Advice news

'Numerous ways' to boost energy efficiency'

There are a number of ways in which people can boost the energy efficiency of their home, and all of these are encompassed in the phrase "insulate, A-rate, regulate and generate". That is the opinion of Paula Owen, energy and environment consultant at ecoactiontrumps, who noted that insulation will involve attending to the walls, the roof space, floor boards, ...

9th Aug 2012

Thorough reference checks 'vital' for landlords

It is essential that landlords considering taking on new tenants conduct thorough reference checks to ensure their prospective renters can back up their claims. That is the opinion of David Lawrenson, private rented sector expert, who said it is a "big danger" if buy to let property owners fail to carry out the necessary checks - something he described as a ...

8th Aug 2012

FTBs 'should not dismiss any options'

People buying a property for the first time should not discount any options open to them until they have fully explored the possibilities, one expert has advised. Robert Dibb, a spokesman for FirstRungNow, said that accumulating all of the facts and possibilities is vital. "We have lots of people calling saying that they don't want to look at shared ownership for ...

7th Aug 2012

Equity release 'should not be taken lightly'

People considering equity release have been advised that the decision is not one that can be taken lightly, and must be explored fully before committing. Andrea Rozario, director general of the Equity Release Council, said that for most over-55s, their home is their largest asset, so the main benefit of equity release is that it allows people to access the wealth tied up ...

7th Aug 2012

Being professional 'will sway potential tenants'

Landlords hoping to sway potential tenants will find that being both professional and responsible is the best way to persuade them to make up their minds. That is the opinion of Carolyn Uphill, a spokeswoman for the National Landlords Association, who said that when it comes to people selecting a rental property, it is primarily all about location, and then the standard ...

2nd Aug 2012

Home insurance 'does not have to be expensive'

Taking out a home insurance policy does not have to cost a fortune, according to one expert who has urged property owners to shop around for a good deal. Steve Foulsham, head of technical services at the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba), said that there are many options open to people, with things like accidental damage cover not being essential. "You ...

31st Jul 2012

Interior designers 'essential to a home makeover'

There are many common mistakes people make when it comes to designing their home, but the main one is not employing an interior designer, one expert has stated. Adrienne Chinn, managing director of Adrienne Chinn Designs, said that if homeowners are doing anything structural it is good to have a professional person working with them, as they are trained to know how to ...

27th Jul 2012

Skimping on home insurance 'is not worth it'

People tempted to skimp on home insurance or miss out on protection altogether have been advised that the risks of doing so are not worth it. Carl Burton, home insurance manager for Co-operative UK, said it is important to take out contents insurance because people need to be prepared for "every eventuality". "By having insurance in place, if something bad ...

26th Jul 2012

FTBs 'should search for the worst house in the best area'

People taking their first step onto the property ladder have been advised to search for the 'worst' house in the best area and work their way up from there. Paul Holmes, chief executive of the advice site Firstrung, said that if first-time buyers are in a position to save then it is ideal, but if not then the best option is to wait for "the next leg ...

25th Jul 2012

Boosting energy efficiency 'is all about the basics'

There are many basic ways in which people can help to improve the energy efficiency of their home, yet many are neglecting to take advantage of these worthwhile measures, one expert has observed. According to Ryan Notz, chief executive of the advice site MyBuilder, plenty of people are missing out on things such as loft insulation, even though it can make a big difference ...

23rd Jul 2012

Latest Advice news