First-time home-buyers across Sussex are being squeezed out of the market by spiralling house prices, according to a report out today.

People can no longer afford to buy a home in some parts of the county and those on low incomes are finding it increasingly difficult to get a foot on the property ladder.

Brighton and Hove and West Sussex are both in the top 20 of the worst places in England and Wales to buy.

Labour Research magazine compared average house prices to average incomes and found a gaping void.

The average house price in West Sussex is now £148,251, £27,080 more than the average joint income.

In Brighton and Hove, the average house price is £135,589, £24,207 more than the average joint income.

Among the hardest hit are teachers those in the caring professions like nurses and childcare staff. Even where two such workers pool their earnings, their options are severely limited.

For auxiliary nurses, ward assistants and ambulance staff, buying a house remains an unattainable dream because their average earnings are around £13,233 a year.

The magazine found only 51 counties and unitary authorities out of a total of 171 where a man on average male income for the area could afford a house. For women, there are just seven.

It is no easier when there are two people buying together. Two workers on average earnings, having obtained the a five per cent deposit, would be unable to afford an average house in 59 out of 171 English and Welsh counties.

John Holmstrom of Brighton Housing Trust said house price inflation was leading to more homelessness.

He said: "It is making the city more and more exclusive and excluding those on middle to low incomes from living in their own local town.

He said there was a close relationship between house prices and rent levels.

"House prices and rent levels are going up. Housing benefits cannot meet those levels so landlords only want to rent to working people.

"Even then it is not only a question of excluding key workers like nurses who make the town work but waiters and all those in the service industries.

"The council does not have a level playing field. They need additional support to tackle the problem more effectively."

Mr Holmstrom said Brighton was unduly affected by the national problem.

"Around 20 per cent of accommodation here is privately rented - double the national average. Only 13 percent of accommodation is social housing."

Windsor & Maidenhead top the poll. The average house in that area costs £250,556, £99,859 more than the average joint income.

Shula Rich, spokeswoman for the Brighton, Hove and District Leaseholders Association said rising house prices were forcing people into buying flats.

"At first this seems more affordable but because of the old leasehold system they are at prey from being exploited by landlords and managing agents."