The average amount a first-time buyer needs to save for a deposit in Argyll and Bute has been revealed - but the sum hides the true sum needed to buy a home in the area.

A survey by consumer body Which? found the average value of a home in Argyll and Bute for a first-time buyer was £151,095.

That would require you to save £7,555 for a 5 per cent deposit or £15,110 for one of 10 per cent.

Which? said those numbers were up 4.4% from a year earlier.

Neighbouring West Dunbartonshire has a lower first-time average house price of £120,681 and therefore a lower deposit. But it has also seen a near 10 per cent jump in house prices in a year.

And the deposit could be only half of what's really needed to get on the property ladder.

Homes are selling in the area for 10-15 per cent above the home report value. So you need 10-15 per cent of what a property is worth, on top of the deposit. And that isn't covered by a mortage.

So if you offered 10 per cent over in Argyll and Bute, and a 5 per cent deposit, you would need to have £22,665 to spend.

And that's before costs such as solicitors' fees, or building insurance, which has reportedly seen rises of more than 40 per cent.

Jennifer Deegan, senior associate with BTO Solicitors in Helensburgh, said: "Whilst buyers can sometimes be bidding 15 per cent or more above home report valuations, that is not always the case and doesn’t tend to be with first-time buyers.

“It is a challenging market for first-time buyers and can be a struggle for them to find the deposit funds necessary to meet the cost of purchasing their first property.

"This is particularly relevant in a 'closing date' situation, which is a reasonably frequent occurrence, where properties are likely to go for a considerable sum in excess of the home report valuation.

"Where that is the case, first-time buyers often require assistance from parents or other family members for higher than anticipated deposit funds.

"So, whilst they may be able to secure a mortgage agreement in principle based on their earnings and modest savings, this will be irrelevant if they can’t secure a larger deposit to proceed with a purchase.”

Both Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government have declared housing emergencies as renters and buyers struggle to find a home.

Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said: “When it comes to buying your first home, knowing the deposit needed for the average property in your area is a vital first step in understanding how much you need to save.

"Once you know it, you can create a budget and start putting money away if you haven't yet got enough.

"The Lifetime ISA can be a great account to save into. Your savings are tax-free, and you could also get a government bonus of 25 per cent on your savings to help you buy your first property.

"Keep in mind the deposit isn't the only hurdle you'll face to get a mortgage.

"Talking to an independent mortgage broker can help you understand exactly how much you can borrow."