I WAS amused to read of Quantum estate agency's continued confidence in the house price boom in York (House prices in York area continue to soar, April 20).

I have to ask: apart from greedy estate agents and, of course, perhaps equally greedy home owners, who exactly does this boom benefit?

I earn what I consider to be a good salary, but I couldn't even afford a one-bedroom house in York.

To buy a property I would have to either take out a 50 year mortgage (I'm 35), lie about my salary, take out a mortgage at six times my salary or pay a very substantial deposit. I am resigned to never being a home owner in the city I love.

The boom is also harmful to the environment as it is fuelling a subsidiary boom in Pocklington and no doubt many other 'more affordable' places just outside of York. Some friends of mine have just moved to Pocklington, but the house prices will start rocketing out there soon.

Is York to be a place ordinary people are not to be able to live in future? Is it to be reserved for the city-slickers and the yuppies?

Am I resentful? Well if I'm to be fully honest, yes I am a bit.

Richard Greaves,

Morehall Close,

Rawcliffe,

York.

Updated: 11:49 Monday, April 26, 2004