Almost two thirds of first-time buyers plan to sell one or more valuable items to get on the property ladder.

A poll by The Nottingham Building Society found that 63% would sell high-priced assets such as jewellery to help buy their first home, with 14% expecting to raise more than half of the funds they need this way.

The Bank of Mum and Dad is also still very much alive, with 81% of would-be first-time buyers expecting some of the funds to come from here.

Half said they would rely on grandparents, while 62% are relying on an inheritance.

The research highlights a lack of use of savings schemes that help buyers build a deposit, with 40% having no intention of using the Lifetime ISA and a fifth said they would not take advantage of the Help to Buy ISA.

Tina Hayton-Banks, director of member services for The Nottingham, said: “We know saving for a deposit is no mean feat for first-time buyers and our research echoes what we hear all the time across our branch network, that people are exploring every available route to get on the ladder.

“It’s a shame there’s still a relatively low awareness of products that can help them get there faster, such as the Lifetime ISA, but it’s an account we’re proud to be offering to support first-time buyers and expect to see its popularity grow and grow.”