Parents in Bradford are spending thousands of pounds to help their grown-up children fly the nest.

New research has revealed that 20 per cent of parents in Yorkshire have given their children cash to help them buy their first home.

A further seven per cent of parents are willing to take out personal loans to help them move out.

The study, conducted by the Skipton Building Society, also claims that 33 per cent of parents argue over whether or not to give their children money to buy their own home.

A spokesman for Bradford & Bingley estate agency said: "There has been a noticeable fall in first-time buyers as more young people are forced to stay at home longer due to the rise in house prices and debts they have accumulated while studying.

"The flip side to this is that the increase in property prices means that parents have more equity in their homes which they can use as a deposit to put their children on the property ladder."

Tanya Mills, of the Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society, said: "One incentive for parents investing in their children's property is that pensions and the stock market have become more precarious over the last few years and property is seen as being a safer investment."

Of those questioned, more than a third said they lived at home because they had got used to home comforts. The study revealed that 93 per cent of mothers still did their grown-up children's washing and 80 per cent still cooked for them. Sir James Hill, 59, a company director of Menston, has one daughter living at home. She is 31 and a teacher.

"My daughter lives at home because she had been living overseas and was between jobs.

"It would be impossible for her to think about buying at the moment because the house market has gone through the roof.

"Having grown up children living at home can put a strain on relationships. My daughter often thinks I am being a fuddy duddy and my wife always has to act as the mediator when we argue. It was much easier to fly the nest when I was younger."

Neil Mosley, 22, a student at Leeds University, lives with his parents in Bradford. He is studying jazz.

"I have lived away from home as well. The main reason for staying at home is my finances. I simply can't afford to move while I'm studying.

"Living with your parents has advantages and disadvantages. The downside is you don't have as much independence and the upside is I get everything done for me. I really enjoy having my home comforts, like constant hot water and home cooked food."

Nazzar Butt, 23, of Heaton, lives with his parents and his sister. He has completed his degree in chemistry at Huddersfield University and is planning to do a Masters degree in performance management.

"I love living at home with my family and don't know if I will move out even when I get married. I am an only son and I like to be at home with my parents so I can look after them. I don't like the thought of not being there for them. They have looked after me for my whole life so I want to look after them."