Oh I didn't realise you're from the UK! It took me years of saving to get on the property ladder, but I finally got there! Are you pinned down to a specific area? If not there are some very nice houses on the Welsh Borders - Herefordshire, Shropshire sort of area, for VERY reasonable prices (for the UK)

I even know people who lived in the South East, bought and rented out that way and carried on renting in the SE - to be able to get a foot on the ladder sooner.

I just can't help but think there's more upside potential for nice properties in cheap (but nice) areas!