With dozens of people camping overnight in the queue, it should come as no surprise that all 33 new homes released for sale in Dartford last week were snapped up in less than 24 hours.

Last week’s Messenger revealed how those keen to buy a place in Bellway Homes’ Oakes Park development in Central Road had slept in tents to be sure they didn’t miss out when they were released for sale on Saturday, September 17.

They weren’t quite gone in 60 seconds, but Bellway Homes has since confirmed that every one of the two and three-bedroom homes were sold on the day.

One of them was secured by couple Heidi Stitt and Jack Bartley, both 27, who had noticed the queue growing while out walking their dog.

“We were desperate for a three- bedroom home and luckily most people in front of us were after the two-bedroom properties,” said Heidi.

“Jack camped overnight in the tent to secure our new home and I joined him on Saturday morning. The atmosphere was really friendly and it was a good way for us to get to know our potential new neighbours.

“We are meeting up with the couple who have bought the home next to us this weekend.”

Oakes Park’s immediate popularity further cemented Dartford’s status as the fastest selling housing hot spot in the country. According to Rightmove, homes in the town are generally selling within two weeks.

The only thing selling quicker were the tents, which one camper revealed had almost all been sourced from the town’s high street Argos store.

Dan Rawling, 31, who camped with fiancée Sam Pelling, also 31, said: “They all came from Argos for £15. I think if you look at their stock online they’re all sold out.”

The couple only returned from a holiday in Cyprus on the Wednesday before the homes went on sale, but left the unpacking to go straight to Bellway in Lawson Road to put their names on the waiting list.

Prices for the development’s two-bedroom homes started at £254,995, compared to Rightmove’s reported UK average of £308,151.

Bellway’s head of sales for the Thames Gateway area Emma Denton said: “Homes in the area are in high demand, and this was reflected in the successful turn- out at our Oakes Park launch.

“We are delighted that we could offer many first time buyers and second steppers the chance to either get on the property ladder for the first time or buy a bigger home for their family.”

Eventually the development will comprise a mix of 72 terraced and semi-detached houses and parking.

The next phase will be released in spring 2017, although nobody has started queueing – yet.

For more information or to register your interest, contact 01689 886400 or visit bellway.co.uk.