Taking the first steps onto the property ladder is starting to get easier for many prospective buyers.

A variety of factors including the levelling out of property prices and the number of lenders that are willing to provide loans are helping people to take their first steps in to the market, commented Helen Adams, managing director of FirstRungNow.com.

She noted that the amount of cash needed up front in order to secure a deposit was also declining, with many mortgages now on the market with a ten per cent deposit, while 25 per cent was frequently required only last year.

"Lenders seem to be lending slightly more readily and I would like to think that this trend will continue for at least a few months," Ms Adams explained, adding that she was generally optimistic about the way the market was moving.

Her comments followed the news from John Charcol that in July 2010 the number of first-time buyers looking for a mortgage rose by 80 per cent.

Written by Fiona Mayers

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