Renters feel the extra strain of cost-of-living crisis
The cost-of-living crisis is likely to be felt by most Britons this year, with increases in energy and food costs and the increase in National Insurance Contributions from April. In addition, renters need to add in the rising cost of renting a property, with the average price for a new tenancy up by 8.5% from […]
Time to get moving this spring?
As we move into spring, aspiring movers will likely find themselves feeling galvanised to proceed with their homeownership goals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to get onto the property ladder, a second stepper seeking the perfect home for a growing family, or a downsizer on the hunt for a smaller property to help build […]
Time to spring into action
Spring is very much a season of hope; a time to look forward and plan. While that’s not always easy amid a flurry of headlines concerning the cost-of-living and immense global political tensions, it’s important to look beyond short-term bouts of market volatility and ensure your financial objectives remain firmly aligned to your life goals […]
Home insurance – the finer detail – can you read the T&Cs?
Do you check the details of your home insurance policy? If you don’t, you’re certainly not alone because a fifth of adults in the UK don’t either, potentially leaving them with insufficient or the wrong type of cover. Interestingly, just under a quarter (24%) of respondents to a recent survey1 said that the T&Cs were […]
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 […]