IN TODAY'S booming property market, trying to get a foot on the housing ladder is not for the faint-hearted.

But there is now an opportunity to win a country home in Kent for just five pounds.

The oast house at Old Wives Lees, near Canterbury, which is valued at £270,000, is being raffled by its owners, Andrew Jewitt and Angela Brown.

The couple are planning to move to France and, having seen the property they want, are hoping for a quick 'sale'.

So they have devised an internet draw and website called www.winahouseforafiver.co.uk.

Database administrator, Andrew, 34, and gardener, Angela, need to sell 54,000 tickets to make their dream come true.

Angela said: "We have had our house on the market for a little while but thought the draw might give us a quicker sale.

"So many people now find it difficult to get on the property ladder because of rising prices.

"It really is a fantastic opportunity for someone to win a lovely house for just five pounds."

She added: "If we don't sell enough tickets, the winner will simply be given the money we have accrued."

The oast was built around the turn of the century and retains its traditional white cowl. It is arranged over three floors and has two bedrooms.

But its most impressive feature is its double aspect sitting room which has far reaching views over surrounding countryside.

Andrew and Angela are planning a new life in the Limousin region of France where they have seen a property they want to turn into a gites business.

More information about the draw, which for legal reasons involves answering a simply question, is on their website.