The gender pay gap is making homebuying even harder for women, a study has found.

Data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed that the pay gap for women in Brighton and Hove is over £7,200 per year, impacting their ability to get on the property ladder.

Figures from Boomin also revealed that, in South East England, the average first-time buyer home is 11.2 times the average woman’s income, compared with just 9.2 times for men.

To mark International Women’s Day, Esther Dijkstra, South East ambassador for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “It’s no surprise that research indicates that, often, a woman’s only realistic route to owning property is to do so jointly with someone else.

“International Women’s Day brings attention to gender equality, but when it comes to home ownership, the conversation around inclusivity is often overlooked.”

Ms Dijkstra said that education around steps to make home ownership a reality, such as shared ownership, can help encourage more people to consider it as a realistic option, regardless of gender.

Held annually, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world, as well as acting as a call to action to demand greater action on gender equality.