What’s next for housing and mortgages?
After a turbulent 2022, the new year brings hope and uncertainty in equal measure. So, what does 2023 have in store for the housing and mortgage markets? Back to normal? Average mortgage rates rose sharply after the ‘mini-budget’ announced by former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in September 2022. Although significantly higher than at the start of […]
Protection insurance payouts on the rise
Claims paid out under protection insurance totalled £6.8bn in 20211, a second consecutive yearly high, with more than £18.6m paid out every day in life insurance, income protection and critical illness claims. Last year was the third year in a row where the overall average individual payout increased, rising by 9% year-on-year to reach £14,994. […]
Cost of living drives equity release increase
In recent years, equity release has become an increasingly popular way for older homeowners to unlock cash tied up in their properties. Equity release products enable homeowners over the age of 55 to access equity locked up in their homes while still being able to live in their property. New research suggests that many homeowners […]
Property pitfalls for holidaymakers
Do you always lock your windows before going on holiday? If not, you’re not alone. A new survey1 has revealed some of the bad holiday habits of UK homeowners. Locked out Two in five respondents don’t check their windows are locked, with a similar number failing to check the doors. Just under half make sure […]
Mortgage market review
It’s been a busy couple of months in the mortgage market, with rising interest rates and new product ideas dominating the discussion. Rate rises Following the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates, two million mortgage holders with standard variable rates or tracker mortgages are already facing higher repayments. Bank Rate increases will also […]
Small steps to sell with success
Planning to sell? You already know there’s a lot of big things to think about. But don’t neglect the small details either. Seemingly minor changes can make a significant difference to how a property is perceived and, ultimately, its sale price. Here are three top tips for putting the finishing touches to your home before […]
More home moves than pre-pandemic
The number of home movers fell 35% year-on-year in the first half of 20221, a drop that was widely expected following last year’s uniquely busy pandemic-influenced market. Still high In total, 172,510 people moved house in the first six months of this year, well below the 266,270 who moved in the first half of 2021. […]
In the news – Home Finance
Gardens uprooted A quarter (25%) of homeowners in the UK with outside space have turned all or part of their garden into a driveway and a further 17% plan to make this change1. As well as parking space proving to be popular, one in ten homeowners with outside space have replaced at least some of […]
Green home improvements adding value
With energy bills soaring, the advantages of improving energy efficiency are becoming evident to many homeowners seeking to reduce their outgoings. Research1 suggests that over a quarter (26%) of British homeowners want to carry out improvements in order to make their home more energy efficient. Give your home a price boost Not only could energy […]
Your protection, your peace of mind
We all know financial commitments are a fact of life. Mortgage repayments and household bills aren’t glamorous expenses, but they are unavoidable in spending our hard-earned cash. Protection insurance too should be seen as a certainty in your financial plans. With living expenses rising considerably, many people are having to tighten their spending reins. Cutting […]