It is hoped people will be happier with homes they are found

Tenants First and Castlehill Housing Association have joined forces to launch the new homehunt NES scheme.

Prospective tenants will now choose which advertised homes to apply for rather than waiting on a list to be allocated a house.

Tenants First said it was hoped the new system would assist tenants and housing providers alike.

It is believed to be the first permanent choice-based lettings scheme to operate in the area.

We have streamlined the application process - when they see a house they like they can contact us David Lappin Castlehill Housing Association

Cearda McGregor, housing manager of Tenants First, said: "This is something we have been working towards for some four years now.

"For the past 50 years people on a housing waiting list have had no real option, other than location or suitability, in the homes they have been offered.

"With homehunt NES, prospective tenants will have a choice - they will be able to select what to apply for from the homes advertised.

'Short list'

"The final decision will still be made on the basis of need and priority, but we believe that the new system will help both tenant and housing provider."

David Lappin, director of housing services at Castlehill Housing Association, said: "For homehunt NES we have streamlined the application process.

"When they see a house they like they can contact us to confirm their interest.

"The applications for each property will then be assessed on the basis of housing need, priority and property type, to draw up a short list."

It is hoped houses will be let more quickly and tenants will be satisfied as they have a home that they have chosen for themselves.

Castlehill Housing Association and Tenants First have a combined stock of more than 2,500 homes right across north east Scotland, from Arbroath to Braemar and Portknockie.