<p>The shortage of homes for sale has become the biggest barrier to house hunters according to a new survey for Barratt. </p> <p>The supply issue has surged ahead of raising a deposit, finding a mortgage and selling your home - all of which were seen as bigger obstacles to the smooth operation of the market a year ago.</p> <p>The survey of 2,275 home buyers in Britain suggests that they have seen an easing in the mortgage market and more confidence prompting home sales. But finding a home to buy has become a challenge - 30% of respondents said it was difficult and 32% have been looking for a house for more than six months. </p> <p>The number of respondents citing finding a mortage as difficult has halved in the year to 15% and similarly those struggling to sell has reduced from 35% to 17%.</p> <p>The survey found that NewBuy is not well understood with 65% unaware of the scheme - but 12% did know about it and were intending to use it. Also, respondents were overestimating the level of deposit they need to purchase a home.</p> <p>"There has clearly been a shift in the market with a growing belief that …