"With mortgage rates continuing to rise, first time buyers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the massive mortgages they now require to get on the ladder, " said RICS economist David Stubbs.

BBC: NEWS | Business | House price inflation easing off

"At the start of 2008, first-time buyers are finding it even harder to get a foothold on the housing ladder and the signs are that conditions are unlikely to get better in the short term, " said Rics senior economist David Stubbs.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Mortgage approvals drop further

On Monday, highlights for Britain include Pearson in the individual freestyle test, Simmonds back in the pool in the 200m, David Weir on the track in the 1500m and John Stubbs defending his archery title.

BBC: Paralympics taken to UK's heart, Locog says