Released on = August 2, 2007, 8:10 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = First-time buyers (FTBs) have almost no chance of getting
onto the property ladder and radical changes are needed if the situation is to
change.

Press Release Body = That is the opinion of David Pretty, former chief executive of
Barratt Developments, whose comments highlight the fact that sellers are also
struggling to get rid of their properties as a result of FTBs being unable to buy.

Mr Pretty has penned a statement to housing minister Yvette Cooper, stating that
FTBs are the \"new poor\".

He outlines ten measures that he wants to see introduced in order to help FTBs and
protect the market.

\"Gordon Brown has stated that tackling the housing crisis is a priority and I
certainly welcome that, but urgent action is needed to prevent first-time buyers
becoming an endangered species,\" said Mr Pretty.

\"Today, affordability is no longer just a London and South East problem - it affects
all towns and cities across Britain.\"

The increasing lack of first-time buyers will cause more concern to vendors says
National Homebuyers, director Julian King says: \"As fewer buyers are available, your
property price will suffer.

\"The lack of buyers means that the housing market has to become more competitive in
order to achieve a sale. Meaning that homeowners will be unlikely to get close to
their asking price.

\"Further inability to sell will in turn create further concern in the market,
forcing prices further downwards.\"

National Homebuyers is the UK\'s leading fast purchase property firm, guaranteeing a
formal cash offer on any property for vendors needing a quick sale

Web Site = http://www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk

Contact Details = Sterling House
20 Victoria Way
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9NF
0870 979 8118
Fax: 01444 257333
info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk