaching 30 appears to be a landmark age for many people with it being set as a deadline for some major life events, such as owning a property, getting married or starting a family.

"Being a homeowner for the first time is something most of us desire, preferably earlier in life."

He added: "Even in an uncertain housing market we're seeing those under the age of 30 feeling confident and optimistic about the prospect of getting onto the property ladder before they say goodbye to their 20s."

The research found just under half of 20-somethings wanted to get married and have children by the time they reach 30.

Mr Taylor said: "With all these goals being set by people in their 20s, it is increasingly important for those thinking about buying their first property to save for a deposit."