News

Cost-of-living difficulties are forcing people to reconsider their housing situations, with a new survey1 showing that three in ten UK homeowners are considering saving money by moving to a smaller property, relocating or living with others. Race for space? After the pandemic-induced race for space, downsizing is back on the cards. Almost one in five […]

More people are installing solar panels to their homes, spurred on by environmental concerns or the prospect of reduced reliance on the National Grid. Putting thousands of pounds on your roof can boost the value of your property, but do solar panels affect your home insurance? Come rain or… Having emerged in the 1950s, solar […]

The number of households renting privately in the UK increased by 63% in the decade to 20171, reaching an estimated total of 4.5 million. As the rising cost of living continues to cause difficulties for many, the importance of protection becomes increasingly apparent.  Safety net  Tenants in the private rental sector generally have lower financial […]

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement on 17 November, with a host of announcements on personal taxation and public spending. Housing was largely absent from the key fiscal event, though a significant statement was made on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).  In September, then-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng had increased the nil-rate threshold […]

Green mortgages – a mystery  A recent survey1 has revealed that four out of five (83%) people have no understanding of green mortgages. Each lender’s criteria will differ, but typically they may offer a discounted rate, or cashback, if a property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A or B. The government has […]

Even in times of economic uncertainty, the fundamentals of house buying remain mostly the same. For those looking to make a purchase in 2023, it’s never too early to start planning.  Why buy now?  House prices have stayed high over the past year thanks to sustained buyer demand and restricted supply. Trying to predict future […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]