A TWO-bedroom apartment has become the most sought-after property in Droitwich this week.

First time buyers are expected to battle for the last of 12 affordable homes in the town centre.

An unusual commodity nowadays, the reasonably-priced property will enable one lucky individual or couple to step onto the property ladder.

The apartment, on the site of the old Worcestershire Hotel, in St Andrews Street, is being sold on a shared ownership basis for £57,250 - representing half of its open market value.

Spa Housing Association, which owns the property, said the other 11 apartments were reserved within days of being advertised, and this one was not expected to be any different.

"This scheme is aimed at local people who want to take a first step into the housing market but could not otherwise afford to do so because of escalating prices," said Clare Huyton, executive director of the Association.

"We expected the apartments to be very popular as they are ideally situated in the centre of the town," she said.

"So far we have not been disappointed and I expect the remaining property to be the same."

Purchasers can buy half the homes and then increase their share of the equity up to 100 per cent. A subsidised rent is paid on the remaining proportion of the equity.

The apartments, which are built around a courtyard, have fitted kitchens and bathrooms, an allocated parking space, and door entry systems.

They are just part of the development on the land of the old Worcestershire Hotel, which was demolished after standing empty since the mid-1980s.

For more details, call Spa Housing Association on 01684 579435.