Shared ownership apartments are now up for grabs in Twickenham town centre.

Formerly called Queens House, the development in Holly Road is a converted, empty office block – and is a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme.

So if you're a small family hoping to get on the property ladder, how much is 'affordable'?

The cheapest two-bed apartment would cost £889 a month in rent and service charge, not including the mortgage on a £150,000 share.

The minimum deposit is five per cent - which equates to £7,500. The flats are being sold by So Resi which is owned by Thames Valley Housing Association.

Councillor Liz Jaeger, designate cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “This is very good news for local people trying to get on the housing ladder.

"It is one of my key priorities as the new cabinet member for housing to ensure that this council works with local housing associations to provide more genuinely affordable housing, with new approaches to increase supply and extend existing stock.

"This development is an example of the Council, working with TVHA, to identify a use for what has been a very underused building for a number of years.

“We need to look for more opportunities like this. Otherwise we won’t be able to meet the housing needs for all local people – for our children and grandchildren.

“Shared ownership is a great option for our residents who find it difficult to get on the property ladder but want to live locally close to family and work."

Richmond Council provided £550,000 in additional support so TVHA could transform the block into modern, high quality, low cost homes targeted at local residents and workers on middle to low incomes.

Esaiyas Mollallegn, head of marketing at Thames Valley Housing, said: “So Resi Twickenham is in an enviable location, just minutes from the high street with its abundance of shops and restaurants as well as the mainline station.

"We expect the new homes to be a hugely popular with young professionals seeking an apartment with a fantastic specification at an accessible price; So Resi makes that happen.”