A PENARTH-based letting and estate agent has appointed a new sales negotiator.

Penarth resident Dave Longman, 37, will join the existing sales team at ACJ Properties, bringing with him almost 15 years of commercial and residential property experience.

Originally from Glastonbury, Somerset, Dave bought his first house to let in Yeovil, completely refurbishing the property. He has now been a property investor for four years, and currently owns two buy-to-let properties in Cardiff Bay.

Dave joins from Screwfix, a UK based supplier of construction trade tools. He was responsible for identifying potential bases and premises across the UK for the company to lease.

The appointment comes as ACJ Properties, based on Victoria Road, celebrates its 21st anniversary after achieving a year-on-year 4 per cent increase in turnover. The estate agent now has a portfolio of around 500 properties throughout Cardiff and the Vale.

Originally focused exclusively on lettings, the company extended its services into sales in 2003. It has a strong employee retention record, and around a third of its 13 members of staff have been with the company for over a decade.

New sales negotiator Dave Longman said:

“I am excited to join the team at ACJ Properties. As a landlord and an investor, I have been involved in residential property for a long time and have experienced the vast changes in the housing market.

“I hope my personal experience will help add to the services offered by ACJ, and I am looking forward to helping people find their dream property.”

Tony Jones, managing director and Welsh representative of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), said:

“Our new recruit Dave is a welcome addition to the team – his clear desire and interest in property impressed us. We have had great customer feedback - in the short time he’s been with us, several clients have cited his professionalism and honesty, and we are confident he will be a brilliant sales negotiator.”