Navigating the mortgage market in 2024

As the mortgage market continues to evolve, staying informed is key to securing the best deal when purchasing a home. Several factors influence the mortgage landscape, and being aware of these can enable you to make informed decisions.
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A protection guide for unmarried couples

As we navigate life’s experiences, securing our financial well-being becomes paramount, especially for unmarried couples. For many, the cost of living has meant it’s harder to save for marriage. However, there are practical steps you can take to build your future together.
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Falling mortgage rates

There’s promising news on the horizon, with mortgage rates continuing to fall. If this development progresses into the year, it could open up new opportunities for those looking to enter the property market but also bring significant benefits for existing homeowners. 

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Generation rent: what to expect in 2024

 

 

There is an obvious need for more affordable housing in order to assist young adults, who have been priced out of the housing market, in getting onto the property ladder. Also known as ‘Generation Rent’, many young adults aged 18-40 are unable to purchase a house as a result of paying a high percentage of their income on rent. So what can this demographic expect in 2024? 
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New year, new me: what’s your priority?

 

 

The New Year is traditionally a time for reflection and the beginning of positive change. For some, that could mean getting into shape, starting a new hobby or giving up a bad habit. Most of us spend the holidays with our families, and we all want to know that they are looked after if something were to happen, but many of us don’t have a plan in place. So why not prioritise something new this year?
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Renter’s Reform Bill: how would it impact me?

 

The Private Rented Sector (PRS) is a vital part of the housing market, making up around 19% of all households. While many stay in rented accommodation their entire lives, many use it as a stepping stone towards the property ladder. It takes an average of 10 years to save for a home, which is why it’s important to have a sufficient supply of good quality let properties and a fair environment for both landlords and tenants.
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How to save money this winter

 

 

Following the new energy price cap setting, the amount suppliers can charge customers this winter will reduce, however, your bills may not change over the winter months. However, with the cost of living continuing to stay high there are other ways you may be able to save money this winter. To help you start the new year off right, here are some tips to help you save.
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Life Insurance: The gift that keeps on giving

 

 

There is no better feeling than giving your loved ones a gift, especially over the festive season. Is there any greater gift than protecting your family’s future? Why not put a little extra thought into your gifts this year and give you and your loved ones peace of mind?
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Housing Benefit: How can it help me?

 

As the cost of living continues to remain high, a record rise in rent has left many individuals and families grappling with the challenge of securing affordable housing. Following the recent autumn statement, the government will lift housing benefit to match the bottom 30% of market rents.
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High inflation: how does it affect me?

As inflation remains high, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at how it could impact you. 
Whether you are behind on payments, looking to stretch your finances or coming to the end of your mortgage term, there are options available to help you.
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Income Protection: am I covered for stress?

Mental Health is consistently one of the most common reasons for Income Protection (IP) claims, according to the latest research, and understanding how to manage stress is more important than ever, especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis. 
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EPC changes: what it means for landlords

The Government recently announced changes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations. The decision to remove the deadlines has raised questions about its future impact and the influence this has on landlords.

Read more... Fixed rate mortgage term ending: what should I do next?

 

As your fixed rate mortgage term approaches its end, it’s essential to carefully consider your next steps. This critical moment presents an excellent opportunity to reassess your financial situation and evaluate your circumstances.
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Mortgage arrears: what to do if you are behind on payments

 

 

Being a homeowner can be challenging and falling behind on mortgage repayments could put you at risk of losing your home. However, there are urgent steps you can take if you find yourself falling behind.
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The struggles of insurance for young people

 

A significant percentage of the population between the ages of 18 and 34 face an overwhelming challenge: accessing sound financial advice. Despite their financial concerns, many find it difficult to access professional protection guidance.A significant percentage of the population between the ages of 18 and 34 face an overwhelming challenge: accessing sound financial advice. Despite their financial concerns, many find it difficult to access professional protection guidance.

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 Could falling fixed rates help prospective buyers?

 

 

In July, both two and five-year fixed-rate deals dropped by 0.02% for the first time since May. Although the forecast for further changes is uncertain, the initial drop in rates is promising and could lead to a more favourable environment for prospective buyers if rates continue to fall in 2023.
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Smoking: Why you need Critical Illness Cover

 

 

Throughout the years there have been multiple facts and figures published, highlighting the impact of smoking on your health. It’s no secret that your smoking status will significantly influence your chances of suffering from certain conditions, which is why critical illness cover (CIC) is so important.
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Home improvements: Garage, loft and cellar conversions

 

Garage, loft, and cellar conversions are popular home improvement projects that can significantly enhance a property’s value. These transformations not only maximise the existing space but also satisfy the ever-growing demand for multi-purpose living areas.
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100% Mortgages: How can they help me?

 

 

A 100% mortgage, also known as a zero-deposit mortgage, is a loan that allows first-time buyers to borrow the full purchase price of a property
without having a deposit.  What does this mean?
Read more...

 

 

Holiday Insurance: Why not have it for life?

 

 

When it comes to considering holiday insurance and life insurance, there are distinct differences in their costs and underlying purposes. Many of us pay for holiday insurance, but never consider life cover.
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The benefits of gardening: Does it influence property value? 

 

When it comes to maximising the value of your property, gardening may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a beautiful garden can have a real impact on the overall worth of your property.

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 Property Chain: Reducing the impact it has on you

Buying and selling property can be a complex and stressful process. One of the most challenging parts of buying or selling a property is the property chain. A property chain is where a group of home buyers and sellers are dependent on one another when purchasing a house – for example the owner(s) of the house you want to buy might need to find a house to buy themselves. It’s important to understand the challenges within a property chain, helping prepare yourself to reduce the risks.
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Life Cover: Always plan for the future

Life is unpredictable, but preparing for the unexpected can provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones. Whether you are considering life cover or re-evaluating your finances, it’s always important to plan for the future. 
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First time landlords: The next generation

Around 140,000 landlords retired in 2022, predominantly these were older investors, who were part of the early buy-to-let mortgages launched in 1996. They leave behind a gap which is at risk of not being filled. What does this mean for the next generation of landlords? 
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House prices fall: Is it the right time to buy?

Knowing when to buy a house can be challenging, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Although household budgets remain under pressure from high inflation, confidence is returning to the property market as house prices fell 3.1% on an annual basis in March.
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Too expensive to stay healthy: What are my options?

New research highlights an ‘alarming link’ between the rising costs of living and declining health across the UK population. The protection industry can have a positive influence, providing the tools to help you manage your health in 2023. 
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Base rate rise: How does it affect my mortgage?

In March 2023, the Bank of England announced an increase to its base rate by 0.25%, rising to 4.25% in the eleventh rise since December 2021. Inevitably, this will affect everyone throughout the UK. So what does it mean and how does it affect your mortgage.

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Income: Your most valuable asset

 Income is undoubtedly your most valuable asset, and protecting it is crucial for both present and future financial security. It’s the source of paying for daily expenses, investing for the future, and building a secure financial foundation...

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How to get on the property ladder in 2023

 

 

Buying a property is a big decision, especially for first-time buyers. While it can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. There are several tips and options available that can help you, as a first-time buyer, get onto the property ladder...

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Equity release: Lifetime mortgages

 

Equity release has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows homeowners, aged 55 and older, to access the equity tied up in their property without having to sell it. This can be done in several ways, but the most common ones are through a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan...
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 Protect your loved ones this Valentine’s Day

 

 

Valentine’s day is a special day to celebrate love and affection between partners. It’s a day to show appreciation and to make memories that last a lifetime. While love and affection are important, there is another aspect of family life that should not be overlooked – insurance...
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How to get ready to sell in 2023

 

 

Getting your house ready to sell requires preparation and effort, but it can significantly increase the chances of a successful sale. Here are some tips to help you get your house in the best condition before selling...
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Reviewing your Mortgage Product & Options to Refinance

 

Remortgaging and product transfers are two popular options for homeowners looking to make changes to their mortgage. While both can help release funds in your home, there are key differences between the two...
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Buy-To-Let Mortgages in 2023

 

Demand for rental accommodation in the UK was up by 23% in 2022, as rents hit a record high. The new year could see a continued rise in rental demand and prices, is now the time to undertake a new challenge?...
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 Self-Employed Mortgages in 2023

 

Securing a mortgage while self-employed can be an overwhelming task. Uncertainty over the cost-of-living crisis makes it a challenging environment, so start the new year on the right foot and understand the options available for self-employed clients...
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 Insurance Benefits: Helping Your New Year’s Resolutions

The protection industry can have a positive influence, providing clients with the tools to manage their health and look ahead to achieving new year’s resolutions. Here’s how added value benefits can impact your health in 2023
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Green Mortgages: what you need to know

With the COP27 summit last month, the climate conversation is at the forefront of people’s minds once again. Reducing the impact we have on our planet has become a key priority for homeowners up and down the country as we head towards the point of no return. Lenders are aware of this and want to help you achieve that – while also working towards their own green targets. Green mortgages are one of the key methods you can use to help your day-to-day become greener. We take a look at what green mortgages are and how they can help you to go greener...
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GI and Contents Insurance: get your gifts covered

The festive season is upon us. A time of family, togetherness and most importantly – presents! In a time of gift giving, it’s important to consider how you can protect any fancy new gadgets or expensive gifts you may receive this year. It would be devastating enough for your home to be broken into or damaged by fire or flooding – but the added anguish of losing your valuables could make it even harder. Of course, no one wants to think about these things happening to them – but it’s essential that you’re protected just in case...
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First time buyers – what to expect in 2023

After nine years, the Help to Buy scheme is coming to an end. With the application deadline having already passed – the attention for first time buyers now turns to the available alternatives. 361,075 homes were bought with a Help to Buy equity loan between April 1st, 2013, and March 31st, 2022 – a £22.5 billion hole left to be filled by alternative schemes. So, what other schemes are out there and available to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder?...

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How you can save energy this winter

It’s no secret that this winter is shaping up to be a struggle for so many households in the UK. With rising energy bills on the minds of millions – the cold weather has the potential to ask some difficult questions of us all. When do you put the heating on? When can you afford to? Obviously, there are challenges ahead – but there are also ways to save energy here and there that can add up over the course of a few months. Below are a few tips to help you feel a bit better about the prospect of turning up that thermostat...
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Fixed vs Variable rates

It’s safe to say that there is a fair amount of confusion currently surrounding the mortgage market. Rates have been on the rise as inflation soars, but what does this mean for you? Perhaps you’re looking to secure your first mortgage or looking to renew? Either way, it’s certainly a confusing time and it can be so difficult to know what type of mortgage best suits your situation. Do you go with a fixed rate mortgage to avoid further rises or a variable rate in the hope that mortgage rates fall again? We’ve outlined the pros and cons to help you make the best decision...
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Value-added services: Why you should care

Many insurance providers want to offer you the most valuable service they can – and added benefits are one way they can do this. Almost all insurance providers will offer various freebies and discounts to customers, and they’re always a great bonus when you’re looking to get protected. It’s always worth checking what you could be entitled to through your policy – and if you don’t have a policy then the value-added services are always worth taking into consideration...
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Liz Truss cuts stamp duty as mini budget is announced

 

 

In a move that some property experts are branding ‘well overdue’, Prime Minister Liz Truss announced a cut to stamp duty property tax as part of the mini budget announced on September 23rd. Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced a variation of new stamp duty thresholds on a permanent basis, with stamp duty set to be eradicated entirely for purchases of land buildings for commercial or new residential development. These announcements came alongside a string of other tax cuts as the new chancellor attempts to boost economic growth in the UK...
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Help to Buy deadline draws near

 

 

The Government’s Help to Buy scheme is coming to a close and the deadline for new applications is 31st October this year. All applications for purchasing properties through the Help to Buy scheme must be submitted before the October deadline – and only properties that will be build-complete by 31st December 2022 will be eligible for the scheme. There is no guarantee that Homes England will honour the 20% Equity Loan if the building is completed next year, so it is so important to ensure your home will be building-complete before the turn of the year...
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Protecting your mind

 

With World Mental Health Day having recently passed on October 10th, what better time could there be for each of us to take a moment to assess how we’re feeling. There’s no hiding the fact that we are currently living in uncertain and unpredictable times, and feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed is hardly uncommon at the moment as the cost-of-living crisis looms overhead. It’s so important to be aware of your own mental health so that you can know how to take care of yourself. So, what happens if it all gets too much? How do you protect your income and your livelihood if you need to take some time to look after yourself? We take a look at the options available to you...
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Remortgages, Product Transfers and the cost-of-living crisis 

There’s no point dancing around the subject – we all know that the cost-of-living crisis has become a serious worry for millions of UK citizens. With energy prices sky rocketing, keeping on top of your outgoings can be incredibly stressful and with a further rise coming in October, perhaps it’s time to reassess your finances and see if your monthly repayments can be reduced. Remortgages and product transfers can offer a solution to the cost-of-living problem by enabling you to arrange new terms on a mortgage to suit your financial situation. So, if you are starting to worry about managing your finances during this stressful period – keep reading to find out what method could suit your situation the most...

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Making a claim: It’s easier than you think

Making a claim on your insurance policy is a long, laborious process with hidden hurdles that make it incredibly hard to ever secure the pay-out you feel you’re entitled to, right? Well, as it turns out, the data suggests quite the opposite! Despite the relatively baseless claims that often surround the protection conversation, making a claim is actually much simpler than you may think. With the vast majority of providers rarely refusing a claim, making a claim is not only a relatively easy process, but also one that rarely ends in frustration...

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What to do before you sell

So, you’re looking to move? Well, selling your home can seem like quite the task at times – but fear not! We’ve put together a helpful guide to steer you through the process, making it as stress free as possible. Property chains can be a nightmare when it comes to getting a sale over the line, so this guide is designed to help you make the process run as smoothly as possible. Whatever your reason for selling, avoiding delays wherever possible could be the difference between a sale being completed or falling through – making this guide invaluable to your selling process...

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CIC for your kids: what you need to know

When it comes to our children, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to protect them – right? Well, there are some things that so many parents fail to consider. No one wants to imagine their child falling ill – but it does happen to some and is a situation that is important to be prepared for. Critical Illness Cover is an integral part of any protection policy if you have children – and it will help with some of the impacts you may not have even considered...

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Help to Build Equity Loan scheme launched

After the recent government announcement of further help being offered to first-time buyers as they try to get onto the property ladder, we thought it would be a good time to breakdown what the Help to Build Equity Loan scheme is and how it may be able to help you. The scheme aims to offer those who have not been able to buy their first home the opportunity to build it, with 5% deposits made available and backed by £150 million of government funding...

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95% LTV shared ownership mortgages: what you need to know

The shared ownership sector has gained some real traction recently, with more and more lenders offering raised LTV criteria on newly built homes. Several big-name lenders now offer 95% LTV shared ownership mortgages on new builds as the market continues to make homes as accessible as possible to prospective first-time buyers. With industry giants Halifax recently following suit in the shared ownership space – we explore what you need to know when it comes to getting a shared ownership mortgage...

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The government’s pledge to combat declining homeownership rates 

Between 1996 and 2016, the percentage of 25 to 34-year-olds who own their own homes has fallen 19% from 55% to 34%. In a bid to combat this, prime minister Boris Johnson has set out plans that include proposals for housing benefit being able to be counted towards a mortgage. The prime minister vowed to “turn benefits to bricks”, saying it is unfair that homeownership is dominated by over 65-year-olds...

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GI and DIY: How to stay protected

After a global pandemic forced us all to stay inside, many of us decided to make ‘inside’ a nicer place. During the national lockdown, 61% of homeowners put their skills to the test and tried their hands at some DIY home improvements – resulting in an estimated £21.3 billion increase in the value of homes in England. Homeowners spent over £11 billion on various projects during the course of the pandemic, and many have more than broken even with the added value to their property – but what affect does ‘doing it yourself’ have on your home insurance?...

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Open Banking explained

Technology is always evolving to streamline our everyday lives. In every walk of life, there is a constant progression in how technology is used to make common practices run more smoothly. The mortgage sector is no exception. Open banking offers a customer-centric experience as it focusses on reducing the time and effort needed from you. With more and more processes being moved online – open banking limits the need to visit an actual bank and allows banks and budgeting apps to securely access your financial data – helping you save, budget and get on the market as efficiently and securely as possible...

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Should you be in on the remortgage boom?

Recent analysis has unearthed that remortgages have risen by more than a quarter between the months of March and April. This is largely down to the multiple base rate rises announced by The Bank of England throughout 2022 and the response from lenders to raise rates accordingly. Many consumers are now looking to ‘lock-in’ the current available rates in a long-term fixed mortgage ahead of any more potential rate increases – but is this the right thing to do? We look at how base rate rises and the cost-of-living crisis could persuade you to follow suit...

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Can you get protected if you’re over 70?

This month, the country celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne. The Platinum Jubilee will see thousands up and down the country take to the streets to commemorate our longest reigning monarch reaching such an impressive milestone. Although we’re sure The Queen herself doesn’t really need protection insurance – the jubilee got us thinking: what is out there for people who have been around for the entirety of her tenure? So, we decided to explore what protection options are out there for over 70s - while discussing why it’s still so important to be protected beyond retirement age...

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Are heat pumps the answer to rising costs and the climate crisis?

Heat pumps can be an efficient way for you to heat your homes. With the cost-of-living crisis making people across the country more concerned about their energy bills, heat pumps have become increasingly popular. It’s important to consult a certified installer before making a decision, as different types of heat pumps can vary in performance depending on the home. There are certain factors that can determine whether or not a heat pump is the right choice...

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Why you should always be covered amid a cost-of-living crisis

Protection insurance is severely undervalued by thousands of people across the UK. Often seen as an unnecessary expense – there are a vast number of people living in this country who are yet to take out a protection plan and therefore remain unprepared should they lose their income or worse – their life. With a cost-of-living crisis currently causing panic for many, it’s so important to stay covered even when you’re looking to cut costs elsewhere. Despite common misconceptions surrounding how often providers pay out, tougher times make protecting your family should anything happen to you even more vital...
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How to improve your mortgage affordability

With affordability tests being revised in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis currently happening in the UK, many prospective buyers are looking for ways to improve their chances at securing the best possible mortgage for them. With house prices still at a high, improving your affordability can be a great way of increasing your chances of securing a mortgage – especially for first time buyers looking to raise a deposit for their first home. In this article, we take a look at the most effective ways you can improve your affordability...
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Holiday lets: are they worth it?

If you’ve ever considered investing in a second property, you may have already thought about holiday lets. With the popularity of staycations on the rise, now could be a better time than ever to get into the game. The ability to make some extra cash while also maintaining the possibility of enjoying the property yourself is an attractive prospect for many – and with summer just around the corner, we thought now would be a great time to start the conversation...

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Base rate: all you need to know

 

 

You have more than likely heard the term ‘base rate’ banded around in the news over the last few months, but what does it actually mean? Why does one rate have such an impact on so many mortgage products nationwide and why has the base rate risen? We take a look at all you need to know about the base rate and how it can affect you...

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Smoking and Vaping: how can it impact your insurance?

 

 

New research conducted by Royal London has revealed that smokers can save up to £16,000 on life insurance premiums by quitting. According to the insurer, non-smokers could be entitled to lower rate premiums if they have avoided tobacco, or nicotine replacement products such as e-cigarettes, for at least a year. So, how much of an impact on your life insurance can stopping smoking have?...

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Spring statement: VAT cut for going green 

 

The announcement of the spring statement brought the news that VAT on energy saving materials is set to be scrapped. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the move was partly due to rising energy costs as homeowners look to use as little energy as possible in order to save on their bills. The move will see materials such as solar panels, heat pumps and insulation be entirely exempt from VAT for the next 5 years...

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What will ‘levelling up’ mean for you?

At the beginning of February, the government released their ‘levelling up’ white paper – a document that sets out a “complete system change” of how government operates that will be put into practice in order to level up the UK. The paper outlines 12 new national missions with a view to them being achieved by 2030. So, what are these new missions and how could they impact you?...

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How essential is Income Protection?

It’s relatively common knowledge now that the cost of living will be going up in April of this year and there is plenty of apprehension surrounding the subject. Now with recent events in Europe heightening that concern, many plan to slash any non-essential outgoings in order to help deal with the increased energy costs – so where does Income Protection fall on the scale of necessity?...

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Average asking prices for UK homes soar in February

The average asking price for homes in the UK rose sharply in February as strong demand for properties in London and elsewhere with homes in shorter supply. According to Rightmove, asking prices have experienced the biggest monthly increase since the company started recording such data in 2001. With property prices already high, this revelation comes as welcome news for homeowners looking to sell...
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Does the interest base rate rise affect you?

You may already be aware that on Thursday the Bank of England increased the base rate from 0.25% to 0.5%. This is big news in the financial services industry and could have a significant impact on your mortgage and savings.

The concern at the moment is how this rise and any potential future rises could impact family finances, and in turn affect the ongoing management of monthly mortgage repayments.

How will it affect you?

The base rate rise will impact you if you have a variable mortgage. These types of mortgages move up and down in price as the base rate changes and therefore your mortgage repayments could increase.

If you are currently sitting on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate or have not reviewed your mortgage in a while, now could be the perfect time to catch up with us to discuss your next step.

To discuss all of your options following the base rate rise or to simply talk through the best solution for you contact your adviser today.

 

 

New year, new protected you? Protection in 2022

 

 

2021 was another unprecedented year for the Insurance industry with climate change summits, wildfires, stuck cargo ships and of course the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems that everything that has happened over the last 12 months has presented a new challenge for the industry, challenges that are regularly being overcome...

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How to move safely during the pandemic

 

As more uncertainty looms overhead with the Covid-19 pandemic seemingly worsening once again, the potential for further restrictions is a constant consideration on the minds of many. Restrictions can play havoc with anyone’s plans, but what happens when it comes to moving house? Covid has been around for a while now and we’ve all learned a lot in the process, so we thought we’d put together some top tips for moving house safely during the global pandemic...

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Key worker products – what’s out there?

After nearly two years of key workers holding the country up on their shoulders through their immeasurable effort and sacrifice throughout the pandemic, more and more mortgage products are becoming available with exclusive benefits specifically for key workers. So, what do you need to know when it comes to benefiting from these special rates?...

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Critical illness cover – what you need to know

Critical illness cover (or CIC) is a type of insurance that is often sold alongside life insurance. It is designed to provide you and your family with financial stability if one of you were to fall seriously ill. It’s of course not a nice thing to think about but preparing for the worst is always a good way to ensure you have a safety net to fall back on if a critical illness were to prevent you from going to work...

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Rising Inflation: How does it affect you?

As reports of rising inflation in the UK flood the news, we thought the time was right to take a closer look at how it could impact you. With inflation hitting a 30 year high in recent weeks, it’s bound to have an effect, so we thought it best to look into what could happen and how best to deal with the situation...

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Base rate rise: How will you be affected?

 

 

The Bank of England recently announced an increase to its base rate from 0.1% to 0.25%. This will inevitably have an affect on everyone in the country. With further increases potentially set to occur in the next couple of years – how could this change affect your mortgage, your finances and your day-to-day life...

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First homes: is now the time to buy?

Although it is likely that interest and mortgage rates will increase as we hopefully head towards the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, there are still plenty of rates currently at an all-time low. The stamp duty holiday may be over, however, the housing market is still in an exceedingly positive place with high demand and low interest rates...

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AMI release latest protection industry report

Earlier this month, AMI released their latest report that opens up some really intriguing protection-based conversations. The report delves into several recent surveys of consumers and advisers alike that have provided some surprising (and some unsurprising) statistics. Chair of AMI, Andrew Montlake, said that this report “represents a continuing journey to help understand and improve the industry not just for those within it, but more importantly for the thousands of people that choose to work with...

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Zero-carbon homes: a look to the future

Hope Rises in Bristol is offering revolutionary social housing solutions for young people at risk of homelessness by building net-zero carbon homes. These homes were on display at the COP26 to showcase green housing solutions that tackle both the housing crisis and the climate crisis – but could this be a common form of housing in the future?...

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First time buyers: what are the options?

2021 has seen some welcome good news in the first-time buyer market, with mortgage affordability for people buying their first home improving by 20% since the turn of the year according to Mortgage Broker Tools’ latest index. We take a look at some of the newer options available to first-time buyers that can help to get you on the property ladder...

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Mental health support: What do insurers offer?

From one pandemic to another, mental health struggles are all too familiar to a large percentage of UK residents. An invisible illness can be hard to battle and even harder to explain – especially to an employer. Issues with mental health can be an incredibly valid reason to take time away from work to recover, so we’ve delved into what insurers can help you get back into the best frame of mind...

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Self-employed mortgages: what are the options?

The global pandemic has forced thousands of people up and down the country either permanently or temporarily out of work. With a spike in job losses and redundancies, more people than ever have decided to become self-employed. Without a steady, guaranteed monthly income, getting a mortgage while self-employed can be a daunting task, so let’s take a look at the options available to you...
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How you can save energy at home

 

 

Now that summer is officially over and the cold winter months draw ever closer, there’s no doubt energy bills will be on the minds of many. To put your worries at ease, here are some top tips to help you save energy as the nights grow longer...
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Understanding General Insurance

 

 

With normality resuming and furlough coming to an end, many people are returning to their pre-covid lifestyles. Throwing caution to the wind, however, is never normally the best option – and the same applies when getting insured. General insurance is a nonlife insurance cover for damage or loss that can cover all sorts of things to help protect yourself as the world begins to move on from the pandemic...
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The buy-to-let market: where are we now?

 

After a whirlwind past 18 months, it would seem some form of normality is on the horizon. The pandemic has changed the face of the housing industry drastically given the unprecedented level of uncertainty we were all subjected to. So, how has the buyto-let (BTL) market changed as we finally emerge from the other side?...
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Working from home – how has it changed?

 

 

It would seem that we’ve made it through the worst of the pandemic with life slowly starting to return to normal. Workers are now legally allowed to return to offices up and down the country with the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic thought to be behind us - but has 18 months of flexible working opened the door for working from home to become the ‘new normal’...
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Child Protection: What are the options?

 

 

With ‘back to school’ time now upon us, we take a look at what the protection industry has to offer when it comes to child cover. No one ever wants to think about a child falling ill but preparing for the worst is always a good mindset when it comes to protection...
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What is Open Banking?

 


The UK’s open banking system has seen periods of rapid growth in recent months – growing at a rate of one million new users every six months, according to the Open Baking Implementation Entity (OBIE). So, what is open banking and how can it help you?...
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Green Mortgages: is sustainability the way forward?

The climate crisis is a real concern amongst most people in today’s world. More and more people are taking measures in their everyday lives in order to combat the effects of climate change – but can your living situation benefit both the planet and your pocket?...

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Re-mortgaging and home offices: does flexible working mean flexible living?

Over 50% of British homeowners are looking to renovate in 2021. With home offices skyrocketing in popularity due to the pandemic and an increase in flexible working – we take a look at how best to go about setting up your own home working area and how financing such a task through Remortgaging can be beneficial...

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The end of Furlough – how to stay covered

As Covid restrictions finally begin to ease in the UK, many who were forced out of work due to the virus are now able to return to something that vaguely resembles normality. With this, the end of the furlough scheme is in sight...

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 Loan to income vs loan to value: what does it all mean?

Loan to income and loan to value (or LTV) are phrases you often hear in the mortgage industry. The two terms are easy to mix up, understandably, but they are very different. It’s important to know the difference because both loan to income and loan to value are key factors used to determine how much you can borrow for a mortgage. 
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Critical illness cover vs income protection: do you need both?

Critical illness cover and income protection are often confused, with many people assuming if they have one, they don’t need the other. However, these policies and the cover they provide do offer different benefits, so let us explain the difference, and why it’s often worth having both.
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What is ‘specialist lending’?

 

Specialist lending is a phrase you might hear batted about by mortgage advisers, but what does it mean? And if someone’s suggested it as an option for you, you might be wondering if it’s a bad thing. Well, here is our guide to everything specialist lending.

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What is remortgaging?

Over 30% of people aren’t sure what the term ‘remortgaging’ means but it is a great way to save money on your monthly mortgage payments! If you’re one of the many people in the dark about remortgaging then don’t worry, you’re not alone and we’re here to help. Here’s our complete guide to remortgaging...

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Is your relationship protected?

Can you hear it? The sound of chocolates, roses and PDA approaching. Valentine’s day is round the corner. It might not be the most romantic thing to do but now is a great time to make sure your policies are keeping you and your loved one protected. Your relationship might be ready for the next step but is your insurance?...

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Holiday Homes: the how, where and why of buying a second property

We don’t know about you, but we’re really craving a holiday. Sun, sea and sand… yes please. 2021 may be another year of staying a little closer to home. But don’t despair. You can still create a getaway of your very own with a second home. So, here’s our guide to buying a holiday home...

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