Figures released by the Office for National Statistics earlier this week showed the number of first-time buyers reaching the market in 2014 was at an eight year high.

However Richard Sexton, director of e.surv chartered surveyors, has warned much of this growth in the north had been thanks to government programmes such as Help to Buy.

He said the scheme must be continued, regardless of the outcome of the general election.

“Things have improved for the market’s entry level, and 2014 saw the greatest number of first-time buyers since 2007 – encouraged in part by Help to Buy,” he stated.

“With areas like Yorkshire and the North West still heavily reliant on higher LTV lending, it is vital that this support is continued whatever the outcome in May.”

The two-part Help to Buy scheme was launched to help those with as little as a 5% deposit onto the property ladder.

The first part is an equity loan available for new-build homes only while the mortgage guarantee element includes all properties.

Sexton also predicted house price growth would remain steady until after the general election later this year.

“House price growth is beginning to moderate as we approach the General Election in May,” he said.

“We are in the midst of the cheapest period in recent history to get a mortgage, with rates at record lows, but it appears that some potential borrowers would still rather wait to see who will lead the new government before taking out a mortgage.”