Cohabitation is the fastest-growing family type in the UK, but an unmarried couples legal and financial rights are complex, confusing and widely misunderstood. As many as two-thirds of cohabiting couples are unaware of their lack of rights, as reported in…
One in six families have been turned down for a mortgage – or have been told they can only borrow less – because of the sums they're having to spend on childcare. Research among 1,000 parents with children aged 12 and under, and who…
Most Landlords and second home owners are aware that in his 2015 Autumn statement the chancellor announced an increase in stamp duty levels for anyone buying additional property including second homes. From April 2016 homeowners purchasing a second home will…
More than 100,000 interest-only mortgages will mature this year – but that still leaves over 1.5 million interest-only home loans outstanding. Mortgage watchdogs fear many people in this position "do not have an appropriate strategy" to repay loans. The Financial Conduct Authority…
When re-mortgaging either your main residence or a buy to let property, most Lender’s will offer to provide free valuation and legal (conveyancing) services as an encouragement to switch to them without any additional costs. Unfortunately Free Legals came under…
The "Bank of Mum and Dad" is the 10th biggest UK mortgage lender as buyers increasingly rely on financial support from their parents, a report suggests. Parents will lend £6.5bn this year, according to insurer Legal and General, and be…
Houses are expensive. The average home in the UK costs £268,000, according to the Office of National Statistics - and that's almost ten times the average full-time salary of £27,000. It’s very unlikely you’ll to be able to buy that…
Self-employed mortgages: How do I get one? The number of Britons who are self-employed is at its highest level in 40 years, according to the Office for National Statistics. But while working for yourself brings more freedom, it also comes…
As an income investment for those with enough money to raise a big deposit buy-to-let looks attractive, especially compared to low savings rates and stock market swings. With any investment, buy-to-let comes with no guarantees. Be aware of the…
First-time buyers can improve their chances of securing a mortgage by tidying up their credit record. James Jones, head of consumer affairs with credit reference agency Experian, says: 'You can take certain steps to improve your credit history including; Ensuring…
