Liverpool City Council is inviting formal applications for an innovative scheme, which is giving 20 local residents the opportunity to buy a house for just £1.

The city council announced in February that it was launching a pilot 'Homes for £1' scheme, as part of plans to breathe new life into vacant properties in Granby and Picton.

There has been an overwhelming response to the plans, with over 4,000 people registering an interest in acquiring one of the 20 properties. Now, the council is inviting these people to complete the full application form.

The final deadline for responses is Tuesday 7 May 2013.

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Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "I've made it a priority to bring 1,000 empty properties back into use in this city and to help as many local people as possible get onto the property ladder. This innovative scheme will support both these aims.

"There is a huge amount of demand for these £1 homes, but it's important that people realise that everything we are doing is about building a sustainable future for our neighbourhoods. That's why we are only looking for people who have a genuine commitment to bringing these properties back to life and turning them into a home they are proud to live in."

The form sets out the criteria that people must meet in order to be eligible for one of the houses. Applicants must live or work in Liverpool, must be a first-time buyer and must be employed.

Applicants are asked to specify which area they are interested in – Webster Triangle, Granby, or Arnside Road – and provide details of any local connections they have with their chosen area.

Applicants must also agree to live in the property for a minimum of five years and not sub-let it within this time. They are also asked to specify how they intend to undertake and finance the refurbishment of the property.

(CD/H)