April Fool’s Day may be a joke, but something far more serious is happening on 1 April this year. Here’s what you can do to protect your hard earned cash.
Monthly Archives: March 2019
Want a 15% pay rise? Switch your mortgage
In this week’s mortgage round up, finance journalist Ruth Jackson looks at how switching your mortgage could boost your income by 15%, how much opting for a 40-year mortgage actually costs you and changes to help mortgage prisoners.
The number of new-build homeowners who wouldn’t buy from the same builder again almost doubles in a year
And government gives house builders wanting to use Help to Buy a warning - but will that that deliver quality housing?
32 million people think Britain’s homes are not “fit for purpose”
In this year's HomeOwners Survey, concerns about the quality of Britain’s housing stock and our outdated leasehold system have soared faster than at any point since 2014. We take a look at worries UK housing isn't fit for purpose - and other issues keeping us all awake at night....
The best cities for first time buyers
Would you move if it meant you could get on the property ladder? Here’s the five best cities for first time buyers to get a home. Plus the five places to avoid.
Leasehold reform report: MPs call for urgent action
MPs today reported how leaseholders have been "treated as a source of steady profit". We look at this and other revelations in the leasehold reform report from the House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, and their recommendations for change.
How do other people save for a house deposit?
Saving a deposit for a house is an uphill battle. According to the latest stats from the Money Charity it would take 24 years to save the average deposit at the average savings rate out of the average salary. So with the number of first time buyers at its highest level in 12 years - how exactly is everyone saving enough to buy?
First-time buyers love mortgage brokers
In our latest mortgage round-up, finance journalist Ruth Jackson looks at a spate of good news including low interest rates, rising completions and how brokers are helping first-time buyers.
Why are some sellers being hit with two bills for selling one house?
As consumers continue to get stung by estate agent claims for double commission, we look at recent coverage for our members, and changes in estate agent guidance that should see consumers put first
Boost your savings growth with an ISA
It’s almost the end of the tax year, which means you need to use your ISA allowance or lose it. Whether you are saving for a deposit, a rainy day or a home emergency an ISA can help your nest egg grow faster. We take a look at the different ISA options and the best deals on the market today.
Four reasons your gender is stopping you from buying a house
We’ve come a long way since women weren’t trusted to own property. But it is still not a level playing field. Here’s how your gender is curtailing your ability to buy a house.