The nation's largest independent housebuilder, Miller Homes, has hit back at the report by the Halifax that claims that nearly two-thirds of adults believe they will never own their own home.

Sue Warwick, national sales and marketing director for Miller Homes, said: "Today's findings from the Halifax inject yet another shot of negativity into the hearts of new buyers. It's quite ironic that the nation's largest mortgage provider has released figures that show that buyers are giving up hope of ever owning their own home. The figures claim that we are entering the age of the renter which, if true, is pretty bad news for the Halifax!

"I strenuously disagree with this sentiment though. People are still keen to purchase their own home and, unlike the continental view of renting as the preference or the norm, Brits still want to own their own little piece of Britain.

"We have experienced a huge amount of interest in the HomeBuy Direct and our own MiWay incentive specifically designed to help first time buyers onto the ladder. Equity Loans have helped thousands to achieve their house buying dreams and schemes like Deposit Match and Recommend a Friend have also helped people purchase their first home.

"Negative news reports have an effect on the whole outlook of the house buying market. I just wish that rather than report such negative findings, the people in a position to help buyers would do so, rather than tout news that heightens a sense of hopelessness. There is help out there for new buyers who are struggling to find a deposit - you just need to know where to look."