GAZING out over the top of Waltham Forest the Mayor of London predicted a bright future for the borough with the fastest rising property prices in the capital.

Today, Boris Johnson visited Gallery Court in Walthamstow, a £23m development, which is offering 42 shared ownership homes, 52 affordable homes and 13 flats for rent.

According to the Mayor, with new developments spring up around Waltham Forest and Stratford, will come the chance for young couples and families to get onto the property ladder.

The former camera factory has been transformed by Sanctuary Group with £2.8m funding from the Greater London Authority and in partnership with Waltham Forest council.

And to the Mayor’s delight, is offering people with a ‘moderate income’ the chance to buy their own home.

Excited soon-to-be homes owners today praised the Mayor’s First Steps scheme which they saw as the only possible way to buy in the borough.

Richard Twinn, 28, and his wife married a year ago, but when their landlord decided to move back into their rented home, were forced to live with Mr Twinn’s parents in Woodford.

They will buy a 50 per cent share of a £350,000 flat, hoping to ‘staircase’ and buy more shares in it.

He said: “We thought about many options, we even thought about moving out of London and commuting in, but would have spent half our lives commuting – and £6,000 per year.

“I grew up in the area so I have friends and family nearby.

“When we first started out we really didn’t have a clue what would be involved – we were worried – but it is our own home, and we can do what we like, within reason, so we went for it.”

Rma Kaushal and her husband Rishi, both 26, will soon move into a penthouse flat from their rented accommodation in London.

The pair have been renting a studio flat for £800 per month for two years.

Mr Kaushal said: “We just love the building, we love the flat and we can’t wait to move in.

“Before we had a studio flat so if our parents come they have to pay for hotels, nobody can stay with us.”

His wife added: “It is just so hard to get a mortgage that people end up renting for so long.

“Now we can get on the property ladder.”

London’s Mayor was optimistic about being able to build similar developments across the borough in areas including Blackhorse Lane, Leyton and some more in Stratford.

He said: “There is a massive amount of construction and regeneration going on across the area, some really great changes for the people of Walthamstow.

“This area is the fastest growing, fastest changing area in London and house prices are going up. It is important to be able to provide affordable housing in the area.

“It is a great location, walking down Wood Street I can see a lot of money has gone into the area. The schools are improving, there is a lot of green space. What’s not to like?”

Mr Johnson also said there area is to expect one other major improvement.

He added: “I keep telling everyone who is objecting – you’re going to love mini Holland. They are going to come to wonder why they never had it in the first place.”