After being battered by heavy rain and strong winds for more than three weeks, campers at RAF Coltishall have finally got their hands on their dream homes.

After being battered by heavy rain and strong winds for more than three weeks, campers at RAF Coltishall have finally got their hands on their dream homes.

The latest batch of 44 former RAF properties went on sale at 9.30am on Friday with many eagerly snapped up within the first few hours.

Some house hunters had camped out for more than three weeks on the former RAF base to make sure they got first choice of the real estate bargains.

With a broad selection of four, three and two-bedroom properties on offer at affordable prices, it was a chance for many to get their feet on the first rung of the property ladder.

Financial incentives also included having the five percent deposit and stamp duty paid, and money off legal fees and surveys.

Third in the queue were first-time buyers Adrian Smith and partner Carensa Reed.

The couple have been camping out for more than three weeks to get their ideal home.

Ms Reed, a police officer, said: “We have been living in a two-bed flat in Coltishall and now that is being sold for £155,000. Here we can get a two- bed house for £128,000.

“This is our only chance of getting into the market.”

For young couple Natalie Kemp, 16, and Luke Boddington, 20, who are expecting their first baby in October, it was an opportunity to establish a home for their new family.

Ms Kemp said: “We want to get settled before the baby comes and this is a great opportunity. We would never have been able to afford to buy a house on the open market.”

Back in April, when the first phase of homes were put on the market by developer Annington, all 48 were sold within the first 24 hours and 70pc went to first-time buyers.

But for some the houses offer the chance to get back into Norfolk's fast- rising housing market after having moved away from the area.

Jeremy Smith and his wife, Mary, have been living in a caravan on site for the past two weeks.

After living in Preston in Lancashire for 20 years, where house prices have not risen as sharply, it has been hard to afford to move back.

Mr Smith, 55, who works for BPA in North Walsham, said: “We sold our bungalow in Preston in June and it will be a great relief to get back and put down roots.

“This is the only way we could have afforded to get back to Norfolk.”

All the homes on sale have been renovated, given internal decoration and new front doors.

Sally Parsons, property director at Annington, said: “Last time there was a lot of hype but this time we do not expect to sell out as quickly.

“Having this many properties for sale is unique for the area and what is attracting many buyers is the financial package.”