THE strong demand for investment property continues with the National Association of Estate Agents confirming that 71 per cent of members report "significant growth in the purchase of property to let".

Demand for knowledge and information on how to build a successful rental portfolio is just as strong and companies specialising in the buy-to-let market are doing brisk business.

"In an economy enjoying stable, low interest rates, investment returns on property are now delivering better results than many conventional financial products," said David Humphries, managing director of specialist consultants Buy-to-let.com.

"For many people, this is now a very real alternative to a standard pension scheme. The biggest challenge can be connecting the investor with the appropriate product and services Ð this is where events like the Homebuyer Show come into their own with so much information available under one roof," added Mr Humpries.

With bullish activity from investors strengthening the market place, London's property showcase, the Homebuyer Show, has relocated to Excel in Docklands - the heart of the buy-to-let market - with a format structured to meet the growing and changing demands of investors.

"We will be launching a national programme of three-day training courses in conjunction with a US-based company on all aspects of building wealth in property at this year's show," said Mr Humphries. "It has proved highly successful in the US and I believe it will be invaluable to those entering or expanding in the investment market."

New homes have frequently proved to be the investor's choice, with minimal maintenance.

The Homebuyer Show will be held from March 1-3 and free tickets can be downloaded from the website on www.comptickets.co.uk