House prices soar 12% in record annual rise

This puts the value of the average family home in England and Wales above £280,000 for the first time, and means that houses are earning more in a year than 60% of workers, with the average income standing at £27,271.

Houses in the nation’s capital earned significantly more at £80,462, almost twice as much as the average London salary of £41,095.

John Willcock, head of mortgages at the Post Office, said:

“Property prices have soared over the past year following a long period of recovery and are set to increase further over the next five years.

“While this is good news for those who already own their home, our study highlights the struggle that buyers and movers looking to climb the property ladder face, especially in getting on that all-important first rung.

"Forecasts indicate that this year's strong house price growth will most likely be followed by a slight contraction of 0.8% in 2015, as the market responds to the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) guidance.

"One of the impacts of MMR is a lengthening in transaction times and more rigorous criteria, meaning the overall process of buying and moving is taking longer.

"However, as demand for properties remains high those on the hunt for first homes and dream properties will continue to face substantial costs. Another factor contributing to this contraction is the decline in demand from overseas buyers which has affected house prices in the capital."