FIRST-TIME buyers are still struggling to get on the property ladder, despite an overall increase in property sales last month.

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) said first-time buyers accounted for only 13.6 per cent of sales, only marginally above August's record low of 13.3 per cent.

The slump follows a slight recovery in the proportion of first-time buyers in the UK in July, when they accounted for 17 per cent of sales - still well below the long-term average of 25 per cent.

The NAEA urged Government action to improve the prospects for first-time buyers.

Group president Melfyn Williams said: "To help the forlorn prospective first-time buyer, the Government should consider abolishing stamp duty for first-time purchases.

"Stamp duty on any house purchase is the most unjust and inequitable tax existing in the UK today."

Mr Williams applauded lenders for encouraging young people by allowing higher income multiples for first-time buyer mortgages.

Annual house price inflation rose slightly to 7.6 per cent, from 6.9 per cent in August.

Figures showed it took an average of 23 viewings to sell a house last month, up from 17 in August.