A disused stairwell attached to a block of flat behind Starbucks in Twickenham is on the market – potentially providing a foot on the property ladder.

The glass sided construction, which is four-storeys high, is being touted as a possible first home once it has been converted.

It sits in a car park, visible from Holly Road, behind the Starbucks, which fronts on to King Street.

It is well placed for all that Twickenham has to offer – close to the famed pedestrianised Church Street with its upmarket cafes, independent shops, and the riverside.

The glass sided construction, which is four-storeys high, is being touted as a possible first home once it has been converted.

It is ideal for commuters via the nearby station, while residents should be able to feel safe as it less that 100 metres from the town centre police station.

The unusual property is being marketed through auction by Barnard Marcus, who have posted a video of the building online to tempt buyers.

Twickenham has a chronic housing shortage and even the smallest one bed is likely to sell for more than £250,000.

However it would take a feat of imagination to understand how the stairwell, with its narrow footprint, could be put to any good use.

The video shows the stairs littered with boxes, rusty bikes, furniture and piles of fire extinguishers. Broken windows and stained walls can also be seen in pictures on property website Zoopla.

The unusual property is being marketed through auction by Barnard Marcus, who have posted a video of the building online to tempt buyers.

It is described as a 'long leasehold stairwell with development potential subject to planning permission'. The stairs are not connected to the block of flats that they used to serve.

The estate agent particulars state: "The Stairwell is situated to the rear of Evergreen House which is located off King Street opposite Water Lane.

"Public transport links include Twickenham mainline rail station together with a network of local bus services serving the surrounding vicinity. Road links include the A316 and A305.

"An extensive range of shopping amenities, bars and restaurants can be found locally within Twickenham with further amenities being found in Richmond to the north east.

"Recreational pursuits can be found locally at the open spaces of Diamond Jubilee Gardens and along the River Thames."

On a positive note the lease has 991 years remaining and the agent adds under the heading 'potential': "The stairwell may be suitable for development subject to planning permission and consents. Prospective purchasers must rely on their own enquires in this respect."

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPVbv8AoHgs&ab_channel=BarnardMarcusAuctions