A Rickmansworth estate agent says he sees little chance of an improvement to figures revealing house prices in Hertsmere and Three Rivers are the least affordable in the East of England.

Average prices in Hertsmere are at 15 times the standard wage, according to statistics released by the National Housing Federation.

Three Rivers is close behind, with property prices at 13.6 times more than the average individual income, while houses in the Dacorum area are 12.8 times higher.

House prices in Watford are 8.7 times higher and it is estimated that an individual would need an income of £60,000 to obtain a mortgage for an averaged priced house in the area.

The figures, which will alarm many potential first time buyers, do not look like improving, according to Nigel Guilfoyle, director of Rickmansworth estate agents Trend and Thomas.

He said: “I do not think there is much change on the way. I would imagine the market will ebb and flow a small amount over the next year or so.

“There is no doubt the lending situation has had a huge impact for first-time buyers. It is very hard and, rather than five percent deposits, buyers are more frequently being asked for ten and 15 percent of the property value – figures many people cannot afford.”

The income required for an average mortgage in Three Rivers is estimated to be £91,000 while in Hertsmere and Dacorum it is £85,000 and £75,000 respectively.

The National Housing Federation said an average 21-year-old in the East of England would have to wait until they are middle aged to buy a property at the lowest end of the housing market.

The average house price in the East of England in 2009 was £215,260 - ten times the average local income of £21,492.

Mr Guilfoyle added: “Until the lending situation changes, and confidence is re-established in first-time buyers, I can see little improvement.”