A mortgage designed to use developer incentives to reduce payments is launched by Eliot Darcy's Own New brokerage.

Propertymark's blueprint includes a new code of practice for letting agents and tax reforms following the recent restoration of power sharing in the country.

The average time from instruction to completion is 159 days in England and Wales but in Scotland it takes just 70 to 90 days from listing to completion.

The IFS says average UK house prices have risen by 158% over last 50 years meaning first-time buyers face far more challenges.

Lower mortgage rates and a £20k 'discount' on average for FTB properties are set to persuade more people to get on the ladder, says Zoopla.

The areas with the highest demand for self-build plots and properties are the South East, followed by Greater London and the East of England.

Portal says wobbly economy has created a 'two-speed' housing market but sales levels are beginning to recover.

Charlie Davidson of law firm Bishop & Sewell says 1% mortgages will leave first time buyers with huge debts.