Cash-poor Brits

This item was filled under [ Property News ]
‘boosting equity release uptake’.

Freeing up money tied up in property by taking out an equity release mortgage is becoming more popular, according to a leading financial advisor.

The rise in the number of people opting for this financial product has been attributed to the “property-rich, cash-poor” lifestyle many Brits are enjoying at the moment, according to Ark Financial Planning, which specialises in taxation and trusts, pensions and mortgages.

However, the company’s co-founder and co-director, Phil Perry suggests it is a viable alternative to downsizing houses, which may not be possible for many people.

He explained: “There are only certain people that will actually benefit from a downsize of a property, and it’s those that have properties that have gone up in value.

“You do find that people who have got nothing will try to release as much as they can and it will impact on the benefits that they may have been receiving.”

The Society of Equity Release Providers revealed earlier this month that it expects a surge in equity release, caused by lenders attempting to strengthen their capital bases and concern over interest-only mortgages.

Continue reading…

House with windows

This item was filled under [ Funnies ]

A house with Windows installed.

Continue reading…

Luxury swing

This item was filled under [ Funnies ]

Cheap house for sale, luxury swing included.

Continue reading…

House for sale

This item was filled under [ Funnies ]

Only applicants looking to live next to an ‘asshole’ need applied.
Continue reading…

Houses prices still too high

This item was filled under [ Diary ]

Its been over a month now since i have checked out some of the latest offering from the property market. Some good news and some bad news.

With the amount of low prices houses on the market, this will work in our favour in terms of having a better chance at bargaining for a better price.


Flat or house

This item was filled under [ Diary ]

So I have been researching into whether we should be buying a house or a flat. I have been looking at some of the newly built flats on the net, and some were very tempting.

A one bedroom, newly built studio flat, looked very spacious. It would have no problems accommodating just the three of us, and also the pricing was within our reach (around the 100k mark).

The securities that a flat offers, especially on higher floors,  is the main tempting factor. The down side is a possibility of having to live with noisy neighbours.

Another problem with flats is you don’t actually own the land that you live on. It is only leased to you for about 120 plus years. Plus you have to co-own that land below the flat with all your neighbours.



Continue reading…

Less new homes are being built

This item was filled under [ Property News ]

Continue reading…

Tagged with: [ ]

House Prices Could Fall In 2010

This item was filled under [ Property News ]

James Thomas, Head of Residential Development and Investment at Jones Lang LaSalle, commented: “Whilst there is evidence to suggest the UK economy is in recovery mode there remain question marks about the depth and sustainability as well as how the public finances can be repaired, quite possibly under a new government.

“The recent pick up in house prices is based on fragile economic fundamentals such as a weak pound, which has driven overseas buyer demand, and a boost from the stock market recovery, both of which are unlikely to be as supportive during 2010.
Continue reading…

Tagged with: [ ]

A new beginning

This item was filled under [ Diary ]

You can have many things thrown at you during your life time, some good, some bad. I like to look forward to the good and prepare the best i can for the bad. I am fast approaching mid-thirties with a wife and a newly born son helping me there. I have noticed that life moves pretty quickly if you don’t move with it, and as a laid back kinda person, i find that motivation can sometimes be bit of a chore in itself.

Continue reading…

Google set to enter UK property market

This item was filled under [ Property News ]

Google  is in talks with British estate agents to launch an online property portal, which experts say could pose a serious threat to existing property websites and local newspapers.

The giant US internet search company launched a property portal in Australia last August through which estate agents list properties for free, showing both pictures taken from its Street View service and details on a map.
Continue reading…

Tagged with: [ ]