The search for affordable flats and homes is becoming harder

The Bank of Scotland research found that the cost increased by 17% to �108,922, up from �92,842 in 2005.

Over the past five years this represented a doubling in the average price from �52,377 in 2001.

The least affordable town in Scotland was Helensburgh, while the most affordable was Lochgelly.

LEAST AFFORDABLE TOWNS BY PRICE-INCOME RATIO Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire Edinburgh, Midlothian Tranent, East Lothian Inverurie, Aberdeenshire Ayr, Ayrshire Source: Bank of Scotland

Despite the increases, Scotland still remained the cheapest part of the UK for first time buyers, well below the �151,565 overall average.

Scottish buyers put down an average deposit of �21,290 in 2006, according to the study, about 20% of the property value.

Calculations of affordability, done on a price-to-income ratio, showed that buying a house had moved out of reach for most people starting on the property ladder, while flats remained affordable in most locations.

The number of towns where buyers could afford a house, based on 47 locations, fell from 91% in 2001 to 11% in 2006.

MOST AFFORDABLE TOWNS BY PRICE-INCOME RATIO Lochgelly, Fife Cumnock, Ayrshire Bellshill, Lanarkshire Peterhead, Aberdeenshire Wishaw, Lanarkshire Source: Bank of Scotland

However, a typical first time buyer could still afford a flat or maisonette in 87% of towns surveyed.

Tim Crawford, group economist at the Bank of Scotland, said: "First time buyers in Scotland are finding it increasingly difficult to climb onto the property ladder with the average house price paid by a new buyer entering the market now above �100,000.

"This is more than double the price level of five years ago.