A property developer is so keen to offload his flat he is reducing the price by a thousand pounds per week until he sells it.

John Parker, from Home to Home Exchange, has put his one-bedroom retirement flat at Nelson Court in Glen View, Gravesend, on the market for £84,950, which has since been reduced by £1,000.

The Dunstable-based businessman said the flat had remained vacant since the previous tenant died.

And he hopes his eye-catching marketing ploy will lead to a quick sell, as potential buyers watch the price tumble.

Mr Parker said: “I suppose it is like a game of poker but this is serious.

“It is already very competitively priced but if it means I have to sell it at well below market value then I am willing to accept that.

“I have come close to selling the property on a number of occasions, but close isn’t really good enough.

“The idea is to put greater emphasis on the property so that people will come and see it for themselves.

“I’ve had interest from three people but they either wanted it for different reasons or didn’t have the money.”

Mr Parker said he had adopted the unusual method elsewhere.

He added: “It has proved quite successful.

“I’ve done it before in other places and it has never taken longer than six weeks, so I’m hoping it will work.

“I will continue to drop it. The market has to find its own level but until then I will continue until someone goes buys it.

“The price sells it itself, if you look on Rightmove it’s the lowest already by about £15,000. They would normally sell for between £90,000 and £100,000.”

According to estate agent Walker and Jarvis, five one-bedroom apartments at Nelson Court were sold last year ranging from £116,000 to £155,000.

Nelson Court is described as an assisted living retirement complex for residents aged over 60. Features include communal gardens and car parking.

For more information contact Walker Jarvis on 01474 534453.