Despite having the Aussies on the run in the current Ashes series for the first time in years, it seems us Pommies don't necessarily get the better of our fiercest cricket rivals when it comes to buying a home for the first time, according to research released this week from The Co-operative Bank.

The bank has compared the average costs for a first-time buyer purchasing a property in the areas of each of this summer's 'Ashes' series - Lords, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and The Oval. This was also carried out in areas of each of the Australian 'Ashes' venues - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

The findings reveal that the Australian's usually get bigger houses and more land for their money, with it being normal to develop or improve at a later date. However, they do pay more for their properties and, as such, mortgage repayments are more expensive, whilst UK first-time buyers benefit from more competitive mortgage deals.

Londoners have to pay almost twice as much as people outside of the capital to get onto the property ladder, the research shows. Typically, a first-time buyer property in London is a small flat or apartment - compared to a house with a garden in other UK regions.

The research also found that although the cost of moving in may be more expensive in Australia, first-time buyers are able get financial help, with grants available of up to AUS$6,000.

Sheila Macdonald, chief operating officer at The Co-operative Bank, said: "We normally tend to struggle against the Aussies at cricket, although this time the momentum seems to be swinging in our favour. However when it comes to buying a home for the first time, we do compete fairly well."

"Although our research confirms that first-time buyer's in Australia get larger properties and more land for their money, the cost of borrowing in the UK is much cheaper. Borrowers can also get peace-of-mind by choosing a mortgage that reduces the costs, such as one of those available through The Co-operative Bank's first-time buyer range."