The AnswerBank Articles

'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

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

Property Investors 'Should Overpay Their Mortgage'

For those of us lucky enough to have some spare cash buying property as an investment is a good idea. Buying to let has also become a popular way to make money. Those who have chosen to invest in property should consider over-paying on their mortgage loans, an expert says. This can improve a person's credit rating, ac...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Low LTV Mortgages 'Lead To Less First-Time Buyers'

Mortgages which require a large deposit put first-time buyers off purchasing houses, it has been asserted. Borrowings which have a low loan-to-value (LTV) mean that these types of people are "forced" out of the market, according to an online house selling company. The founder of the website said when there ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Make Sure Your Mortgage Is Right For You

Whether you are moving house or just remortgaging to get a better deal it is vital to do your homework beforehand. A mortgage is probably the largest financial commitment you will ever make so it has to be the right one. You can, of course, do your initial research on the internet, but one of the best ways to find out...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Lack Of Properties 'Leads To Rent Rises'

For many reasons there are quite a few people in the country who rent their homes and do not own them. This can be an advantage as you can be more flexible about moving around. You do not have total responsibility for the property. So if anything goes wrong you simply pick up the phone and call the landlord who has to ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

First-time buyers 'need funding help'

First-time buyers need help with funding their home purchases, it has been asserted. More schemes are needed to assist people who struggle with getting together a large deposit, according to First Rung Now. Finding an affordable mortgage can be a "huge problem", managing director of the firm, Helen Adam...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Houses 'can be bought cheaper at auctions'

For those who watch plenty of daytime television, the BBC show "Homes under the Hammer" is something you may be familiar with. The show chronicles the efforts of people rennovating houses they bought at auction, starting with the bidding process and finishing with a guided tour of the newly-decorated propert...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Eligibility For Right To Buy mortgages

Although most of us in the UK own our own home, many of us are in rented accommodation. Of those renting a large percentage do so from their local authority in what is traditionally called ‘council housing’. From the early 1980’s many renters in council provided accommodation have been able to buy th...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Things to consider when buying property abroad

For some people simply heading away to a hotel on a foreign holiday is not enough. Many are choosing to buy property abroad, but are not thoroughly considering the potential pitfalls of purchasing a foreign retreat. Some choose to buy when they retire, others may make theirs an investment earlier in adulthood. Eithe...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Have you got a mouse about the house

Mus domesticusYou have Well, lucky, lucky you! No wonder Walt Disney chose this sweet, shy, moustache-twitching little furry fellow as his inspiration for Mickey Superstar. And we've all been00:00 Mon 25th Nov 2002

Tell me about the yucca plant, please

The yucca is a succulent, tree-like plant native to southern North America, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean - in other words, the hot bits! It thrives in drought and blossoms with creamy clusters00:00 Tue 23rd Jul 2002

Building a garden wall

With summer coming, now is the time to get to work in your garden. A new wall can make all the difference, whether it is used to separate your property from your neighbours or as an internal feature.00:00 Tue 30th Apr 2002

With the temperatures rising should we be starting to think about the garden pond

A. This isn't the time to start clearing out debris or changing the water, that should be done in late autumn or early winter when things are dormant. But the pond is starting to come alive now00:00 Sat 20th Apr 2002