The study by the University of London for the People's Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society listed tidier gardens and urbanisation as key factors affecting the fall in the number of the small mammals.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Highland wildlife on updated list

So to help them with this decision, we took a look at the key market factors affecting the cost of homeownership.

FORBES: Buying A Home Is 45% Cheaper than Renting