Metro Bank launches mortgages for those with low credit scores, missed payments and repossessions

Metro Bank launches ‘near prime’ mortgages for borrowers with low credit scores, missed payments and even repossessions on their record New mortgages will have less strict credit checks than standard home loans  Those who have missed mortgage or loan payments, declared bankruptcy and even had a home repossessed will be eligible under certain circumstances They … Read more

What has happened to mortgage and saving rates since the base rate cut?

Easy-access savings rates have fallen by seven tenths, but many mortgage borrowers have barely benefited since the Bank of England cut its base rate to an all-time low last year, data suggests.  Savings rates have plummeted but some of Britain’s biggest lenders have failed to pass on the full 0.65 percentage point cut since last … Read more

Rics: House prices rising but shortage of homes coming to market

A shortfall in the number of homes coming up for sale remains a major stumbling block for the housing market, economists at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have warned. While the Chancellor’s Budget measures, including the extension of the stamp duty holiday until the end of June, will give the sector a boost, stock … Read more

Time is running out for landlords to run safety checks or face a £30k fine

Landlords face hefty fines of up to £30,000 if they have not had electrical safety inspections carried out on their properties by 1 April this year. All new tenancies have required a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report since July 2020, but from the start of April this will apply to all existing tenancies, too. If … Read more

What will happen to UK house prices in 2021: Savills predicts 4% growth

House prices could see five-figure increases this year says an influential forecast that has revised upwards thanks to the stamp duty holiday extension and vaccine roll-out. Instead of remaining stagnant in 2021 as previously predicted, the average property price is now set to increase by £10,000 according to Savills.   The FTSE 250-listed estate agent revised … Read more

Homebuyers breathe easily as stamp duty holiday extended

House prices are expected to hit record highs this year after Chancellor’s extension of current stamp duty holiday By Rachel Rickard Straus, Financial Mail On Sunday Published: 21:50 GMT, 6 March 2021 | Updated: 08:57 GMT, 7 March 2021 House prices are expected to hit record highs this year after the Chancellor announced an extension … Read more

Millions of items are lost, damaged or stolen during home moves: Here’s how to keep your stuff safe

Home movers have had four million of their possessions either lost, damaged or stolen in transit over the past 12 months. Nearly a quarter of people said items did not make it to their new home in the same condition they left in, according to a new survey by Direct Line home insurance. The average … Read more