Whole of Market Mortgage Advice

New analysis by Searchland has revealed the most energy-efficient areas in Britain. The study, based on average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, saw the City of London and Peterborough top the list with an average EPC score of 76 (C rating), followed by Tower Hamlets, Hackney and a cluster of other London boroughs averaging a C rating. Conversely, several rural and national park areas, such as the Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia, recorded the lowest energy scores, reflecting the UK’s challenges with older housing stock. Hugh Gibbs of Searchland said improving energy efficiency in older homes is complex, “True progress will depend not just on developers but also on the willingness of homeowners to upgrade their properties.” Source: https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/where-are-the-most-energy-efficient-areas-for-homebuyers.html

It’s never easy to think about the future without you in it. But asking what would happen if you weren’t here is one of the most important financial questions you can ask. Life insurance can give you peace of mind that, should the worst happen, your loved ones won’t be left struggling. What is life insurance? Put simply, life insurance pays a tax-free cash sum to your chosen beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. Some policies also include terminal illness cover, paying out if you’re diagnosed with a condition that leaves you with less than 12 months to live. Life insurance often becomes particularly relevant at key moments in life, such as buying a home, getting married or starting a family. If you have financial commitments and people who depend on you, it’s worth considering how they’d manage without your income. For young couples with a mortgage, for instance, one partner may not be able to keep up with the payments on their own. Life insurance isn’t just for those with children. It can also help cover funeral costs, settle debts, or even leave a legacy for friends or family. What types of life insurance are available? There are two main types of life insurance. Whole-of-life cover pays out whenever you die, but premiums tend to be higher. Term insurance runs for a set number of years, say, until your children reach adulthood or your mortgage is cleared, and only pays out if you die during that period. Because many people outlive the term, term insurance premiums are generally lower. How much life cover will you need? Think about your mortgage, regular expenses, childcare costs, outstanding debts and anything else your income supports. If your policy is to cover a repayment mortgage, a decreasing term policy, where the pay-out gets smaller as your outstanding mortgage shrinks, can be a more cost-effective option. When should cover start? Life insurance policies are available from age 18, with many providers capping the upper age limit at around 80. The younger and healthier you are, the cheaper your premiums tend to be, so it often pays to take out a policy when you’re in good health. It’s also important to be honest when you apply. Failing to disclose medical conditions, or lifestyle factors like smoking, could result in a claim being rejected later. While the vast majority of life insurance claims are paid, being upfront means you’re fully protected. It begins with a conversation Talking about life insurance may feel daunting, but it’s really about giving you and your family some certainty in uncertain times. It’s a way of financially protecting those you care about most, even if you’re no longer around to do it in person. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply

Life insurance rarely feels like a priority in your twenties or early thirties, particularly if you don’t have children or a mortgage. But over time, it could become the smartest financial decision you make. Buy early A big advantage of buying life insurance early is the cost. Premiums are lower when you’re healthier and statistically less likely to make a claim. A 30-year term policy taken out at 25 will usually be far cheaper than the same policy bought at 45 and your monthly payments will remain fixed for the length of the term. Not just for families Even if you don’t yet have children or a partner who relies on your income, life insurance can still be useful. It can provide peace of mind if the worst happens, knowing that those closest to you won’t be left paying off debts such as student loans, credit cards or a mortgage. As your life changes, your policy can change too, adjusting the amount of cover you need if you have children, change jobs or move up the property ladder. For most people, the earlier you consider life insurance, the more affordable and flexible it can be. While it’s not essential for everyone at a young age, locking in a policy early gives you one less thing to worry about in the future. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply

Did you know that hiding a spare key in case of emergencies could invalidate your home insurance if you suffer a break-in? Most insurance policies require you to take ‘reasonable care’ to keep your home secure. Therefore, if a thief finds and uses a poorly hidden key, your insurer may argue the theft was preventable. Many policies only cover theft after signs of forced entry, meaning even leaving a key with a neighbour could be risky. Remember, burglars will be familiar with all the classic hiding spots – under a doormat, plant pot, or even a fake rock. It’s advisable to check the terms of insurance policies carefully, as not all cover every method of storing a spare key. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply

Taking on DIY projects can be a great way to improve your home and save some money, but it could also leave you seriously out of pocket if things go wrong. According to trades site MyBuilder.com, millions of homeowners could find their insurance claim is rejected due to botched or poorly maintained DIY work. Many home insurance policies have clauses that require properties to be kept in good condition. If damage occurs due to poor maintenance or bad DIY attempts, insurers may refuse to pay out. This doesn’t just apply to major renovations, even something as simple as failing to clear your gutters could invalidate a claim. Andy Simms, a home maintenance expert at MyBuilder.com, warns, “It’s easy to fall behind on home jobs, or think you can manage it yourself. But the reality is that many household jobs require a professional and in choosing to ignore that you could cost yourself a small fortune.” Jobs involving electrics, heating systems, or boilers should always be left to certified professionals. What might seem like a straightforward fix can lead to major damage and if it’s traced back to a DIY blunder, your insurance might not cover the repair bill. When in doubt, it’s safer to call in the experts. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply