Getting a mortgage in retirement
These days, it’s not uncommon for people to become homeowners later in life. But can you get a mortgage even if you’re retired? If so, what’s the maximum age? First things first: we’re not going to pretend that getting a mortgage past the age of 55 is easy. For a start, it is more difficult […]
Lifetime renters pay over £330k more
While getting on the housing ladder is becoming increasingly difficult, doing so could leave you richer to the tune of nearly £330,000. Research from the Equity Release Council (ERC)1 has found that today’s homebuyers could save hundreds of thousands of pounds – £326,214, to be exact – over a period of 30 years compared to […]
Top house hunter beauty spots
With 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 40 national scenic areas (NSA) across Scotland, British house hunters are spoilt for choice. Now, research1 has revealed the top beauty spots prospective homebuyers are currently itching to move to, as well as ranking them by the most to least […]
Investment terms trigger emotional response
Jargon is common in the world of investments and pensions, which can make them seem impenetrable and intimidating. If the thought of ‘Equities’ and ‘Investment ISAs’ makes your heart race, you’re not alone, new research1 has shown that financial terms really do make people anxious. Jar-gone Researchers used a variation of the Emotional Stroop Test, […]
Saving for your child’s future
Many parents give their children a flying financial start by saving or investing throughout their childhood. A new survey1 shows mothers typically take the lead in this area, while cash remains disproportionately popular. Mum’s the word The research shows responsibility for children’s savings is particularly borne by mums: 60% of those actively contributing to a […]
Property ‘catfishing’ – new word, old trend?
Catfishing – it’s a term from the online dating world referring to somebody who presents themselves somewhat differently online to when you meet them in person. And it seems that a lot of prospective homebuyers are suffering the catfishing experience at property viewings, too. An unpleasant surprise A recent survey1 of homebuyers suggested that the […]
Climate concern – consumers and investors tune in
Despite over half (57%) of consumers wanting their pension to be invested responsibly to help tackle climate change, only one in seven people who have a pension currently invest it responsibly1. UK consumers rank climate change as a bigger concern than COVID-19 or the economy, according to a new study2. Climate change is a top […]
Avoiding collapse: managing your property chain in 2022
You’ve found your ideal property, you’re just about ready to exchange contracts, and then you get the call: your buyer has pulled out, leaving your own transaction in jeopardy. Unfortunately, many property transactions are interlinked in this way, with the decision of one buyer having a knock-on effect on the whole chain, with the worst […]
Lights, camera, action!
Jackie Chan’s Stunt Team may be blacklisted by all insurance companies, but for most people life insurance is an easier task to tick off the to do list, no excuses. With one in three people more likely to buy protection insurance because of experiences during the pandemic1, the devastating impact of COVID has clearly led […]
Home Finance – In the news
BoMaD boom Half of all first-time buyer transactions were supported by the Bank of Mum & Dad (BoMaD) in 2021, according to analysis1. BoMaD contributions of £9.8bn helped 169,000 first-time buyers onto the housing ladder. Surging BoMaD contributions could become the norm, analysts suggest, after Help to Buy is withdrawn completely from March 2023 onwards. Time to negotiate? Six in ten […]