The under 40s are being priced out of the housing market, a new report has found.

The study by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the New Policy Institute, found that a third of all working households with people under 40 could not afford to buy their own home.

The report also shows that since 2003 there has been a doubling of court orders for re-possessions.

Another survey by Hays Group management consultants shows the average-priced property costs six-and-a-half times the owner's income.

Building societies in the Bradford area acknowledged the difficulties faced by first time buyers.

Tanya Jackson, media relations manager at Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society, said: "It is well known that high house prices make it extremely difficult for today's aspiring first-time buyers.

"We have reviewed our income multiples and offer a set of products and services aimed at providing advice and practical assistance that will help first-time buyers to overcome these hurdles and make their goal a little easier to attain."

James Robinson, Bradford branch manager at the Skipton Building Society, said: "In Bradford there's still quite a lot of affordable properties compared to other places in Yorkshire.

"With first-time buyers we sit them down and explain that it is not just the mortgage they are paying for, but also all the other payments - council tax, gas, etc so they take all of that into consideration before buying.

"The last thing we want is to put someone in a property that they can't afford."

Simon Dunn, spokesman for the Yorkshire branch of the National Association of Estate Agents, said: "This report once again highlights the difficulties of affordability of housing in our area.

"Buying trends have changed and for some time we have seen first-time buyers seeking help from their parent to raise the initial deposit."

Guy Palmer, co-author of the report, said: "The most pressing policy challenges concern increasing affordability for first-time buyers and ensuring housing is available for those on low incomes. The Government needs to refine the methods for judging national and local imbalances between household growth and housing stock."

e-mail: ali.davies@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

WHAT YOU SAY

Jag Kaur, 24, of Horton Bank Top, Bradford: "I wish I'd have got on the property ladder five years ago. Now I am working there is no way I can do it. And I want to do it myself, I wouldn't go to my parents."

Dianne Depass, 41, of Westfield Crescent, Undercliffe, Bradford: "I bought a house on my own a couple of years ago. If I was to get one now I wouldn't be able to afford it at all."

Jolene Alexandra, 23, of Ripley Street, Bradford: "It is hard but I bought my house at an auction. It was £70,000 for a three-bedroom house. People should go to auctions. Some houses are done up and you can move in straight away."

Nicola Rosindale, 32, of West Royd, Wilsden: "I think it is harder than when I bought four years ago. Now there are more cash buyers who can buy quicker than people with a mortgage."

Mark Barrowcliffe, 32, of Huddersfield: "We bought a run-down cottage a few years ago and it has now increased in value. But we are looking for a bigger house and there is nothing in our price range."

Chris Whitehawk, 20, of Sawrey Place, Bradford: "I've looked into it. I thought I've got a decent job and a decent wage, but I was only offered a mortgage for £50,000. You can't get anything with that. I will have to carry on renting."