THE parent company of Roddons Housing Association says wannabe homeowners in the East would go to extreme lengths to buy their first home – even selling major organs to raise money. Circle Anglia s research also shows people are turning to gambling and co

THE parent company of Roddons Housing Association says wannabe homeowners in the East would go to extreme lengths to buy their first home - even selling major organs to raise money.

Circle Anglia's research also shows people are turning to gambling and contemplating medical trials to get on the property ladder.

As part of a nationwide survey, 19 per cent of people in the East say they are so desperate to get on the housing ladder that they have turned to gambling in the hope of winning enough money to buy their first house.

The same research found that one per cent of people would consider selling a major organ if it meant they could buy their home. That one per cent would be the equivalent of 55,000 people in the East.

The research, which was commissioned by Circle Anglia to raise awareness of affordable housing options, found that only five per cent of people think they could be eligible for affordable shared ownership schemes.

Andy Doylend, Executive Director of Operations at Circle Anglia, said: "A very low number of people in the East think they are eligible for affordable ownership opportunities - so it is crucial that anyone thinking of buying a property does thorough research to find out what schemes are available.

"Many may well be pleasantly surprised that the deposit they need is much less than they think."

The research also found that 34 per cent of people in the East have sold possessions on eBay to save for a house, and 12 per cent of people have moved back home with parents to save for a deposit.

Two per cent of people in the East have also postponed or cancelled their wedding day to buy a house.