The UK has the fifth highest level of social housing in Europe but is exactly average on home-ownership, according to research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

It is a popular myth that the UK tops the league in the level of home-ownership in Europe. But a recent report, compiled under the Irish presidency and presented to EU housing ministers last month, shows that, at 69%, the UK has exactly the average level of home-ownership in Europe. It ranks only 14th in the home-ownership league.

However, at nearly 21% the UK's level of social housing is the fifth highest, ranking behind only the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Poland.

By contrast, the level of private renting in the UK is relatively low at under 10%, and less than in all but seven other countries.

Commenting on the UK position, CML Deputy Director-General Peter Williams said: "It is a popular misconception that the UK tops the European home-ownership league. In fact, we are exactly average. There are plenty of countries with higher levels of owner-occupation, but very few with higher levels of social housing.

"This reinforces the question about whether the Government is doing enough to promote and support home-ownership. Given that it is the most popular and cost-effective form of housing tenure in the UK, yet attracts only 6% of the Government's subsidy for individuals' housing costs, there is a good case for reforming tax and benefit structures and introducing additional measures to help support this important force for social good within the UK."