THEY might not be any good for a growing family, but a one-bedroom home can be the perfect step on to the housing ladder.

This week we have found a selection of one-bedroom apartments in and around York.

First up, Stephensons has a modern ground-floor flat in The Courtyard, St Martins Lane, York.

This property has a communal entrance hall, living room with Venetian blinds and an open-plan kitchen with good-quality cream-coloured laminated units, a fan-assisted oven, grill, hob, refrigerator and separate deep freeze unit, as well as a double bedroom, study and a fully-tiled bathroom. It is priced at £159,950.

Next, Quantum has a top-floor apartment in The Mount, York.

An easy walk from the city centre, this property has an entrance hall, lounge with double glazed Velux windows, a good-sized kitchen with a range of units and co-ordinating work surfaces, a four-ring electric hob and oven and an integrated washing machine.

There is a double bedroom as well as a shower room.

The apartment is priced at £119,950, and there is no forward chain.

Meanwhile, Rentons Countrywide has a ground-floor apartment in Kensington House, Aldborough Way, York.

There is an entrance hall, lounge with coving to the ceiling, kitchen with a range of wall and base units and built-in electric oven, a bedroom with double glazing and a bathroom with a white three-piece suite. It is priced at £124,995.

Next, Your Move Anscombs has a modern apartment in Hallfield Road, Layerthorpe, York.

Priced at £133,000, it incorporates a communal entrance with security entry phone system, an entrance vestibule, inner hall, lounge with a feature bay window and a modern fitted kitchen with a breakfast bar, a range of wall and base units with underlighters and an electric oven and halogen hob.

There is one bedroom and a bathroom/WC.

Outside, there is parking for one car.

Your Move Anscombs also has a quarter house in Copwood Grove, Wigginton, York.

Priced at £124,950, this property has a double bedroom, feature spiral staircase, a lounge/dining room with a gas fire, kitchen with a range of modern wall and base units and a bathroom with a white three-piece suite.

Outside, there is a lawned front garden, side garden and off-street parking.

Next, Winkworth has a river-front apartment in Postern Close, Skeldergate, York.

This property boasts breathtaking views over the River Ouse, an entrance hall, sitting room with sliding doors to a private balcony, a kitchen with an integral dishwasher, fridge/freezer, electric hob and electric oven, a bathroom and a bedroom with wall-length fitted wardrobes - all for £249,950.

Alternatively, you might like Flat 3, Constantine House, Fetter Lane, York.

This first-floor apartment was built by Wrigley Developments, about four years ago, and is now priced at £159,950.

Inside, there is an L-shaped hall with laminated floor, a living room with sliding patio doors to a Juliette balcony and a kitchen with a laminated floor, birch-effect fitments with stainless steel handles, a four-plate electric hob with oven below, a refrigerator, freezer and a washing machine.

There is one bedroom, a study and a bathroom with a heated towel rail, bath with shower control, a vanity-style wash basin and a WC. Outside, there is a lockable communal bicycle shed.

Finally, Hunters has a one-bedroom apartment in Mill Mount Lodge, The Mount, York.

This apartment, which is part of an Italianate-style villa, has well-proportioned rooms and has been finished to a high standard.

Inside, there is an entrance hall, living room with an archway, dining room, contemporary fitted kitchen with granite worktops, an oven, hob, integrated washer/dryer, dishwasher, freezer and larder fridge, a modern white bathroom and a store.

There is also a video door entry system, electronic gated access, gas-fired central heating and smoke detectors.

Outside, there are landscaped communal gardens. It is priced at £274,995.