A council leader has hailed a complex of affordable homes as an opportunity for young first-time buyers to “get a foot on the property ladder”.

Cllr Clare Coghill, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, spoke at the topping out ceremony of Pocket Living’s one-bedroom apartments in Gainsford Road in Walthamstow this week.

The 45 homes which are to be sold at a 20 per cent discount to first-time buyers in the local market will be ready to be lived in in April.

The development is a 10 minute walk from Walthamstow Central and apartments can be bought with a 5 per cent deposit with Help to Buy London.

Cllr Coghill said: “One of our residents’ main concerns is to make sure that they and their loved ones have a safe, affordable roof over their head.

“These fantastic Pocket homes mean that young people who have grown up in the borough don’t have to worry they will have to move away from family and friends to get a foot on the property ladder.

“Waltham Forest Council has delivered 47 per cent affordable housing over the past three years, the highest in London.

“Working with forward-thinking partners such as Pocket Living means we are able to take positive steps that have a real impact for first-time buyers.”

Cllr Coghill was joined by the Portfolio Lead Member for Housing, Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, on the visit to mark the end of the construction phase on Monday, January 22.

Pocket Living CEO Marc Vlessing said: “Rarely a week passes without yet more bad news for potential first time buyers, particularly in popular areas like Waltham Forest, so we are thrilled to be developing our first homes for priced out city makers in the borough.”