Survive the summer holidays and the challenge of keeping children entertained with these fun activities that don’t cost the earth. I’m bored! Two words you’re bound to hear over the next few weeks if you have school-aged children. So how can cash-conscious parents keep boredom and mischief at bay for the duration of the summer break? It’s not easy, as popular activities like going to...
While some people only move a few times in their lives, for others it’s a very different story. When it comes to moving home, how typical are you? Are you the restless type who ups sticks every few years? Or have you been settled in the same property for decades and have no intention of moving again, ever? To find out how you compare with the rest of the country, take a look at the results of...
This month is Plastic Free July all around the world. The aim is to encourage ordinary people to cut their use of plastic to help the environment. Here are some easy ways you can join in Plastic Free July. Avoid single-use plastics Avoiding single-use plastics is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic use. Single-use coffee cups, plastic bags, food wrap and,...
New housing market data indicates that buyer interest is increasing, while prices remain resilient. Industry analysts had plenty of numbers to crunch last month, with the Bank of England and property portal Zoopla releasing insights on the state of the economy and housing market. Let’s look at what the figures mean for buyers and sellers. Mortgage approvals Perhaps the best news came from the...
Owning a buy-to-let can be a challenge, especially in the current market. If you're looking for a letting agent to help you let or manage your property successfully, here's how to find the very best one. Firstly, do they work in your area? Are they the local experts? It may seem obvious, but there's no point in using a letting agent who doesn't specialise in the area where your...
Protect your home and possessions by stepping up security before you go on holiday. Whether you plan to spend your summer holiday lying on a beach or strolling around a sophisticated city, there’s one thing you don’t want to be thinking about. And that’s home security. Because while you may be taking a break this summer, burglars certainly won’t be (burglary rates in the UK spike in July...
The financial watchdog is asking whether mortgage rules should be more flexible to help older buyers, the self-employed and reliable renters get on the property ladder. UK society has changed dramatically over the past decade. There have been huge shifts in the way Brits live and work and when they retire. Meanwhile, property prices have grown faster than wages, impacting affordability. But has...
Over a third of home insurance flood claims occur between June and August, according to insurer Aviva.* Here’s how landlords can prepare for the risk of flooding. Many people associate flooding with the colder seasons, but changing weather patterns mean it’s time to think again. Jason Storah, CEO of UK and Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, explains: “Traditionally, we think of...
July is National Picnic Month, so why not get out there for a picnic or three? Here are some ideas to make your picnics extra special this summer. Think outside the (lunch) box While there’s nothing wrong with a park or a beach, an unusual location will make your picnic extra special and more memorable. How about walking to the top of the highest hill you can manage for...
Is your home taking longer to sell than you'd like? It's possible that your listing has gone stale. Here are some ideas for reviving a stale property listing. Give your home a lift Chances are that when you first listed your property you kept everything spick and span for viewings. But maybe, just maybe, you've let things slip since. So take an objective look at your...
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