First-time house buyers could wait up to 14 years before getting onto the property ladder, according to new research.

In a study by homelessness charity Shelter into the average time taken for three household types to save a home deposit, York sits above the national average for each.

A single buyer in York who, after paying taxes and living costs, saves one fifth of their remaining income will take 14.3 years to afford a deposit – four years longer than the regional average.

James Newton of YorSpace, a group aiming to address unaffordable housing in York, said: “It’s very frustrating that people have to work that length of time to spend the rest of their life paying it off.”

A couple in York with one child must save for 12.9 years for a deposit and a couple without children for 7.3 years.

The numbers are based on several factors, including average income, the average house price – which in York is around £205,000 – and cost of living.

Chief Executive of Shelter, Campbell Robb, said home ownership for young people is now “just a fantasy” and building affordable homes is the only way forward.

Mike Slater, Assistant Director of Development Services, Planning and Regeneration at York City Council, said: “In recent years the council has supported the development of over 1,140 new much needed affordable homes for local people and families across the city.”

But Mr Newton said an increase in buy-to-let purchases, whereby people buy property with the sole intention of renting, could be to blame.

“I think the council needs to think differently about how to procure housing in the city,” he said.

Mr Slater added: “We are continuing to look at ways of providing more affordable housing and boost the local economy so that first time buyers and residents have access to better paid and more high skilled jobs, so it’s more affordable to live in York.”

John Hocking, Executive Director of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, said: “Alongside increasing housing construction, we must also improve access, conditions and affordability in the private rented sector so that it provides safe and secure accommodation for those who don’t currently earn enough to buy.”