2024

There’s nothing quite like becoming a homeowner for the first time. Stepping over the threshold into a place you can call your own is one of life’s memorable moments. However, as well as coming with a host of benefits, home ownership also comes with responsibilities. Unlike renting, where someone else handles the maintenance and most of the upkeep, these duties now fall to you as the...

As UK Savings Week approaches (9 – 15 September), there’s no better time to take control of your finances and boost your savings. The campaign’s hashtag, #TakeTheSavingsChallenge, encourages everyone to find creative and practical ways to save. Yes, saving in the current financial climate can be challenging, but it all adds up. Here are three tips to get you started on your savings...

Are landlords leaving the market in droves, as some experts claim? Or are reports of an exodus exaggerated? Let’s look beyond the hype to find out what’s going on. You may have seen a flurry of headlines lately saying that landlords are leaving the rental sector en masse. Is it true? Well, data released last month shows that some landlords are indeed selling up. The number of outstanding...

The UK housing market is experiencing a period of steady recovery, according to the latest data from leading property portal Zoopla. The Zoopla House Price Index is a statistical tool used to measure changes in the price of residential properties. Along with other indexes, including ones created by Rightmove, the Land Registry and several mortgage providers, it’s a helpful indicator of trends in...

Should you move or improve? It’s a question an increasing number of homeowners are asking themselves. And it’s a big decision with lots of things to weigh up. In this article, we list some pros and cons to help you gain clarity about what’s best for you. Moving: The pros and cons Pros Fresh start: Moving allows you to choose a home that better suits your current needs without the...

As September rolls in and children across the UK prepare to return to school, many parents are reconsidering their daily routines. With growing concerns about traffic congestion, air pollution and the rising cost of living, exploring alternative modes of transport for the school run can be a practical and eco-friendly choice. Here are three tips to help you get your kids to school without relying on...

Is the rental market running hot or cold, and what can we expect in the coming year? Let’s dig into the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and property portal Zoopla to find out. Taking stock Unless you spent 2023 hiding under a rock, you’ll know that rents rose last year. A combination of higher interest rates, which put pressure on buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages, and...

Did you know that a blaze is seven times more likely to start in a rental property than in a home occupied by the owner?* It's a shocking statistic that underlines the need for landlords to prioritise fire safety. So, let's look at how to keep your tenants and property safe. Follow the law Landlords must follow strict rules on issues such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, gas and electrical...

Throughout August we are running our Community Cheerleader campaign. It's where we shout from the rooftops (and blog posts) about the importance of supporting our neighbourhood together. Here's part four of our five-part series, which looks at how we can all take steps to improve the natural environment in our neighbourhood. By making conscious choices and being proactive, we can reduce our...

When estate agents tell sellers not to over-personalise their property, what do they mean? Here’s a real-life tale that explains all. The story appeared in the Daily Mail a few months back and centres around a three-bed semi that had been painted Barbie pink inside and out by the property’s fun-loving owner. The woman, Kathy, was such a gregarious figure in her Nottinghamshire village that she...