World Financial Planning Day takes place next week, on 8 October. It’s a day that’s designed to promote awareness of financial planning for your future. Here’s a simple action plan. Review your spending Go through your bank statements. Look at what outgoings you could cut or reduce. One way to trim back on your spending is to cancel subscriptions for things you don’t...
First-time buyers have always been key drivers of the housing market. Their choices don’t just shape the property landscape today – they also hint at where things might head tomorrow. New research from Barclays has shed light on what’s driving the decisions of different generations as they become homeowners for the first time. And the results show that while affordability remains a universal...
According to one survey, boiler breakdowns surge by 50% in October.* Here are some tips for avoiding headaches and hassles if your rental has a gas boiler. Is your boiler due for a service? As a landlord you’ll know that gas appliances, including boilers, need an annual gas safety check by law. Gas safety checks don’t necessarily include a service, however. A boiler that is serviced annually...
A popular DIY hack promoted on social media as a ‘renter-friendly upgrade’ is causing costly repair bills. Search ‘renter-friendly hacks’ on TikTok and you’ll find endless videos on low-cost ways to customise a property. Influencers share DIY transformation tips that they claim are easy to reverse at the end of a tenancy (so as not to jeopardise the rental deposit). However, many of...
Interest in décor that is old and bold is skyrocketing, according to social media platform Pinterest. With 578 million active users, Pinterest certainly has plenty of data to draw on to help it predict changing moods and future trends. In its latest Autumn Trends report, the social media platform identified five interior décor themes to watch out for. How many do you already have in your...
If you’ve seen a property that you like, then you might be considering making a cheeky offer on it. Before you do, here’s what you need to know. What exactly is a cheeky offer? There’s no hard-and-fast definition. Some people might consider it an offer that is significantly below the asking price. If the listing specifies ‘offers over’ a particular...
A fixer-upper or a home that has 'room for improvement' has long been attractive to buyers. But that could be changing. Let's explore if it's a good idea to get your home move-in ready before putting it on the market. What buyers want may be changing A new survey* says buyers are prioritising 'ready to go' properties – rather than homes requiring extensive work – due to higher...
If you’re new to renting, here’s some advice that will help get your tenancy off to a good start and avoid future disputes. Searching for a property to rent can be daunting, especially if you’re a first-time tenant. But by avoiding the rookie mistakes listed below, you can build the foundations of a long and happy tenancy. Not using a legit letting agency Thousands of Brits lose money to...
When you’re moving home, removal costs can take up a fair slice of your budget. Here are some top tips on how to save money on home removals, whether you’re buying, selling or renting. Start planning early Last-minute arrangements are generally more expensive. Starting your planning early gives you more options on when and how you move your...
If you're looking to get on the property ladder, here are some helpful home truths that could help you avoid a costly mistake. Stepping over the threshold into your first property is an exciting and memorable moment. However, first-time buyers (FTBs) can waste valuable time and money by making any of these common homebuying mistakes. Not doing your sums Many FTBs start property hunting without...
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