In research released by Abbey, some 23 per cent of those consumers taking their initial steps on the housing ladder have asked family and friends as their primary source of advice, in comparison to 13 per cent of respondents opting to get guidance from mortgage brokers. Despite these statistics, the financial services provider purported that there is a rising trend among those taking their first steps on the housing ladder to seek professional help.

Just over a quarter (28 per cent) of those aged 25 to 34 were said to have used a broker for guidance on getting a secured loan when they purchased their first property. However, only two per cent of consumers beyond the 65 years-of-age barrier were revealed to have done so. Meanwhile, 29 per cent of young buyers were said to prefer advice from a mortgage intermediary to that of banks and building societies. As a result, Abbey suggested that this shows an urge among young first-time buyers to get independent assistance when buying a home.

Ricky Okey, managing director of Abbey for Intermediaries, said: "he results show some promising signs for the future with a shifting attitude of young first-time buyers who are waking up to the benefits of seeking advice from intermediaries." He also claimed that as 13 per cent of first-time buyers currently use a broker for advice, such lenders "have a great opportunity to engage" with borrowers.

Mr Okey added: "Brokers are becoming an increasingly important part of [a] first-time buyer's decision making processes thanks to service and cost improvements as well as being able to offer a broader product range. By developing these areas further, brokers can build on this changing attitude to become a positive driving force in the first-time buyer market."

However, earlier this month, a study carried out by Picture Financial showed that consumers are more willing to discuss areas such as religion, work, current affairs and sex with their family members than they are to talk about money. The findings revealed that just over a third (38 per cent) of households are likely to argue about financial matters rather than other "hot topics".

Despite over three-quarters of respondents said to be worried about their families' finances, more than half of Britons are reported to believe that borrowing money, through personal loans and credit cards, is an acceptable way to fund a certain lifestyle standard. Julia Dallimore, marketing director for Picture Financial, suggested that despite the "sharp contrast" in attitudes highlighted by the study, by being more open with money matters and regularly reviewing their situation, consumers will be able to handle their outgoings with greater ease.

The study also showed that consumers aged between 16 and 24 tend to be the most worried about their finances, with 19 per cent reporting this to be a constant state of concern. However, only seven per cent of people in this age group were shown to speak to relatives on this matter.