2025

Barbecue season is now well and truly upon us. Here are three trending ideas that are sure to brighten up your barbecues this summer.   Smashburgers   A smashburger is an ultra-thin burger that is cooked super quickly.   You can make smashburgers with any kind of meat, or with veggie and vegan ingredients too.   Take a burger – shop bought or homemade – and place...

Take advantage of the summer weather and get ahead with maintenance on your rental property. Summer isn’t just the perfect time for lazy picnics in the park and trips to the seaside. The long, sunny days also make it an ideal opportunity for landlords to undertake important maintenance and safety checks. So don’t wait until winter to discover that there’s an issue with your roof, boiler or...

If you’re expecting a new baby, then big congrats from us. You certainly have lots to think about, including whether to move home or stay where you are. Here are our tips to help you decide.   Do you have enough space?   You might need an extra bedroom or two, and outdoor space really comes into its own when you have kids.   Now could be the ideal time to upsize and look for that...

Cycling is healthy, environmentally friendly and can save you money too. With Bike Week 2025 starting on Monday (June 9), now is the perfect time to get started or get back in the saddle.   Think about why you want to cycle   This is a vital first step to help you choose the most suitable bike for your needs.   If you’re a would-be racer or plan to do longer rides or...

What do tenants really want in a rental? The answer is surprisingly personal. When tenants feel happy in a rental, they’re more likely to stay put and look after the property. For landlords, this can mean a long-running, trouble-free tenancy (and who doesn’t want that?). So what elevates a rental from being a roof over one’s head to a home? A recent survey* of 2,000 tenants gives us an...

When you’re selling your property, material information is one of the many things you need to know about. Here’s an explanation of what material information is and how important new rules will affect you.   What is material information in a property sale?   Material information is basic information about a house or flat that prospective buyers need to know.   Material...

Are you too busy to commit to volunteering every week? Don’t worry, here are three ways you can still give back to good causes. From first aiders and fundraisers to dog walkers and drivers, it’s time to celebrate Britain’s vast army of volunteers. Next week is Volunteers’ Week (June 2 to 8), a chance for us all to recognise the contribution of the nation’s 13 million volunteers. This...

Rentvesting is an arrangement where you rent a home to live in yourself, but buy a property elsewhere and rent it out.   Rentvesting has received a lot of attention in Australia, New Zealand and the USA in recent years. Here we’ll look at whether it might work for you.   The pros of rentvesting   Rentvesting might appeal to people who live and work in one area but don’t want to...

Don't underestimate how much a beautifully presented garden can sway buyers and help you clinch a great price for your home. When it comes to preparing a home for listing, there's a lot to do. But in your effort to get the interior of your home 'just right', don't forget about another key asset – your garden. If you're lucky enough to have outdoor space in the form of a garden, patio or...

Nothing beats the taste of homegrown vegetables. Here are three summer veggies that are easy to grow in your garden, or in planters or pots.   Lettuce   Lettuce is the easiest veg to grow bar none. Although usually thought of as a garden veg, lettuce will grow just as happily in planters and pots (minimum 15cm soil depth). You can grow it indoors, too.   There are dozens...