<p>The cost of getting on the first rung of the housing ladder in rural areas is 42% higher than urban areas according to Hometrack analysis released today. It also reveals that just 12% of all homes being built are in rural areas</p> <p>The study shows that the income needed to access the property ladder in the countryside is £46,500 whereas in urban areas it is £32,750. The divide is seen across the country, not just in the south.</p> <p>Richard Donnell, Hometrack's director of research, says: "Hometrack's research shows that scarcity of affordable housing in rural areas, coupled with increasing demand, have combined to push house prices beyond the reach of many who work there. Sustainability in rural areas is vital to the long term well-being of the countryside and the challenge now facing housing strategists, local planners and housebuilders is how best to meet the needs of rural communities."</p>