Property developer Dandara is about to begin building more homes in Port Erin.

It has been given planning approval to construct 32 luxury flats and two penthouses on the village’s upper promenade, on the former site of the Royal Hotel overlooking the bay.

Aside from the two penthouses, it includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats, with prices starting at £168,950 for a one-bedroom flat.

Following this development, Port Erin Commissioners say that they are committed to helping more first-time buyers onto the property market.

The chairman of the local authority, Godfrey Egee, says he’s delighted to see the housing stock in the village rise.But he’s acknowledged the cost may see some residents priced out of the market, saying:

’That is definitely a big concern.

’It is a lot of money to get together to buy literally only a one bedroom apartment.

’It’s very difficult, and it’s something that really local authorities would like to help with, and (we) really want the government to help with - getting first time buyer schemes going and helping them.

’But it’s not an easy fix with the way the prices (and) market have been going recently’

He also said: ’The board is very much behind trying to get people to get their own housing, to get on that property ladder.

’It’s become very difficult over the years, prices have kept going up.

’It’s very difficult for teenagers or even young adults to be able to get their deposits to get in to buy it, and having to stay with their parents for much longer.

’It’s a knock-on effect really.’