Potential homebuyers are being squeezed out of the property market as soaring demand coupled with few homes for sale has made it harder to find an affordable first step on the ladder.

Those aged over 30 made up 94% of successful homebuyers in the last month, meaning just 6% were aged 18 to 30, according to a report by the National Association of Estate Agents.

While buyers may not be getting any younger, first-time buyers are increasing in number – 28% of all completed sales last month were to those getting onto the ladder for the first time, a slight increase on the figure of 25% recorded in March.

The challenge for younger buyers is soaring demand for properties across the UK. NAEA members recorded 392 registered house hunters per branch in April, a 20% increase in the figure of 313 recorded in March of this year. The rising demand means there are almost nine registered buyers for every property available.

Last week, figures from the Office for National Statistics found house prices had risen 8% in a year. Furthermore, the ONS data found the average price of a property bought by a first-time buyer was up 10% – or nearly £20,000 - to £193,000 in just a year.