FLATPACK homes went on sale on the North-East today, but the expected clamour from first time buyers failed to materialise.

Swedish store Ikea had warned of queues outside its store at Gateshead's MetroCentre as the first BoKlok homes went on sale this morning.

The pre-fab homes will come in a pack and be sold through Ikea stores across the country, following a successful launch in Sweden.

The first of 120 homes are about to be erected near Gateshead International Stadium and prospective buyers were invited to a presentation yesterday.

But business was slow as the day began with no-one turning up.

The properties are targeted for rent or sale to young couples earning £15,000 to £35,000 a year.

By using cheaper regeneration land and efficient production lines, prices are low, ranging from £90,000 for a one-bedroom flat to £160,000 for a three-bedroom house.

In time, £500 a year will be built on sites across the country.

Gateshead Council's Malcolm Graham, member for sustainable communities, said: "Providing affordable homes is the Holy Grail for local councils but it is one of the most difficult things to achieve. BoKlok could offer a new and viable solution."

BoKlok - which translates from Swedish as "live smart" - was launched in Sweden a decade ago.

Alan Prole, managing director of Live Smart @ Home, the company licensed to build BoKlok properties in the UK, said: "There has already been significant interest via the website and now this will give even more people the opportunity to come in to find out more and to apply to buy a home.

"We must stress that no homes will be sold on the day and we guarantee that everyone who qualifies will get an equal opportunity to purchase a BoKlok home."