NEW family properties are selling fast in the heart of Kendal.

Local property group Time and Tide Homes have designed and built 94 homes in the town centre, known as 'The Mart'.

Importantly for the local population, just under half of them owned by the Home Group - one of the largest registered providers of affordable homes in the UK.

The 94 home development on Drovers Drive includes a mixture of two, three and four bedroom family homes as well as several apartments.

In total, 47 of the new homes and apartments are currently providing affordable housing for people from the South Lakeland area.

John Asplin, Managing Director of Time and Tide Group, said: “There is a huge demand in the South Lakes area for new homes and affordable housing and we are providing beautifully designed family homes in the heart of Kendal for 47 families.

"With over 80% of the affordable homes built, we are continuing with the construction of the rest on schedule.

"We only have eight more two and three bedroom homes to build for the Home Group.

"We are also continuing on schedule to build the rest of the development and will soon have a new show home on site open for viewing.

Gail Staton, who is project manager at the Home Group, said: “We’re delighted that these properties have been completed and are providing family homes for those in need of affordable housing. These homes are modern and energy efficient which is important to our customers.

“As a not for profit landlord we’re focused on providing homes which will improve our customers’ lives and the location close to the town centre will enhance employment."

The Gazette spoke to a typical first-time buyer who is looking to claw their way onto the property ladder.

Anthony Spinks, 24, from Kendal, has been desperately searching for a property for himself, his wife Sarah and their young child, James, who is 18 months old.

Anthony said: "There is a dire need of affordable homes in Kendal. I feel local people are priced out of the market a lot of the time by expensive second homes or new developments that don't consider the financial reality of the area.

"The Mart appears to address the needs of normal, local people such as myself and may provide me and my family with the opportunity to live in acceptable conditions for an acceptable price.

"But the town needs more, while it's great that there are nearly 100 new homes now we still need more."

Keen to provide a sustainable living environment for the local area, The Mart has also been designed with the environment factors in mind.

It was built by using sustainably sourced materials and blended stone and render facades to great effect.

As a new build, all The Mart homes come complete with a 10 year build guarantee to provide peace of mind and stability to prospective buyers.

Similarly, all of the properties meet the latest energy efficiency standards, making them affordable to heat and easy to maintain.