FIRST time buyers in the Chilterns are finding it increasingly difficult to get their foot on the property ladder.

House prices in the Chilterns are 13.2 times higher than the average salary making it difficult for young couples to get out of rented accommodation and into their own homes.

The average full-time worker in the area earns £28,189 and an average house costs £371,194, according to general union GMB.

Hilary Kempe, 31, of Aylesbury Road, Great Missenden, has just started looking into buying a property in the Chilterns with her husband, 28-year-old Jerome.

She said: "Ideally we would love to stay here but it is really difficult to save for a deposit.

"We have been to see a mortgage broker to get an idea.

"It is quite depressing to compare what you earn to what you can borrow.

"My husband works in the city and I work for Qantas out at Heathrow so staying in this area would be ideal for both of us," she added.

Richard Ascough, GMB regional secretary for the south east, said: "Young first time buyers and workers on below average wages are absolutely priced out of private house ownership.

"It is essential that councils in these areas are allowed to build council houses for rent.

"GMB also welcome mea-sures which will help first time buyers on to the property ladder, like the proposal that the state take a share in properties being acquired by first time buyers."

Mrs Kempe, who has recently moved to the UK from Australia, thinks more affordable housing needs to be made available and the amount first time buyers can borrow needs to be reassessed.

She said: "They should look at the process of getting a mortgage and what we can afford to pay, as opposed to just saying three to four times your income.

"We are planning to stay here for the next five to seven years, we don't want to be renting for all that time.

"We might look to start a family in the next year or two, not owning a place makes it very difficult.

"Having your own home does make you feel more secure."