Time to remortgage?
Borrowers on a tracker, discounted or variable rate mortgage may have already benefited from base rate cuts in March, but borrowers whose mortgage deal is nearing its end, or those currently on a standard variable rate (SVR), should review their situation as there are some competitive products on the market. Remortgaging is where you take […]
Payment holidays – consider your options
Back in March, the Chancellor’s announcement, offering three-month mortgage payment holidays for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic, came as welcome news to many. Mortgage lenders agreed with the Treasury that any customers in ‘difficulty’ would be eligible. Mortgage payment holidays have since been extended for a further three months to 31 October […]
Be vigilant and scam smart
There have been warnings from several UK bodies, including the Bank of England, National Crime Agency, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) urging people to be vigilant. The warnings are aimed, in particular, at those who may have lost their jobs or are under financial pressure and may be tempted by scammers. Millions affected Over […]
Building financial resilience
One notable theme evident throughout the coronavirus lockdown has been ‘back to basics’ with people displaying an increased appetite for the simpler things in life. While not everyone has fully embraced Tom and Barbara’s ‘Good Life’ philosophy, home baking, gardening and knitting have all enjoyed a notable renaissance. Lockdown lessons Back to basics has also […]
Working from home – are you covered?
With millions more people across the UK now working from home, should you inform your insurer? The Association of British Insurers (ABI)1 has issued reassurance that, if you are an office-based worker now working from home because of government advice or because you are self-isolating, your home insurance cover will not be affected. The ABI […]
Property market: Where are we now?
In mid-May, the property market reopened after nearly two months of inactivity – and buyer demand surged. Almost immediately, the number of visitors to Rightmove soared back to pre-lockdown levels, with site activity reaching record levels on 27 May1. In its latest Housing Market Update, estate agent Savills welcomed this increase in activity; however, it […]
What to watch out for when co-buying a property
These days, homeownership is simply unaffordable for many young people. That’s why more and more aspiring buyers are deciding to co-buy a property with friends. In fact, co-buying has become so popular, some providers are offering multiple person mortgages, following research1 showing that the majority (60%) of millennials would take out a mortgage with friends. Big […]
House-moving day – the logistics
With house-hunting, offers, surveys, legal searches, new schools and other pre-move essentials to fit around everyday life, there’s not always a lot of time to consider how moving day itself will pan out. Because rushed final arrangements can make for a fraught moving day, savvy house-movers should take the time to focus on the logistics […]
The surveying scene
When buying a property, it is generally best to have a survey carried out, even if your mortgage lender is also conducting a valuation that involves an inspection. A thorough survey conducted on your behalf may reveal defects or possible costly problems you need to be aware of. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is […]
Natural forces take their toll
The plight of uninsured householders affected by the Australian bushfires is a reminder of the importance of buildings and contents cover, even if securing it can be more difficult or costly when your home is at greater risk from natural forces such as storm, fire or flood. One victim did have their misfortune balanced out […]