FIRST time buyers and young professionals can get a helping hand on the property ladder with discounted flats in the new Dickens Yard development.

St George West London, developers of the 200 luxury apartments set behind Ealing Town Hall in Ealing Broadway, are offering the first discounted homes on March 16.

The company is working with Ealing Council to offer a total of 70 flats at 80 per cent of the market value to first time buyers who live or work in the borough.

Managing director Ian Dobie said there is already a waiting list for the first seven flats in the Belgravia Tower due to be completed later this year.

"We've done this on other projects like in Fulham where it was really successful and in huge demand," he said.

"It's an opportunity for young people to live in this new community. It's a scheme that gives a helping hand to people starting out and would like to live in Dickens Yard.

"A well balanced community is one that engages the young people and the older people. We're aware of demand for housing at either end of the spectrum."

The company is also offering 70 rented properties to residents aged over 55 through housing association Catalyst.

Anyone who earns a collective income of up to £64,000 is eligible to buy the one- and two-bedroom discounted homes which start at £250,000. New homeowners will not have to pay rent on the remaining 20 per cent of the property as with other part-buy schemes, which is held in perpetuity by Ealing Council until the property is sold.

The only other payment is the service charge which entitles all tenants access to the exclusive on-site spa and gym.

For more information pop into the marketing suite in Ealing Broadway or visit www.dickens-yard.co.uk.