First time buyers, council tenants and key workers can take the first step to getting their foot on the property ladder this week.

The Affordable Housing Open Day takes place at the Civic Suite in Wandsworth Town Hall this Thursday (October 20).

Wandsworth Council's Home Ownership Team will also be available to explain the different support schemes including shared ownership, social homebuy, intermediate rent, house purchase grant and right to buy.

Councillor Paul Ellis, council's home ownership spokesman, said: "More than 900 people attended least year's open day and many have now gone on to fulfil their home ownership dream.

"Our idea is to offer people loans of up to £50,000 which they can use as a deposit on a new home - the loan would be repaid once the property is sold and the money returned to the deposit fund ready for the next user.

"The scheme would focus on people living in Wandsworth who have been priced out of the market and can't fall back on the 'bank of mum and dad."

For more information call the Home Ownership Team on (020) 8871 6016/8171, email housesales@wandsworth.gov.uk or visit wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership>.