House buyers 'making sacrifices'

Some buyers even said they delayed starting a family

Britons are taking on extra jobs or cancelling holidays to be able to buy their first home, a survey suggests.

The research, carried out by broker Purely Mortgages, also claims more than a quarter of people are entering the property market without a deposit.

It said one-in-five first-time buyers cut back on holidays, 11% took on extra work and 5% delayed starting a family.

The survey of 2,232 people said almost two-thirds of first-time buyers made lifestyle changes to afford a home.

Purely Mortgages boss Mark Chilton said the UK had a "love affair" with home ownership.

"As house prices have continued to rise, people are adopting even more drastic cost cutting measures to get that first step on the ladder."

He said people "need to be realistic" about what they can afford, and what sacrifices they are prepared to make.