A Chessington man, at his wits’ end with the struggling housing market, is offering his house in a raffle.

Tim Sheppard, 35, came up with the idea after surfing the internet and decided it was the perfect option to sell his house, which was put on the market a year ago and has yet to sell.

Raffle tickets for the three-bedroom semi-detached house in Chessington Hill Park will cost £10 and the draw will be held independently to avoid any complications or bias.

“I just need an easier life and need to get away from the stress of selling,” said Mr Sheppard. “My health is not great and I can’t handle the sale falling through again like it did last time I had an offer.”

The raffle is entirely non-profit, to adhere to gaming regulations, with any profits made going to charity. Mr Sheppard plans to raise more than the £280,000 house value with his tickets sales, so all legal fees and stamp duty can be paid on behalf of the winner.

If Mr Sheppard fails to raise his asking price he will hold a cash raffle, with all the money raised going to the winner.

A local solicitor, who did not wish to be named, said: “As long as any profits go to charity it is fine. It has been done by other people before.”

A couple from Kent put their home up for raffle in Chillam in 2004. Tickets were sold for £5 but the couple only raised £80,000 and held a cash raffle.

Winner Karina Easdown, 24, won the cash raffle and used the money to buy a flat.

Payment must be via cheque, so each sale is traceable through bank records, and Mr Sheppard is optimistic he can gather all the money within a month. “I’m quite confident that I could raise £250,000 in profit to give to charity,” he said. “This can make a life changing difference to someone. I really hope it goes to a struggling family who really need it.”

Mr Sheppard, who has severe arthritis and is being tested for angina, is planning to move to Walton with his girlfriend when the raffle finishes.

Mr Sheppard said: “Whoever wins this will become very well- off overnight. I hope it will bring a lot of joy to someone, and to the charity I have chosen to donate the profits to.”

If you want to enter the raffle send a £10 cheque to Tim Sheppard, 50 Chessington Hill Park, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2BS or call 07544 258808.