Home values news
Latest Home values news
Energy improvements 'vital' in UK homes
Improving the energy efficiency of the country's residential property is a key part of the battle against fuel poverty, a housing organisation has said. According to the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the government must take steps to make homes more eco-friendly to reduce living costs. "Making our homes more energy efficient and lessening their impact on the ...
1st Aug 2008
Ten year fixed-rate mortgages double in past year
Improving the energy efficiency of the country's residential property is a key part of the battle against fuel poverty, a housing organisation has said. According to the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the government must take steps to make homes more eco-friendly to reduce living costs. "Making our homes more energy efficient and lessening their impact on the ...
30th Jul 2008
Home values news archive
Homeowners urged to save by switching
With the credit crunch forcing many consumers to tighten their belts, homeowners are being urged to consider switching electricity providers to save money. New figures have shown that families living in both small and large homes can often see their bills dropped if they shop around for a different supplier. Gideon Ingham of ASDA Financial Services said: "Most ...
14th Jul 2008
Homeowners make more green improvements
People who own their home believe themselves to be more environmentally-friendly than those who rent, it has been revealed. Mortgage holders are more likely to make improvements to their property to cut costs and save energy, according to a new study by TescoCompare. The figures show that that 68 per cent of those who own their property feel they make a concerted effort to ...
4th Jul 2008
Reduced VAT 'good news for homeowners'
Homeowners looking to make improvements to their property look set to benefit from reduced VAT rates for labour intensive services which came into force today. Those looking to make changes to the home such as loft conversions or installing a new kitchen can now take advantage of cheaper costs thanks to the change to the European Small Business Act. According to the ...
30th Jun 2008
Credit crunch inspires home improvement boost
Homeowners are increasingly opting to make improvements to their property rather than choosing to sell as the credit crunch tightens its grip. A new survey has found that many Brits are investing in loft conversions, new conservatories and other improvements because they are finding it difficult to market their homes. Home insurance firm LV= has found that one million homes ...
30th Jun 2008
3m people 'planning to move'
More than three million homeowners are planning to move house in the next 12 months, despite the recent changes in the housing market, research has revealed. According to new research from Alliance and Leicester, 38 per cent of people who have sold property in the past are making improvements to their home in order to ensure a sale, spending an average of £3,000. ...
27th Jun 2008
Loft conversion most cost effective home improvement
Homeowners looking to increase the value of their property by carrying out improvements should consider a loft conversion. That is according to new research conducted by GE Money Home Lending, which has revealed that a loft conversion can add as much as £22,898 to a property. The study involved 110 UK-based estate agents and showed that a conservatory or an extension ...
26th Jun 2008
Home improvements could "offset any potential price falls"
Homeowners can combat falling property prices by spending money on renovation projects, according to an industry expert. Jason Orme, editor of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, insisted individuals should take advantage of "good value" improvements. He said: "They're an investment for people who want to try and offset any potential house falls. You need ...
20th Jun 2008
Homeowners urged to keep insurers in the loop about DIY
Home improvements should be left to the professionals because botched DIY jobs can turn into a financial nightmare, according to an industry expert. Neil Laird, home insurance manager of Sainsbury's Finance, warned that while homeowners can undertake minor projects "such as changing doors and decorating rooms" without worrying they should alert their insurer to ...
5th Jun 2008