A new survey by housing charity Shelter shows that more than 80 per cent of young people between the ages of 18-34 are worried about soaring house prices - with less than 40 per cent believing they'll be able to afford to buy within the next 10 years.

The survey, conducted by YouGov, paints a depressing picture, with almost 80 per cent, or nearly eight out of 10, saying their biggest housing problem in the next five years will be buying their own home or finding somewhere decent to live.

Despite their worries, almost 90 per cent of young people still aspire to be homeowners and get a foot on the property ladder. But the poll shows prospective first time buyers are extremely concerned their dreams of buying their on home will remain out of their reach for years to come.

Archie Stoddart, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: 'We all know hard working young people who are desperate to get on the housing ladder, but can't afford it.

'What's depressing about this survey is that it shows the true extent of the situation. There are hundreds of thousands of young people throughout the UK who face the prospect of never being able to afford their own homes. It seems the only chance these people have is to mortgage themselves up to the hilt or hope they can borrow from their parents.'

Latest figures show the average price paid by first time buyers in Scotland is £108,922. The average loan to first time buyers stands at 92 per cent of the purchase price.

This means the average mortgage loan to first time buyers is £99,922, on top of a deposit of £9,000. This works out at repayments of £621 per month, or almost £7,500 per year.

He added: 'There simply aren't enough houses to meet demand, which means we must build enough homes at affordable prices. Next week, the Scottish Government will lay out its spending plans for the next three years. While they have outlined proposals to build more homes, they must make affordable homes for rent a top spending priority. We must ensure that young people have a real choice about buying or renting to ensure they don't feel forced into home ownership.'

Shelter is also urging any young people who are currently experiencing housing problems to check out its unique online advice service, Know your rights. Supported by The Vodafone UK Foundation, Know your rights provides expert, in-depth and practical housing advice online. Visit www.shelter.org.uk/knowyourrights

Notes to Editors

1. YouGov Plc polled 6,017 adults between 10 September and 4 October. The total number of 18-34 year olds polled who didn't own their own home was 1172. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
2. Average House Prices, Scottish Government (2007) - Scottish Housing Market Review Evidence and Analysis, average deposit figure from HBOS
3. Council of Mortgage Lenders.
4. The repayments on 25 year repayment mortgage for this amount would be £620.76 per month at an interest rate of 5.5%. Calculated using CML mortgage calculator.
5. For full poll results, please contact the Shelter Scotland press office on 0844 515 2442
6. The Vodafone UK Foundation focuses on helping 16-25 year olds facing exclusion from society. It also supports local communities in areas where Vodafone has a significant physical presence and Vodafone employees who are involved in community activities. Further information can be found on www.vodafoneukfoundation.org
7. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
8. For more information about Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk