The Conservatives are considering proposals for helping first-time housebuyers.

Under the "shared equity" scheme, the mortgage lender or developer would pay half or a third of the total cost of the house, with the buyer paying the rest.

"Promotion of shared equity will be at the heart of the Conservative Party's help for first-time buyers, key workers and other people currently struggling to fulfil their aspiration to home ownership," said housing spokesman John Hayes.