A Kent developer is offering an unusual "try before you buy" offer to people unsure whether to jump on to the property ladder.

Explore Living says buyers who experience life at New Meridian Village, Ramsgate, by renting an apartment or house can have some rent refunded if they decide to go ahead and buy.

Rent refunded can be up to five per cent of the value of the property purchased. It is understood that similar offers have been trialled by some other companies in the UK, although the practice is not widespread.

Sales and marketing director John Inglis said: "Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions people make in their lifetime and we believe that they will enjoy living at New Meridian Village so much that they will want to buy.

"We are committed to helping people get on to the property ladder and know that saving for a deposit is one of the hardest things to do.

"Our 'try before you buy' scheme gives people the opportunity to use the rent paid during tenancy as a part of their deposit, which will benefit many people."

New Meridian Village is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses.

Explore Living recently launched its fourth phase at the development.

Each property offers features including underfloor heating in the apartments, optional integrated sound system with iPod docking station, pre-wiring for Sky+ and flat-screen TVs, and solid concrete floors and staircases to help eliminate squeaking floorboards.

Prices start from £119,995. For more information, call the marketing suite on 0845 872100 or visit the New Meridian Village website.