Labour’s Mayoral candidate, Sadiq Khan, has called for Londoners to get "first dibs" on new homes built in the capital, rather than overseas investors, writes Grainne Cuffe.

Labour conducted an investigation that found top-three property agent Jones Lang Lesalle (JLL) held no fewer than 40 events in Hong Kong promoting London property development in 2015, including seven events marketing homes in Wandsworth.

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Mr Khan, MP for Tooting, said: "This investigation reveals the shocking scale of London homes being sold to overseas investors, rather than to the Londoners who desperately need them.

"I am fortunate to live near my family around the corner from the council estate where we grew up.

"But it is much harder for young Londoners today."

The Mayoral hopeful has laid an amendment to the Government’s Housing Bill, which will ensure a percentage of all homes can be allocated to local people.

He said: "It will allow more Londoners to get their foot on the property ladder- helping the next generation."

A spokesman from JLL said: "We (JLL) are fully supportive of the Mayoral Concordat - new homes for Londoners signed by the all the major London House builders which ensures an opportunity for London purchasers to buy before, or at least at the same time as international buyers.

"The London mayoral candidates must be clear that off-plan purchasers are vital to underpin construction activity, employment and crucially affordable homes.

"New supply is the only long-term solution to London’s housing crisis and all policy efforts must be towards ensuring Londoners see the homes built that they need."

The Mayoral Concordat was launched in March 2014 and 50 developers signed up at the time.