HOA’s Voice

Read our take on the latest developments of interest to homeowners and aspiring homeowners, with contributions from our staff, supporters and guest contributions.

Should you clear snow from paths or driveways?

how to clear paths

Snow and ice are causing havoc in many parts of the UK today and driveways, roads and paths are covered with more than just a scattering. But are you liable if you clear paths and someone falls? How do you clear snow safely?

Read more »

5 ways to get your home ready for Christmas

How to get your home ready for Christmas

For some, simply decorating the tree isn't enough when it comes to the festive season. So we've asked Victoria Purcell at goodhomesmagazine.com how to add shimmer and sparkle to the rest of your home.

Read more »

How to lower humidity in your house

Humidity in the home

Excess moisture - or humidity - in your home can lead to a range of issues. We’ve asked Airthings to explain why it matters and how we can reduce humidity in the home.

Read more »

Buying Property With Friends Made Simple

buying property with friends

The days when one person could easily buy their first home alone seem well and truly over. Buying a property with friends is increasingly prevalent in today’s market. MaryR, a tech-for-good business helping people buy with others, spells out what you need to think about if you’re buying with friends.

Read more »

How to create a sustainable kitchen

sustainable kitchen

Deciding how your new kitchen is going to look can be very exciting but now there is an added expectation – that our design choices should be sustainable. We've asked Julia Kendell, design expert for the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show for her top tips.

Read more »

10 moving mistakes to avoid

moving mistakes

We all know moving house is stressful — in fact, it’s regularly rated in the top five most stressful things you can do in your life. But it doesn't have to be.

Read more »

Get a free will written online

free will

This month we are offering all HomeOwners Alliance website visitors an opportunity to write or update their will for free. In partnership with Guardian Angel, Adroit and charities across the UK, you can get your ducks in a row, while supporting the causes and charities you care most about.

Read more »

Electric cars: installation and charging costs

How much does it cost to charge an electric car

With a climate, energy and cost of living crisis worrying households across the UK, you might be thinking about investing in an electric car? But how much does it cost to install an electric car charger at home and how much does it cost to charge an electric car at home and out and about? We've asked Danny Morgan, editor and marketing manager at national home charge point installers Smart Home Charge, to give us his expert advice.

Read more »

Alternatives to Equity Release

Alternatives to equity release

Equity release is an appealing option to free up cash locked in your home. But there can be various downsides which mean it may not be the best solution. So we’ve asked Tembo Money to tell us about the alternatives to equity release to help you make the right decision.

Read more »

30 Day House Sale Specialists explained

30 day house sale specialists

If you’re struggling to sell your home, then a 30 day house sale specialist – also known as a quick sale firm – might just be the best solution. They can sell your house in super-fast time for cash. So, we’ve asked Home House Buyers to explain how the process works, what protection you receive, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Read more »

How does an estate agent value your property?

estate agent value property

With house prices at an all time high and buyer demand outstripping the number of properties on the market, how do you know if the valuation your estate agent provides you with is realistic? E-Sale share with us the truth about how an estate agent will value your property and how interactive valuation reports are the way forward.

Read more »

What does guide price mean?

guide price

Guide price is a term often bandied about in the home buying process. But what does it mean and how seriously should you take it? We explain all below, with help from the estate agency Portico.

Read more »

Student mortgages explained

student mortgage

Though it seems unlikely, purchasing houses has become increasingly popular for students in recent years. Instead of handing their student loan over to landlords, many people have decided to buy for themselves as rent in student cities soars and the quality of accommodation decreases. We've asked Tembo money to explain all.

Read more »

EPC changes for landlords scrapped

EPC changes

EPC changes that would force landlords to improve rental properties with low energy efficiency ratings have been ditched. We look at what the current rules are and whether it’s still worth making the improvements to your property.

Read more »

Is luxury vinyl flooring suitable for Kitchens?

Luxury vinyl flooring

If you're updating your kitchen and unsure what flooring to lay down, luxury vinyl flooring can often be more suitable than hardwood. The experts at Stories Flooring explain what the benefits are and their top tips for choosing.

Read more »

What to watch for when buying a converted flat

permitted development rights office to residential

Converting unused offices and retail properties into residential flats seems like a good idea: more homes in areas people want to live and better for the environment. But these conversions aren't always up to standard. Here's why and what you need to watch for when buying a converted flat.

Read more »

Homes for Ukraine Scheme – what you need to know

Homes for Ukraine

When the Government launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme, more than 150,000 people signed up in the first few days to offer accommodation to those fleeing the war-torn country. Read on to find out more about the scheme, how to sign up, the latest issues and developments.

Read more »

Storm damage, repairs and your home insurance

How do I repair storm damage to my house

If you're wondering how to repair storm damage to your house, then we've got everything you need to know. From what happens if a tree damages your property, to who is responsible if your neighbours fence blows down, how and when to claim on your insurance and how to claim compensation in the event of a power cut.

Read more »

Can you buy a house without a mortgage?

How to buy a house without a mortgage

Getting a mortgage can be tricky. And depending on your earnings it may not be enough to buy a home. So we've asked Wayhome to explain how their scheme for buying a house without a mortgage works.

Read more »