The number of young people able to afford their own homes has plummeted by more than half in the last 20 years, according to new research.
The Local Government Association says only 20% of 25-year-olds are homeowners today compared to 46% in 1996.
Research for the LGA by estate agents Savills shows that 6,550 social rented homes were built in 2015/16, 88% less than 20 years ago.
The average size of a deposit needed to get a mortgage is now 62% of annual incomes and 131% in London.
The LGA says homes for affordable or social rent are vital to help more families save up for a deposit to buy a home.
Cllr Martin Tett, LGA housing spokesman, said: 'Our figures show just how wide the generational home ownership gap is in this country.
'A shortage of houses is a top concern for people as homes are too often unavailable, unaffordable and not appropriate for the different needs in our communities.’
Labour's shadow housing secretary John Healey said the new figures showed young people had been hardest hit by 'this Tory-driven housing crisis.’
He said: 'After six years of failure on housing, ministers must now face up to their record and change course so that owning your own home can again be a real aspiration.'
