New figures reveal househunters need to earn more than £77,000 a year to afford a mortgage for the average home in Maldon.

The data from the National Housing Federation has sparked fears first time buyers and families are being priced out of the market across the district.

The data showed the average house price in the district is now £339,492 – £30,000 more than the figures for last year and 11 times the typical salary in the area of £30,436.

This means the average worker would need to earn £77,598 to afford a mortgage, or share with others.

And those who cannot buy may not be able to afford to rent either.

The average monthly rent is now £862 compared with £793 last year.

The NHF’s East of England Home Truths 2017/18 report found the average house price in the East of England is more than £310,966.

Maldon residents said one of the biggest problems was being able to save a big enough deposit to secure a mortgage.

Emily Taylor said: “We’ve been renting for many years now and find it impossible to save for a deposit.

“I feel if you are able to pay your rent every month and can afford it then the Government should introduce a scheme for renters who can prove they are able to pay a mortgage.”

Julia Morris added: “The key part is affording a mortgage. People harp on about affordable housing but really it’s the lack of affordable mortgages that’s the problem.

“Lenders just don’t want to give homebuyers the money unless they have significant investment in the form of a large deposit. “It is really hard for young first time buyers without the luxury of the bank of mum and dad.”

Rosie Sizer said rent levels were pricing people out of the district.

She said: “I previously rented in Maldon - a very tiny flat in Cherry Garden Road.

“When I say tiny I mean no cupboards and the living room and kitchen were together and it was £675 pcm.

“Being on benefits at the time as I was unable to work and the money I got from the council just didn’t cover the rent and I got in so much debt. When I left the landlord increased the rent.

“I did find another place to rent in a tiny village outside of Tiptree that was easily three times the size with a garden and a driveway for three cars was £625 pcm.

“It’s such a shame because Maldon is a beautiful place to live."

NHF said the crisis was down to a shortfall in new housing.

Ciaran Tully, external affairs manager for the NHF, said: “The housing market has seen a relentless rise in the gap between house prices and people’s salaries. Maldon is no exception.”