The AnswerBank Articles

Toddlers Costing Homeowners Millions In Damages

We love them dearly, of course, but children can cause much heartache. Not least of which when they have inadvertently knocked over mum’s cup of tea or broken the TV remote. Apparently this is a much bigger problem in UK homes than first thought. Parents in the UK pick up a combined bill of £122 million ea...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Home Insurance Need 'Highlighted By Earthquake'

Home Insurance is something that most of us take for granted but is everything we own really covered It is worth checking your policy for unusual situations. People in the UK have been reminded of the need to take out home insurance after earthquakes shook parts of Britain recently. According to a leading high street...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Property 'Key Goal For Under 30s'

Owning your own home has been identified as a major priority for Britons under 30, according to a new study. Alliance & Leicester research has found that more than half of 18 to 29-year-olds believe buying a property is an achievable goal before they hit 30. Getting married was another big priority picked out by c...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

DIY Disasters - The Real Story

Instead of moving house, many people are now doing up their existing home in an attempt to beat the credit crunch. As an additional saving DIY has become more popular, yet there are problems with this DIY revival. DIY may not be the saving it seems as it is claimed more than half a million people in the UK have their h...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Britons 'Would Pay More For Environmentally-Friendly Goods'

We are all trying to do our bit to save the Earth. Whether it is recycling our household waste or trying to buy goods without too much packaging it all helps. It seems that we are also prepared to spend a little more as well. New research has found that people in Britain would be willing to fork out more for environme...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

UK Households 'Owe Energy Suppliers'

More than a quarter of energy customers in the UK owe money to their energy suppliers, according to new research. Statistics from an online comparison site show that 6.8 million households are currently in arrears, with the average debt owed to firms being around £114. This amount of debt will prevent consumers ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Homes 'May Be Damaged By Planting Trees'

Many of us find trees a lovely sight in this ‘green and pleasant’ land. And what better way to appreciate them then to have a few in the garden. Some people are planting trees to offset their carbon foot print and do their bit for the environment. Whatever the reason it is clear from new research that we ne...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Half Of Brits 'Would Shun Repairs'

What a nightmare, you are just about to start a long journey in the car and your MP3 player has packed up. What do you do Listen to the radio and try to fix it when you get home or stop at the next services chuck it and buy a new one as they are cheap as chips anyway A significant amount of people in the UK, more th...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

UK Households 'Full Of Unfinished Business'

Whether it is putting up that shelf, fixing that leaky tap or something more adventurous it seems that our houses are full of DIY jobs that are half finished. The research revealed that 1.7 million households have been living with an unfinished DIY or home renovation project for more than two years with bedrooms accoun...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Auctions 'Could Be A Good Option For House Buyers'

People considering taking out a mortgage to buy a house may want to consider attending property auctions, according to Savills. A spokesperson has said the majority of the buying public is probably unaware of many sales where new homes were going under the hammer. However, he stated it may well be something people shou...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Tenants 'Need To Be Realistic'

Tenants should be realistic if they intend to haggle with a landlord over the price of a rental property, it has been claimed. According to a finance specialist firm, the market is strong at the moment with plenty of demand for houses. This means there may not be much room for negotiation. However, it added if a prop...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

'More Brits renting'

The current climate in the property market is scaring many potential buyers off, resulting in more and more people looking to rent. "People who would normally be looking for new mortgage deals are opting to rent instead", one expert has claimed. The National Association of Estate Agents explained a signif...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Police Initiative Could Cut Home Insurance Claims

We all like to think of our home as our castle – impregnable and sturdy. Unfortunately, there are some who have found that this may not be the case. It is horrible to find that your home has been burgled and your personal possessions stolen or broken. However, there are many simple ways we can discourage would be...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

HIP 'Will Benefit Homebuyers'

HIPs were originally introduced in August 2007, with properties with four bedrooms or more the first to be targeted. A Home Information Pack is a set of documents that provides the buyer with key information on the property and must be provided by the seller or the seller's agent. It is a legal requirement to have a H...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Police Surgeries Could Help Cut Claims

Although the vast majority of us never have to worry about crime in and around our area, others are not so lucky. All over the country Police Surgeries are being set up so the residents can meet their local officers and also share any issues they have. A police community support officer said: "You can talk to us ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

First-Time Buyers 'Increasing Thanks To Higher LTV Mortgages'

While many parents are helping their kids to get a foot on the property ladder there is now another option available, which could ease the burden. First-time buyers could see an increase in numbers due to the reintroduction of higher loan-to-value (LTVs) mortgages, it has been asserted. With banks such as Abbey curre...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Homeowners 'choosing DIY over moving'

Many homeowners who were looking to make a move before the recession have now decided to do some DIY rather than move into a new property. "Homeowners are choosing to carry out DIY rather than buy another house", according to one study. "At a time when the property market is slumping, people choosing to enhance their c...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

First-Time Buyers Could Be Heartened By Housing Market

The property market has had its ups and downs in the last couple of years but it seems that it may be turning a corner with some new choices offered to people seeking mortgages. First-time buyers could be pleased by the assertion that the housing market is set for recovery. A mortgage expert has explained that althoug...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Offset Mortgage 'Could Be A Profitable Swap' For Homeowners

With many of us feeling the pinch moving house could be the last thing on your mind. However, there are still plenty of people out there looking to buy or sell a property. Of course, though, the time has to be right and in the current financial climate many are simply waiting to see what happens. There are other optio...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Mortgage Holders Offered Help With Payments

Many of us are struggling to make ends meet but for some the point of no return has been reached and they can no longer make mortgage payments. This could be a serious problem and if left could lead to eviction and house repossession. Now help is out there in the form of temporary government grants. The Homeowners Mor...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010