Home ownership is still the long term choice for the majority of British adults, although a number of hurdles are getting in the way of this dream becoming a reality.

Mortgages remain a big stumbling block for many would-be buyers, but research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) shows that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The study reveals that 79% of British adults would like to be home owners within the next decade - down slightly from 81% a year ago. But while this might still seem like a very high figure, it is in fact one of the lowest levels recorded over the past 30 years.

Nevertheless, the CML said it considered the desire for home ownership to be "resilient" given the backdrop of protracted economic difficulties and a sharp decline in actual ownership rates.

Not having enough savings, house prices being too expensive, the cost associated with buying, the cost of living and job and economic uncertainty were all cited by potential buyers as factors that are currently making it more difficult to buy a home.

The likelihood of getting a mortgage and mortgage rates being too high were also included on the long list of barriers to buying and moving.

All age groups continue to show a strong preference for home ownership in the longer term, but there has been an appreciable drop amongst younger age groups over the past few years.

In comparison, people of retirement age appear to value home ownership more highly than ever before.

Buying a home during the next two or three years is the ideal scenario for 44% of respondents, with those currently renting privately or sharing with parents, other relatives or friends, and 25 to 34 year olds, displaying the strongest appetite to buy.

However, just 16% of those who would like to buy during the next two to three years believe they will be in a position for it to happen.

When asked what would significantly improve their chances of buying a new home in the next two to three years, the majority of people said an inheritance or pay rise. House prices falling, a cut in stamp duty and lower mortgage rates were also cited.