Research by mortgage lender ING found that rising house prices and other factors meant buyers in Britain faced a far bigger challenge than those in other countries.

Some 89% of Brits said the first-time buyer market was becoming more and more difficult, compared to a European average of 79%.

Property prices in the UK have risen 8% in the last year, eight times the European average.

Spain and Belgium were also highlighted as difficult locations for first-time buyers, although high unemployment was largely responsible in the Mediterranean nation. Germany was the easiest place for first-time buyers to get onto the ladder, but still 59% of people had concerns.

Across the whole of Europe, almost three-quarters of people (72%) feel wider society would benefit from a fall in house prices.

The survey said 93% of renters in Spain felt expensive housing costs were preventing them getting onto the property ladder. British buyers (75%) were the next most concerned about high rental costs.

ING senior economist Ian Bright said: “Across the continent and in the US and Australia, consumers hold the view that first time buyers are at risk of having the door to home ownership slammed in their face. Even homeowners would consider it a good thing if house prices fell, which may indicate people are not only worried about the high level of house prices, but also realise that house prices cannot keep rising forever.

“The burgeoning economic recovery across the continent comes into play here. This will improve people’s lives in many ways but the survey shows something needs to be done if the next generation is to benefit from bricks and mortar.”