House prices in rural areas are significantly less affordable than in urban areas according to recent research.

The Halifax English Rural Housing Index reveals that the average property price in rural areas is 6.7 times average earnings compared with a ratio of 5.6 in urban areas. While first time buyers account for only 24% of the market in rural areas compared with 41% in urban areas.

Halifax chief economist Martin Ellis says: “Housing market conditions are particularly tough for those living in rural areas. Higher house prices combined with lower average earnings means that property is less affordable than in urban areas.

"This is making it especially difficult for first-time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder whilst, at the same time, there is less provision of social housing to cater for the needs of those living in rural areas.”