A successful launch event has seen 25 per cent of the affordable new flats at Boleyn Court, in Brompton, near Chatham, sold.

Each flat includes a contemporary fitted kitchen complete with an oven, hob and cooker hood, washing machine as well as central heating and allocated parking and are all available under the New Build HomeBuy scheme.

This enables people to buy a share of the property with a minimum 40 per cent available from just £40,000.

Most will need to arrange a mortgage to buy their share and then pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share.

They can also buy additional shares in the future, if they wish, until they own the property outright.

Orbit First Step estimates that you would need a household income from around £17,900 for these properties to be affordable.

Sales and marketing manager Diane Webster said: "We're over the moon that three local buyers, each of whom had been struggling to get on to the property ladder, now have their very own homes. The New Build HomeBuy scheme is helping hundreds of homebuyers around the country and we can still help nine more individuals or couples to achieve their home-buying dream.

"Anyone can apply for these properties providing they have an annual household income less than £60,000 although preference will be given to those living or working in the local area.

"We also have other properties in Maidstone, Snodland and Tonbridge. You could be a key worker, a first time buyer, in need of a new home following a relationship breakdown, or you could be looking for a larger, but still affordable, home for your growing family."

For more details on Boleyn Court or HomeBuy schemes available through Orbit First Step call 03458 50 20 50 or visit www.orbitfirststep.org.uk.