Alan and David Carrera never thought they'd be living in their own homes in their early twenties – let alone two doors down from each other on the same street in Bootle on Merseyside. 

“I’d been living with my parents and didn’t even think buying my own home was an option," David, a metal worker, says. That was until his father discovered Own Place on the internet. The scheme, run by Riverside Housing, offers buyers a 25% discount on the market value of a property. The only stipulation is that the buyer lives there for five years and doesn't rent the property out – a way of ensuring that a sense of community develops in the area.

“My house does need some work but you can’t argue with the price," Alan, an apprentice engineer, says. "Structurally it's sound, it just needs some superficial work doing like a new kitchen, new carpets and decorating."

“Considering the discount," David adds about his house, "I was surprised that the property was in such good condition, other than needing a new kitchen and bathroom.”

The brothers are aware they are in a fortunate position. “It never would have been possible for us to get on the property ladder without the help of this scheme,” Alan says.