HOUSEHUNTERS have snapped up almost all the first homes available for sale at the Athletes' Village.

On Friday, people who had registered an interest in the homes were given a chance to reserve one of the properties.

And in just a few hours, 80% of the 145 houses available in the first phase were spoken for.

Developer City Legacy said staff were overwhelmed by the demand the houses and flats which make up the East End development.

Last month, 800 of the 2000 people who had registered an interest in the Village toured the new showhomes.

And on Saturday from 11am, the general public will have their first chance to see what is available for sale.

On Friday February 14, househunters will be able to reserve a new home over the telephone.

A total of 300 homes will be available to buy with a further 400 being rented out by housing associations.

Joanne Casey, sales and marketing director of Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, which makes up part of the City Legacy consortium, said: "It has been years since the housing market has seen such an enormous level of interest in the launch of a new development.

"We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic feedback from people visiting the Village.

"This is much more than a typical housing development.

"The Village is a brand new destination in the East End of Glasgow.

"These affordable houses offer something quite unique - family living, set amongst green space, some homes with River Clyde views and yet only three miles from the city centre."

House prices range from approximately £75,000 for a one-bedroom apartment up to £200,000 for a four-bedroom detached house.

Ms Casey added: "They are aimed at first time buyers and families alike and the majority of homes have a back and front door and a garden.

"More than £1 billion is being invested in Glasgow's East End and the area is undergoing huge transformation, including the recently extended M74, a new train station at Dalmarnock and world class sporting facilities at the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

"All these factors have contributed to the unprecedented levels of interest in these homes and buyers were extremely quick to respond when the first phase of houses was released.

"We expect another surge in demand when the development opens to the public on the February 8."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk