Homing in on the mortgage challenges facing gig workers
76% of UK gig workers face mortgage and loan application rejections despite good credit Traditional credit systems don’t reflect gig workers’ multiple income sources Expert guidance helps gig workers improve mortgage approval odds by validating diverse income Variable income streams. Multiple employers. Seasonal side hustles. This is business as usual for gig economy workers, freelancers […]
Gen X stash the cash
Gen X savers are cautious, with over £34k on average held in cash savings Less than a third also invest, risking long-term value erosion from inflation Balancing cash investments can offer better growth without excessive risk Nearly two in three Brits born between 1965 and 1980 hold ‘significant’ savings in cash, new research1 shows, while […]
Demand for second homes falls: what does it mean for local buyers and sellers?
Council Tax hikes on second homes are triggering a surge in holiday property sales In popular holiday destinations the number of properties being listed for sale has increased over 40% This shift in property ownership has the potential to impact entire communities From country cottages to seaside retreats, the second home market is facing challenges. […]
Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up
A third of homeowners are currently making overpayments on their mortgage 40% of homeowners don’t have the confidence to overpay their mortgage Most lenders allow you to make overpayments of up to 10% of your mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalties UK homeowners could collectively save £2.3bn on mortgage interest each year by […]
‘Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’
Only 30% of those aged 30 to 34 and 34% of those aged 35 to 39 have enough life cover to protect their family Households often insure mortgages but neglect cover for children and dependents The ‘squeezed middle’ must prioritise protection to avoid future shortfalls People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the […]
Financial empowerment for retirement control
Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people. Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]
Joint, dual, individual: understanding your life insurance options
40% of life insurance policies in the UK are joint rather than individual Joint life insurance policies can prove problematic when a relationship breaks down Dual life cover offers separate, flexible protection for both partners You’ve opened a joint bank account. You’ve signed up for a joint mortgage. So, a joint life insurance policy might […]
In the News – Home Finance
A dressing room can boost your home’s value by up to £40,000 Over 65’s hold £2.9trn in mortgage-free property wealth in the UK House purchases now take 124 days on average – 41% longer than expected Dressing rooms – the new must-have Once seen as a luxury, dressing rooms are gaining popularity among everyday homeowners […]
Why ‘keep calm and carry on’ pays off for investors
Trying to time the market often leads to missed opportunities A well-diversified portfolio helps wealthier short-term volatility Staying invested long term is key to building lasting wealth April’s surprise tariffs announced by Donald Trump on ‘Liberation Day’ unsettled global markets and caused a sharp sell off from panicked investors. Trump announced a 90-day pause of […]
Home insurance premiums and claims increase
UK combined home insurance premiums rose 8.5% to an average of £231 according to recent data Material shortages, labour expenses and inflation rates have driving up repair and rebuild costs Make sure you don’t invalidate your insurance by leaving a spare key where it can be easily found Extreme weather conditions. Rising construction costs. Higher […]