A NEW initiative for buy-to-let investors means first-time buyers can save for their deposit while renting a property and building equity in a home without taking on more responsibility than they can afford.

Rent-2-Buy, which allows tenants equity participation in a home of their choice, has been launched by HomeLet.

Under Rent-2-Buy, tenants rent a property that they would ultimately like to own from an investment landlord. The tenant then commits to a long lease and the maintenance of the property. In return for this commitment, they will receive a share in the capital growth. Details of Rent-2-Buy are available on www.rent-2-buy.co.uk or by ringing 0845 1176046.

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THE National Land Information Service has just completed its millionth search. The NLIS on-screen electronic search used in conveyancing turns the painstaking and time-consuming process of land and property searches into a simple, on-screen routine and makes the buying and selling of houses faster.

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MATTHEW Sawdon has joined auctioneers, chartered surveyors and estate agents Hobbs and Parker at Ashford.

Matthew is a farmer’s son from North Yorkshire and will be dealing with land management, lettings, rent collection and rent reviews. He will also be helping with management operations at Ashford Market.

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SEVENOAKS property management agent, Martin & Co, is the latest company to join the The National Approved Letting Scheme nationwide letting scheme, set up to provide a benchmark accreditation scheme for letting agents.

NALS ensures that agents comply with defined service standards and have a customer complaints procedure underpinned by an arbitration scheme, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Client Money Protection cover.

Around £1 billion of UK tenants' deposits are currently unprotected.

More information on 01242 581712 or visit www.nalscheme.co.uk