An 'Affordable Living' night to help people take their first steps on the Edinburgh property ladder is taking place later.

It will be held in the showroom of the Edinburgh Solicitors' Property Centre in George Street between 5pm and 7pm tonight (Thursday 11 March).

At the event there will be:

• Representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council offering independent advice on different housing options available
• Advice on all aspects of shared ownership, shared equity and ways of securing a mortgage from key players in the industry
• Free independent advice provided by a team of property experts consisting of solicitors and ESPC financial advisers

Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "This event is a very innovative way of informing people about the opportunities available for them to take their first steps on the housing ladder.


"Often people looking for affordable housing will contact organisations such as the ESPC before the Council so this joined up approach is a great way of informing people about the various options open to them to finding a solution to their housing needs.

"This is a fine example of joint working with our partners in the private housing sector and I'm delighted that the ESPC are playing their part in trying to re-invigorate the housing market. Everyone knows there is an acute shortage of affordable housing in the Capital and we need 1,580 affordable homes every year just to meet the need. Partnership work like this are key parts to that solution."

(GK/BMcC)