Ex-Army homes sold in three hours

Mark Bailey is one of the campers who succeeded in getting a house

Ten ex-Army houses have been sold for a bargain £125,000 - to people who had camped out to secure a sale.

All the homes in Worcester were sold within three hours of going on sale at 0945 GMT on Friday.

Some buyers have been camping outside the houses since 15 March to make sure of claiming a three-bedroom house.

Janice Barnfather, sales manager for vendor Annington, said: "Everyone is happy and everyone managed to get the property they wanted."

Since 1996, Annington has sold 57,000 former Army homes which were leased to the Ministry of Defence and handed back to the firm when surplus to requirements.

Mark Bailey, who had been camping at the site, said: "I've been looking for a house with my girlfriend for months now.

"We just want a house in a suitable area at the right price and there is nothing available for first-time buyers."

'Perfect approach'

Annington spokeswoman Susie Tydeman said: "The interest in Annington Reach has been really high.

"We find that this approach is perfect for first-time buyers because they're getting an affordable home without the fear of getting gazumped."

Annington's first come, first served policy has been successful as the housing market continues to boom.

Last week, 50 buyers lined up for 38 homes in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

Last year, one woman camped outside a former Army home in Bobbington, Staffordshire, for 12 weeks to ensure she would get in first.