People can feel "overwhelmed" by information

The Bank of Scotland's researchers found that there were seven towns in Scotland where the average price paid by a first-time buyer was below �40,000 - Kirkcaldy, Kilwinning, Irvine, Fraserburgh, Lochgelly, Glenrothes and Leven.

They were among the top 10 most affordable towns in Britain with Leven in Fife the best value location in Britain for a first-time buyer.

But the situation is more difficult for first-time buyers in Edinburgh than anywhere else in Scotland.

They need to earn �22,616 to purchase the average priced property for a first-time buyer of �77,370 - only �706 lower than the average Scottish salary of �23,322.

Bank economist Martin Ellis said: "There are no significant problems facing first-time buyers across most of Scotland with many towns offering better value for such buyers than anywhere else in Britain.

Capital prices

"The substantial increase in house prices in Edinburgh over the last few years has, however greatly outstripped the rate of increase in average earnings meaning that growing numbers of potential first-time buyers are now being priced out of the housing market in the capital."

As part of the executive's study some 900 house buyers were interviewed by independent consultants.

It gives a detailed picture of the buying and selling process, the experiences, attitudes and levels of satisfaction of purchasers and sellers as well as the views of housing professionals.

The report's main findings include:

• 46% of respondents did not get any advice on the house buying process

• There is a great deal of written information available, but people often reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it

• Buyers complained about the lack of a clear, concise guide to what they had to do

• 76% of people were successful with the first offer they made for a property and 67% of people had just one valuation/survey

• There is broad support for some form of "single" survey system among buyers but, professionals of all types showed little enthusiasm for the idea.

Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said: "The report demonstrates that the system we have in Scotland works well for most people and that solicitors, lenders, surveyors and estate agents are providing good quality services to buyers and sellers.

"But it also shows that it could be better. The job of the task force is to consider how this can be achieved without losing any of the strengths".