A MAN was “floored” after he was told it would cost him £25,000 to buy a parking space outside his new home.

Joey Skye, of Charcott Road, Colindale, moved into his flat in June 2014 – but says a feud about the “extortionate” cost of the parking has marred the experience.

The 52-year-old bought the house under the Right to Buy scheme, and he is bemused as to how such an extravagant cost is allowed to be placed on a parking space.

He was originally quoted £12,500 but after his father died he told developers Fairview he was “too preoccupied”, and they later advised him there were no spaces left.

But when spaces did become available, the price had skyrocketed to £25,000.

Mr Skye said: “I was gutted. I just couldn’t believe it when I found out, I was honestly floored. It’s a disgrace really. My neighbours are just as shocked and as horrified as I am. It’s absurd.

“These properties are meant to be affordable homes bought with government help, so how on earth can they charge such a crazy amount for a parking space?

“Fairview have won awards for providing cost-effective homes, but they must reap the money in by asking extortionate prices for parking.”

Mr Skye is now forced to park his grey Golf at some of the allocated visitor’s spots, but these are often clogged and it is impossible to find a space.

He has often spent hours in his car waiting for one to become available and has even been forced to eat dinner in his car to avoid getting a fine.

Sometimes, he is forced to abandon his car and go inside to sleep and has received seven tickets worth £100 – all of which he has refused to pay.

There is a residential car park on the site - but the £25,000 offered to Mr Skye was for outdoor parking.

He added: “It’s almost like you need to take a second mortgage out to pay for a parking space. It’s disgusting, it’s humiliating.”

His 14-year-old grey Golf is worth under £1,000, meaning he could buy 30 similar cars for the same cost of a parking space.

The cost of a parking space is also just over a third more than the £70,000 deposit he spent years saving for.

More homes are currently being built on the land and Mr Skye fears there will not be enough spaces to accommodate all the new residents.

He added: “I think there should be some moderation on it. You can’t sell the promise of affordable homes but charge astronomical prices for a parking space. They are just taking advantage of people.

“I don’t regret moving here as I like it, but I do regret that after a year I’m still fighting for a parking space. Is the cost going to keep rising for the new residents? It’s astonishing.

“They advertise this as a vibrant place – but how can it be vibrant when people fear they won’t find a parking space when they come home?”

Jeff Holliday, Fairview marketing director, said: "The current value of parking spaces is in line with market forces with a considerable number having been sold at the price quoted."