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With a shortage of properties available in certain parts of the UK, we look at whether it could be the ideal time to consider the popular self-build home route and create your own ‘Grand Design’.

A Cambridge University study once found that a person’s financial habits were established by the age of just 7, so we look at some ways that could help get kids off to a flying start¹.

Recent times have seen a dramatic rise in interest rates, and we’ve all seen the impact on monthly mortgage payments as a result, but what’s less publicised is how your savings could now be working harder for you. We take a look at some tips on how to make the most of higher interest rates.

If you and your family are thinking of needing extra space – the natural thought can be to simply search for a new property. However, with the turbulent housing market and rising cost of mortgages – one answer might be right under your feet.

According to recent figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the UK fell into a recession for the final three months of 2023. Here, we look further into this to find out what it can mean for the average person with a mortgage¹.

With growing frustration surrounding NHS waiting lists and difficulties accessing care, more individuals are considering private healthcare. In this article, we explore the merits of private health insurance and whether it may be a viable option for you.

2024 promises to be an eventful year for hands-on landlords, with several significant developments on the horizon. The potential progression of the Renters (Reform) Bill through Parliament, a crucial budget release in March, and the likelihood of a General Election are all events that could reshape the landscape of property management significantly¹. 

Moving home is a significant life event, and ensuring a smooth transition requires attention to detail and meticulous planning. If you’re thinking of moving, we’ve compiled an extensive checklist to assist during the moving process.

2024 is set to be a busy time for many homeowners, with the initial fixed term periods on mortgages expiring for a lot of clients across the market¹, leading to some big decisions being required on remortgaging options.

What happens when your initial mortgage period expires?

Launched back in 2013, the Government’s ‘Help-to-Buy’ scheme was designed to help first time buyers get onto the property ladder, through offering an equity loan for up to 20% of a property’s value, interest-free for the first five years¹.

But a decade on, what happens if you are looking to sell a home and have a Help-to-Buy equity loan outstanding?

We have all become accustomed to paying the ticket price on items purchased in a shop and not daring to ask for a lower price. Obviously, there would be chaos in supermarkets up and down the land, if we all tried to ask for lower prices at the till, but the art of negotiating for the goods and services we purchase has almost died out.

New HMRC rules on Income Tax are due to take effect on 1^st January 2024, targeting those actively making significant money from side hustles – whether it’s profiting from selling crafts & hobby items online or renting out a place on Airbnb, for example, you could be caught out unless your tax affairs are in order¹.