"We are now seeing, first hand, the problems that first time buyers are having getting onto the property ladder.  As a result, I feel that Gordon Brown needs to be much more aggressive in taking steps to kick the economy into shape.

"Firstly, the Government should look to control lending to a maximum of 95% loan-to-value, and in addition, introduce government backed Mortgage Insurance Guarantees for the top 15% of lending over 80%.  This will encourage lenders to improve the range of products and rates available. 

"I believe that back in his Chancellor days, Gordon Brown made a huge mistake when he scrapped the "middle class perk" of MIRAS in 2000.  In the current market, the re-introduction of Mortgage Interest Relief at Source, for first time buyers only, would go a long way to relieving the difficulties faced by those trying to buy their first home.  Combine this with the introduction of regulation to control irresponsible lending, specifically in relation to the criteria laid down for the multiples of salary levels that lenders are willing to impart, and we might see first time buyers get an affordable foot on the elusive first rung, with a sensible control to prevent property values spiralling upwards again.

"If the Prime Minister really wants to make the housing market move a little bit quicker, then he might like to consider putting the final nail in the coffin of the ill-advised Home Information Pack (HIP).  These are of no benefit to the sales process and just slow the whole thing down.  Buyers are not interested in them while they are looking for a new home, and they are an unnecessary expense for vendors wishing and trying to sell their home."