THE concept of buy-to-rent has certainly taken on, north of the border as well as in the south. the financial institutions are encouraged to promote the creation of suitable properties to let, in the private sector, with acceptable loan arrangements.

There are now publications on the subject, with the latest on the market - Property Investor by Malcolm Walton - giving compact cover of this area of enterprise. Its five main sections show how to target the best properties, identify the right locations, increase profits by adding value, maximise rental returns, and avoid common pitfalls.

That is the printed recommendation on the theoretical side: what of the practical problems, in everyday reality?

Ask Ian Bennie and you get the considered views of a 36-year-old deep sea diver in the west of Scotland, aware of a potential limit to his professional earning capabilities, and equally aware of the need to make provision for future income, by way of pension or some other means.

''I reckon I can go on for another 10 or 12 years,'' he says. ''Yes, I could win the lottery and live a life of leisure, but it's not a real probability, is it? Anyway, I've always had a sort of interest in property and I've decided it's a good idea to have a go on the renting side.''

It is, in fact, seen as a long-term means of building up a worthwhile pension arrangement. Without going to the extent of buying books on the subject - but emphasising the need to seek out good advice and take time to consider the best options available - he is finishing off the refurbishment of a west end flat in Glasgow, with others to follow on to the market in due course. His own approach was to operate via a bank loan, on the normal commercial terms, over a 10-year period. His bank recommended working on a 10-month period of income: normal repairs and maintenance have to be factored in, after all. But after the loan is cleared, he feels he can sell on if need be, to raise capital for pension or annuity purchase.

Taking off his boiler suit, and checking that the painter has cleared up after finishing his work, Ian takes an obvious pride in showing off a near-complete flat. He points to the light coloured walls in the lounge, with its painted cornices and centre rose. The retained window shutters still open, and close, and wall lights have properly hidden wiring. The bathroom and toilet, he acknowledges, are frankly on the small side.

''I am very much in favour of renting, but only if I would be happy living in the place myself,'' he adds. ''There's a long way to go, to give people proper protection. I would definitely say there should be better regulation - better knowledge by people in the letting business.

''I'm just in this business in a very small way, but there's nothing at all to stop me calling myself a letting agent. I wouldn't need any qualifications. I could just take the money and do nothing. That can't be right.''

Once this flat is ready, it will be offered fully furnished, with two bedrooms, dual cooking facilities, telephone and TV points. Much on a par for properties in the area: his estimated rental range once everything is complete goes from #500 to #595 a month.

Property Investor by Malcolm Walton, #12.99. Published by Cambridge Titles Ltd with 25% of profits from sales of the book going to the charity for the homeless, Emmaus.