The outlook remains tough for first-time-buyers despite reports that house price growth is slowing.

That is the verdict of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), which warned people looking to get their first foot on the property ladder they would find it increasingly difficult.

With lenders reining in their activity, first-time-buyers are likely to be hit hard, cancelling out any benefits of slower price rises.

"First-time-buyers are being particularly badly affected by the reining in of lending activity by mortgage providers making it even harder for them to secure a foothold on the property ladder," Rics said in a statement.

The trade body hinted that the Bank of England might have to step in and reduce interest rates to give new entrants to the market a helping hand.

Some analysts are predicting zero per cent or even negative growth for the property market next year.

While prices might seem more achievable, a tighter lending market along with rising prices look set to leave first-time-buyers struggling.

Inflation showed a rise last month, while energy bills and insurance premiums are on the increase.

A spate of recent burglaries at properties belonging to celebrities highlights the importance of having adequate home insurance cover, one industry figure has claimed.Simon Lamble, product director at...

Consumers who fit extra security such as locks to their properties and vehicles are unlikely to benefit from lower car and home insurance premiums, new research has found.People who invest in alarms f...

Homeowners considering making structural improvements to their properties could invalidate their home insurance cover if they make mistakes, an industry figure has claimed.Ashton Berkhauer, from uSwit...