One in four millennials said they would go to jail for a week if it meant they could get on the property ladder, according to new research.

The study conducted by OnePoll revealed that although home ownership is a top priority for many first-time buyers, two in five believe it is an impossible goal for them to reach.

Offering a helping hand to Essex home hunters, housing association Notting Hill Genesis is offering contemporary collection of apartments to buy with shared ownership.

The apartments offer open-plan lounge and dining areas with individually designed kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances and built-in wardrobes in the master bedrooms.

Jim Munson, head of marketing at Notting Hill Genesis, said: “Many buyers wanting to get on the property ladder are considering alternative locations away from the capital – and not just for affordability reasons.

The newly built accommodations are location in City Park West, Chelmsford, where first-time buyers will also have train links into London in under 40 minutes.

“Chelmsford has benefitted from extensive redevelopment in recent years,” added Mr Munson. “The area enjoys a diverse range of retail and entertainment zones and green spaces, and the excellent travel connections make it a very attractive choice for buyers who don’t need to live in the capital but want the convenience of being within striking distance of it.

“City Park West delivers stylish apartments in a great location, and the availability of the Shared Ownership scheme makes these homes a very affordable and popular option – we only have a last few apartments available and so would encourage would-be home buyers to act now or risk missing out.”

Shared ownership offers purchasers the opportunity to buy a share of a home, between 25 and 75 per cent of its full market value, while paying a subsidised rent.

This makes buying a home less expensive as purchasers only have to save for a deposit on the share bought, resulting in keeping monthly housing costs lower.

As and when they can afford to, purchasers can increase their share at any time, all the way up to 100% and outright ownership.

Other features that come as standard include underfloor heating, video entry system and a 24-hour on-site concierge service.

Many apartments also feature their own private balcony, and access to the communal grounds surrounding the development.

For further information or to register your interest please 01245 806484 or visit

www.cityparkwest.co.uk