ASPIRATION now there's a word you don't hear much. Yet we all aspire to better things don't we? Be it a better job or a better car.

Even schools are trying to drum this into their pupils.

And it seems that this word is slowly gripping the nation.

Recent research has shown that record numbers are studying courses to upskill' themselves, for instance from cashiers to forensic scientists.

Those who perhaps didn't do as well in their early years have realised that education can actually get them out of a hole.

So what about those who have worked hard gaining qualifications, who are now saddled with debt and aspire to owning property?

That dying breed - the first-time-buyer.

Research shows they now need to earn over £40,000 to secure a reasonable mortgage.

When there are developments intended for first-timers, they are snapped up by speculators who can move quickly.

In fact the Echo has reported how such speculators bought and sold flats intended for first-timers - in the same day - making a handsome profit.

Surely there should be laws preventing this?

Not surprisingly, many thousands of Brits are turning to renting or simply fleeing abroad - 500 Brits a day according to the Office of National Statistics.

A quarter of potential first-time-buyers would consider moving abroad to live more cheaply so they could save a deposit for a home.

One in five people told National Savings and Investment (NS&I) they would move to Eastern Europe.

Hardly surprising when these areas have so much going for them - cheap property, magnificent views, friendly locals and no traffic jams!

We all know that in Bulgaria or Romania a decent property can be snapped up for really attractive sums.

But there are two problems here: one being the lack of employment and the other being the language.

An alternative might be moving to a cheaper part of the UK to save cash for a deposit.

Apparently, younger people are most willing to do this, with more than a third aged between 16 and 34 saying they would move to a cheaper part of the country for the sole purpose of saving money for a deposit on their first home.

When, for instance, public sector workers earn a similar amount wherever they are based in the UK, it makes sense to move up north where a three-bed terrace house can be purchased for under £80,000, compared to a similar property down here for over £170,000.

What hurts is that Labour has taken away the sheer excitement that comes from stepping into that first home.

It's indescribable. The feelings of elation, achievement, pride and responsibility.

When my girlfriend and I saddled ourselves with a mortgage five years ago, we thoroughly enjoyed looking round various properties and hunting for that little piece of England we could call our own - or at least the bank manager's - where we could settle down and make our mark.

Ownership allows you to put your mark on a place, garden and DIY.

No rented property allows this.

Eventually we discovered a two-bed Victorian mid-terrace in Southampton.

Even on a noisy main road with no parking, it's home.

With so many first-time-buyers aspiring to own a property and having their hopes dashed - surely the government should be aiming to reverse their fortunes - and fast?