Flats are the best value they have been in 30 years, according to Zoopla. The typical flat is currently 40% cheaper than a house, marking the widest price gap since records began. Since 2017, the price of a flat has risen by just over 10%, while the average house price has gone up by 43% over the same period. The average house costs 1.7 times more than a flat, but this ratio varies depending on the region. The biggest price gap is seen in the West Midlands, where the house-flat ratio is 2.5. Meanwhile, in London, the ratio is lower at 1.9 where property prices are higher overall. However, these figures do not take into account the additional charges payable on a leasehold flat. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/flats-are-40-cheaper-to-buy-than-houses-the-best-value-for-30-years/ Photo by Marlene Celine Nordvik from Unsplash Photo by Marlene Céline Nordvik on Unsplash

Thinking of putting your house on the market? Getting the asking price right is essential to attracting a buyer. Here are some things to consider. Market update It was a slow summer for the housing market, as affordability pressures took their toll on buyer confidence. The number of sales agreed fell annually by 9% in July, according to Zoopla. This is likely due to raised mortgage rates, which have added about £125 to monthly repayments for the typical buyer. Although the short-term outlook is uncertain, there is hope for sellers, as homes that are priced appropriately still have a chance of getting a buyer. A buyer’s market Buyers currently have a lot of choice; the number of available homes increased in eight out of 11 regions when compared with last year. This has given buyers greater negotiating power, so sellers need to price competitively. Common pitfalls In current market conditions, it is risky to be overly ambitious with your pricing. You should therefore do your market research and decide a price based on recent sold prices, rather than focusing on advertised asking prices. It may be tempting to go for a high asking price knowing that you can adjust it later. But this approach will likely take you longer to sell. In July, 30% of homes that had been on the market since quarter two were still unsold, without any price reduction. But research from Savills shows that a seller who gets the price right from the outset can achieve an agreed sale within 28 days. However, if there is one price cut, it could take over three months to receive an offer. This time could extend to nearly five and a half months if there are two price adjustments. Know your area While it’s useful to know what is going on in national markets, it’s essential to understand the conditions in your area. 76% of local markets recorded a fall in agreed sales between May and July; however, about a quarter of areas saw stable or increasing activity during that time. For example, Warrington, Hull and Dundee have experienced strong house price growth and a rise in sales. Meanwhile, Bath, Oxford and Harrow have recorded a slowdown in sales and weakening price growth. You should therefore speak to a few local estate agents to get their advice on a reasonable price for your property type in your own area. Seek advice If you’re looking to move home this autumn, get in touch with us. We can help you ascertain what you can reasonably afford, so you can enter your property search in the best possible position. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/is-now-a-good-time-to-sell-your-house-heres-what-really-matters-in-2026/ https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/house-price-index/ https://www.ft.com/content/24a8adf9-8103-44b3-92e8-350ef897dc2a?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Photo by Daniil Korbut on Unsplash Photo by Daniil Korbut on Unsplash

Applications for the Scottish Government’s First Homes Fund are now open, providing first-time buyers (FTBs) with up to £10,000 towards a deposit. The First Homes Fund is a shared-equity scheme open to any prospective new homeowners in Scotland. The fund can be used to purchase any home (whether new build or existing property) valued up to £300,000. It is part of the Scottish Government’s plans to support 50,000 households over the course of this Parliament. This first phase of the fund is set to help 2,000 FTBs get on the property ladder by September. If you buy using the First Homes Fund, the Scottish Government will own a share of your property. However, you would still own the home and hold the title to it. To protect the Government's share, you must have a mortgage covering at least 25% of the purchase price. The Government's share is usually repaid when the property is sold. You must have had an offer accepted on a home before applying for the First Homes Fund. However, it's worth discussing your options beforehand. Contact us if you would like to find out more. We can answer your questions and help you decide whether the scheme is right for you. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.gov.scot/news/first-homes-fund-open-by-end-of-june/ https://www.mygov.scot/first-homes-fund/before-you-apply

If you’re busy looking after your children, you may not have had a chance to stop and think about life insurance, but this is key to protecting your family’s future. We know it’s not easy to think about what would happen in the event of your death; however, the loss of your income could significantly impact your family’s lifestyle at an already distressing time. Even if you are a stay-at-home parent, it could cost a lot to replace what you contribute to the household in childcare. The benefits for your children Attending higher education often comes at a great cost for a child and their families. With the right protection policy, you can ensure that your offspring would still have the opportunity to attend university or training, even if you are not there to support them. There are different types of life insurance to choose from depending on your needs. Family income benefit is designed to provide regular monthly payments to surviving family members, rather than a lump sum. This can help give you peace of mind that your loved ones would still receive a steady income if you passed away. The earlier you take steps to secure a happy financial future for your kids, the better - review your policy now. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://www.zurich.co.uk/life-insurance/start-protecting-your-childs-future https://go2-mortgages.co.uk/blog/securing-your-childs-future-the-role-of-life-insurance-in-long-term-planning

According to the Association of British Insurers, home insurers paid out a record amount for theft-related claims in the first quarter of 2026. The average sum paid out for a theft claim at the start of the year was £4,350, which is 14% higher than last year’s average. Meanwhile, separate data from the police force shows that garage thefts increased by 13% across Britain between 2022 and 2025. Two in five of these break-ins were preventable, as the door was left open at the time of the theft. It’s easy to get complacent and think it won’t happen to you, but these statistics highlight the importance of making sure your home is secure. Take the time to lock up your garage and outbuildings as they can be easy targets. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-15801151/Home-insurance-payouts-theft-hit-record-high-start-2026-spike-garage-break-ins-revealed.html https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15758603/Home-garage-thefts-rising-five-steps-turn-garage-fortress.html

Buying a home is an exciting prospect, but it can also come with stresses. From property hunting through to moving day, there is a lot to consider during the process. The impact on wellbeing According to research from Barratt Homes, 60% of UK homeowners said that the homebuying process took a toll on their mental wellbeing. An additional 35% experienced disrupted sleep, while 29% reported that their sense of financial security was impacted. The survey found that legal or conveyancing delays were the biggest source of stress, with 43% of respondents identifying this as a challenge. More than a third (37%) said that they were stressed due to a deal falling through or nearly falling through and 29% had challenges finding a suitable property. If you too are feeling stressed by the homebuying process, here are some top tips to help the journey feel more manageable. Expect the unexpected There is a lot of uncertainty that comes with buying a home - it can be hard to predict exactly when you will be able to move, particularly if you are part of a chain. It’s therefore advisable to expect delays so that you don’t feel disappointed if the legal process takes longer than anticipated. Try not to cut costs We understand that buying is a very expensive process. During this time, you might be cautious about your spending in other aspects of your life, so that you can save money where you can. However, it is important not to skip over certain parts of the homebuying process, as this could cost you more further down the line. For example, it may feel like getting a house survey is an avoidable expense, but this vital step highlights any issues with the property that could be costly to repair. Identifying these defects at an early stage may prompt you to renegotiate the purchase price, budget for repairs or even change your mind about buying the property. A step at a time It can be overwhelming to think about the whole homebuying process, so take it a step at a time rather than worrying about moving day before you’ve even placed an offer. That will allow you to focus on what you need to do right now, like attend a viewing or make a mortgage application. It can also help to store all important paperwork, emails and online documents in one place, so the information is easily accessible. Remember why you’re doing it If you’re ever feeling frustrated, remind yourself of the end result. Make sure to celebrate the small milestones, because each step takes you closer to collecting your keys and moving into your new home. You don’t have to navigate the homebuying process alone – we can help alleviate the stress and support you every step of the way. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Source: https://www.mpamag.com/uk/news/general/homebuying-takes-a-mental-toll-on-three-in-five-uk-buyers-research-finds/576591 https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/advice-and-inspiration/is-buying-a-home-stressful/

Analysis from Moneyfacts shows how borrowers’ priorities have shifted due to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. Mortgage rates have been fluctuating since March and the short-term economic outlook is still unpredictable. As such, borrowers are increasingly looking for more flexible mortgage deals in the hope that rates will come down soon. According to the data, 6% of borrowers were looking for a variable or tracker deal last September, but this figure rose to 13% in April after the outbreak of war. Meanwhile, the share of mortgage holders looking for a two-year fixed deal increased from 49% to 53%. The statistics suggest that people are reluctant to commit to a five-year deal at the moment, as searches have gone down from 27% to 23%. Adam French at Moneyfacts said, “Demand for five-year fixes is usually strongest among homemovers, who value certainty in their monthly payments, particularly as they have usually taken on a larger debt. Instead, there has been a dramatic swing towards shorter term options.” We can help you navigate the changing mortgage market and find a deal that works for you and your finances. Get in touch for advice today. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/demand-for-variable-rates-doubles-moneyfacts/ https://www.moneyfactsgroup.co.uk/media-centre/consumer/rocketing-rates-drive-borrowers-toward-two-year-fix-and-variable-deals/

Buying a home is an exciting prospect, but it can also come with stresses. From property hunting through to moving day, there is a lot to consider during the process. The impact on wellbeing According to research from Barratt Homes, 60% of UK homeowners said that the homebuying process took a toll on their mental wellbeing. An additional 35% experienced disrupted sleep, while 29% reported that their sense of financial security was impacted. The survey found that legal or conveyancing delays were the biggest source of stress, with 43% of respondents identifying this as a challenge. More than a third (37%) said that they were stressed due to a deal falling through or nearly falling through and 29% had challenges finding a suitable property. If you too are feeling stressed by the homebuying process, here are some top tips to help the journey feel more manageable. Expect the unexpected There is a lot of uncertainty that comes with buying a home - it can be hard to predict exactly when you will be able to move, particularly if you are part of a chain. It’s therefore advisable to expect delays so that you don’t feel disappointed if the legal process takes longer than anticipated. Try not to cut costs We understand that buying is a very expensive process. During this time, you might be cautious about your spending in other aspects of your life, so that you can save money where you can. However, it is important not to skip over certain parts of the homebuying process, as this could cost you more further down the line. For example, it may feel like getting a house survey is an avoidable expense, but this vital step highlights any issues with the property that could be costly to repair. Identifying these defects at an early stage may prompt you to renegotiate the purchase price, budget for repairs or even change your mind about buying the property. A step at a time It can be overwhelming to think about the whole homebuying process, so take it a step at a time rather than worrying about moving day before you’ve even placed an offer. That will allow you to focus on what you need to do right now, like attend a viewing or make a mortgage application. It can also help to store all important paperwork, emails and online documents in one place, so the information is easily accessible. Remember why you’re doing it If you’re ever feeling frustrated, remind yourself of the end result. Make sure to celebrate the small milestones, because each step takes you closer to collecting your keys and moving into your new home. You don’t have to navigate the homebuying process alone – we can help alleviate the stress and support you every step of the way. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Source: https://www.mpamag.com/uk/news/general/homebuying-takes-a-mental-toll-on-three-in-five-uk-buyers-research-finds/576591 https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/advice-and-inspiration/is-buying-a-home-stressful/

Research from Yopa indicates that the majority of buyers are looking for homes that require little to no work. According to the survey, 54% of people who bought a home in the last year were only prepared to make minor cosmetic changes to their new home. Meanwhile, 23% were looking for a fully modernised ‘turnkey’ property that was ready to live in. Only 3% were actively seeking a full renovation project and a further 3% were willing to buy a home that needed structural changes. When asked why they did not want to renovate, 21% said they would rather avoid the disruption and 17% wanted to move in quickly. Of the people who were up for a project, 21% said it was so they could benefit from a lower purchase price, while 19% wanted the opportunity to create their own style. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/06/77-of-homebuyers-seek-properties-requiring-no-work-finds-yopa/ https://londonlovesproperty.com/homebuyers-shun-renovation-projects-as-77-seek-homes-requiring-little-or-no-work/

It can be tempting to delay taking out life insurance or other protection cover, particularly if you are young and healthy and do not feel an immediate need for cover. Some people assume that putting off taking out a policy means saving money because they will pay premiums for fewer years. However, prolonging the decision could actually make life insurance more expensive and reduce the options available to you in the future. The cost of delaying Every life insurance policy is different, depending on the policyholder’s specific circumstances. Your premiums will be calculated based on how much cover you need, your age and general health. As you get older, premiums tend to become more expensive to reflect the increased risk of mortality. You might think that waiting six months won’t make much of a difference to the cost of your policy, but what if you had a health complication within that time? Even a minor change to your health can cause insurers to increase premiums, impose exclusions or reduce the level of cover. Getting a policy sooner rather than later can help secure lower premiums and provide long-term certainty for both you and your family. Consider your wider financial plan Life insurance can play an important role within a financial plan, particularly when it comes to preserving wealth for future generations. From April 2027, unused pension funds will be treated as part of a person’s estate, prompting many people to review their existing arrangements. Because of this, some families are writing life insurance in trust to ensure that beneficiaries are not taxed on the money they receive from their insurance policy. If your family will rely on a life insurance payout to support them after your death, it is particularly important to review your cover now. Thinking of leaving the UK? Life insurance is also worth considering if there is a chance that you may live abroad in the future. Whether you are planning to retire overseas or relocate for work, your residency status can affect your cover. Some policies only insure permanent UK residents, while others may be happy to keep existing cover in place. Taking out a policy well in advance of moving can increase your chances of being eligible for UK protection. It’s therefore advisable to get cover as soon as possible and familiarise yourself with the policy terms. Contact us While delaying a decision about life insurance may seem harmless, it can significantly impact the cost and level of cover you receive. We can help you understand how protection fits into your financial plan. Get in touch for advice. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Source: https://www.ftadviser.com/content/47c79204-94cc-4a88-b7a3-de16d85d7846

With the World Cup over, many football fans may be inspired to dust off their trainers and join an amateur team. But that comes with a risk of injury… According to research from MetLife UK, nearly a quarter (23%) of UK adults have had a sporting accident. The average person spent four days in hospital after an accident, while one in five stayed even longer. Among those who had experienced or were worried about an accident, the primary concern was taking time off work (23%). One in five (20%) were worried about not being at home for their children, while 16% were concerned about having to take unpaid leave. Having the right protection could alleviate these worries and enable you to live the life you want. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Source: https://www.actuarialpost.co.uk/article/football%E2%80%99s-coming-home%E2%80%A6-on-crutches-26686.htm