MANY first-time buyers can no longer afford properties in Malvern.

With an average three-bedroom semi-detached home in the town now costing £165,000 and wages averaging £25,000, more and more people are finding it impossible to get on the property ladder.

Estate agent David Prosser, of Allan Morris and Prosser, said first-time buyers in Malvern are rare now.

"I've been in Malvern 15 years," he said, "When I started, first-time buyers could come and buy a little two-bedroom house. Now it's very difficult for them."

The situation was highlighted in Lower Wick this week where desperate buyers have been camping outside a former army base at Annington Reach. Their aim is to be first in line when 10 houses go on sale today (Friday) on a first-come first-served basis.

There are 1,400 people on Elgar Housing Association's waiting list.

The association, which manages 5,000 rental properties, launched its Homebuy scheme in 1999 to help people make the first step on to the housing ladder. That scheme has helped 150 people into home ownership and is working on 20 more.

Secretary Sue Holloway, aged 32, has to pay rent for a shared house in Malvern because for her buying is an impossible task.

She previously had a joint mortgage but when her relationship broke down, she sold her share and has since been unable to find a way into home ownership.

"I've registered with a few housing associations but I've only had a couple of responses in the last five years," she said.

"I've always lived in Malvern and my family all live nearby, so I don't want to move away, but it seems like I'll never be able to get on the housing ladder. There just isn't much about that I can afford."

Malvern Hills District Council leader Tom Wells said a 2001 housing needs assessment had identified an annual demand for 161 affordable homes in the district.

Ninety rented and shared ownership properties are to be made available this year through various housing associations.

The council's Local Plan says that in urban areas 50 per cent of any development of 15 or more houses should be designated for affordable housing.

The development of North Site is hoped to provide around 190 affordable homes.

Coun Wells said: "There is a desperate need to provide affordable housing across the district, both in Malvern and the surrounding areas.

"There is evidence that many of our young people are finding it quite impossible to purchase first homes, with the result that they are having to find accommodation outside Worcestershire. It is crucial that we stop this brain drain."