Further guides written by Jane Wardle

Chief editor here at Lending Expert

How To Negotiate Final Settlement Of Your Debts

As of December 2018, the average UK households credit card debt stood at £7,863, an amount it would take over 25 years to pay back if only minimum repayments were made. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to make those repayments, often through no fault of […]

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How To Protect Your Income If You’re Sick Or Become Ill

Many individuals worry about what would happen if they become sick or get an injury that means they can no longer work and earn a living. Becoming seriously ill could mean you can no longer do your job and have a steady income and could […]

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How To Protect Your Income If You’re Made Redundant

Many people worry about being made redundant and what it could mean for their families, homes and bills. If you are suddenly out of a job, it can make paying your mortgage, bills and day to day expenses a struggle, especially if you have a […]

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How To Protect Your Income If You Are Self-Employed

Running your own business is rewarding, especially when business is going well, and things are running smoothly. However, being self-employed does mean that you don’t have the same protection and security as those in an employed position. If you find yourself in a situation where […]

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What’s The Difference Between Life Insurance And Life Assurance?

It is a common misconception that life insurance and life assurance are interchangeable terms for the same thing, but in actual fact, they are different types of policies that work in different ways. It is important to understand the key differences between life insurance and […]

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How To Choose A Life Insurance Policy

Life insurance is often one of the most important insurance policies you will ever take out as it provides your family with financial stability, and you with peace of mind that your loved ones will be cared for when you are no longer around. Choosing […]

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How To Choose A Critical Illness Policy

Life is full of unexpected surprises, and while we all hope for the best for ourselves and our families, it is often worth preparing for the worst. Critical illness cover can help to protect your loved ones should something life-changing happen to you, and while […]

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What’s The Difference Between A Credit And Debit Card?

One of the best ways of purchasing different services and products you need on a daily basis is a credit card or debit card. Both credit and debit card are the same in that regard considering they help you purchase the different items you require. […]

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What Does A Whole Of Live Insurance Policy Mean?

Understanding all the various options available when it comes to life insurance can be confusing, and it isn’t always easy to think about what will be best for your loved ones in the event of your death. It is important that you properly understand your […]

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What Is A Level Term Life Insurance Policy?

It is a common misconception that every life insurance policy is the same, but in reality, there is a range of different types of life insurance available and choosing the best one for you can be confusing. If you have a family that depends on […]

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How To Protect Your Mortgage Payments Against Sickness Or Accident

According to the most recent data released by Finance UK, approximately 4,000 homes a year are repossessed due to non-payment of mortgages and over 77,000 more homeowners are in arrears. Not being able to pay their mortgage and losing their home is probably one of […]

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What Is Death In Service Cover?

Thinking about what would happen after you die is never pleasant, but it is often necessary in order to properly provide for your loved ones should you no longer be around. It is essential to be prepared and ensure that your family can adequately cover […]

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A Guide To Critical Illness Cover

Life can be unpredictable, and it is essential that you are properly prepared for all eventualities. Nobody ever expects to fall ill, but when the worst happens, it can cause some serious problems for both you and your family. Critical illness cover can provide you […]

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How To Stay Motivated When Self-Employed

Being self-employed is looked upon as the dream. Working from home if you so wish, being your own boss, managing your own hours and doing a job that you love. In writing, it does indeed seem that way. However, in reality, self-employment and staying motivated […]

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How To Start A New Business On A Budget

Taking the plunge and deciding to work for yourself can be a challenge and it takes a lot of personal strength and self-awareness to make that move. Doing so when you have minimal money to put down as capital is an even bolder move, but […]

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How To Modernise A House And Sell It On For A Profit

Renovation and home improvement are definitely turning into what could be a viable business opportunity for homeowners, with more and more people making positive changes to their homes with the intention of boosting the profit they will gain upon reselling. If this is something that […]

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Examples Of Home Improvements That Add Value To Your Home

If you’re looking at selling your home- or else you’re looking at doing some work to your house now, to benefit it further down the line – then being strategic and understanding what types of home improvements will increase the value of your home is […]

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A Guide To Working From Home Successfully

Working from home is arguably considered to be on the major benefits of being a freelancer, a business owner or a sole trader but unfortunately for some, certain problems arise from being given the freedom to operate in your own home. Finding motivation and being […]

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How To Fund Home Adaptations You Need To Make

In the UK today the disabled are over 13.9 million according to Scope research. They include children, working-age adults and pension age adults. Also, about 11.8 million people today are above the age of 65 and projected to hit 16 million in just 17 years […]

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What Is An HMO?

Rental properties are in high demand in the UK, with more and more people on the hunt for affordable properties for rent all across the country. Many tenants are looking for cheaper renting options, especially in expensive areas such as London, and HMOs can offer […]

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What Are The HMO Licensing Requirements?

Investing in HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation) can be an attractive option to many landlords. The amount of income you can earn through an HMO is often higher than with standard to buy to let properties, making them an interesting investment. Managing an HMO does […]

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How To Invest In Student Properties

Anyone who graduated from university over a decade ago will remember student accommodation being run-down, freezing house shares with an array of problems. In more recent years, students are choosing to spend more on their rent and live in luxurious homes and purpose-built student accommodation. […]

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How To Invest In Serviced Accommodation

When you are considering investing in property and using some of your money to try to make a decent return, serviced accommodation or serviced apartments might not be your first thought. More and more people are choosing to invest in serviced accommodation instead of buy-to-let […]

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How To Invest In Buy To Let Through A Limited Company

In April 2017, the UK government introduced changes to the way landlords needed to pay their taxes. These changes, which are being phased in over a four year period, mean landlords with residential properties will no longer be allowed to deduct allowable costs related to […]

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How To Invest In A Holiday Home

Buying a holiday home is a dream for many; the idea of being able to escape to your own holiday destination whenever you fancy is an exciting prospect. Holiday homes are not only a nice luxury but can also make for an attractive investment opportunity. […]

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A Quick Guide To Your Obligations As A Landlord

Renting out a property you own can be an excellent way of securing some extra income and is a great long term investment that many are making the most of. When you invest in buy to let properties, you will be a landlord to the […]

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A Guide To Successful Buy To Let Investing

The rise of renting in the UK has made the prospect of buy to let investing a pretty interesting one to many people. Investing in a property and renting it out can be a very profitable way of using your cash, but only if you […]

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A Guide To Going Self-Employed For The First Time

According to the Office for National Statistics, there are over 4.8 million self-employed people working it the UK, a figure that has been increasing steadily since 2001. Initially, this increase was in response to the economic downturn. However, despite unemployment now being at an all-time […]

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A Guide To Funding Your New Business Start-Up

Since 2011, the number of new business start-ups in the UK has increased significantly year-on-year, a trend many experts say is set to continue. Unfortunately, 40% of these businesses fail in the first five years, and cash flow (or a lack of it) is one […]

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A Guide To Being A Landlord For The First Time

With renting in the UK becoming more and more popular, there has never been a better time to become a first-time landlord. The demand for rented properties is constantly on the rise, and it isn’t expected to slow down any time soon. Renting out a […]

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A Beginner’s Guide To Starting A Business

The number of people starting their own business in the UK has been growing steadily for over a decade, in part due to the uncertainties brought about by the economic downturn. It is also because working for yourself can mean a more flexible lifestyle and […]

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What To Do If Your Home Survey Report Uncovers Issues?

Buying a new property is an exciting time, and once you have found your dream home and begun the buying process, the last thing you want is a home survey report uncovering issues. It can often be frustrating after spending time searching for the perfect […]

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What Is Involved In The Conveyancing Process?

Most people will only buy or sell a property a handful of times during their lifetime, and the conveyancing process can often be very overwhelming to those with a limited experience of the property market. Whether you are buying or selling a property, it is […]

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What Is A Bill Of Sale?

Choosing the right type of loan can be difficult, especially when there are so many different types out there for borrowers to consider, with varying interest rates and specific requirements attached to all of them. If you are struggling to take out a loan through […]

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Mortgage Valuation Survey Explained

The home buying process can be very confusing, especially to those new to the property market. Along the way, you will likely hear many terms that you simply don’t understand, but it is important to get as much information as you can about the process […]

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How To Prioritise Your Debts

Finding yourself in financial difficulty, particularly in an economy such as this where the cost of living is on the rise can be especially tough. While debts are an everyday occurrence in a vast number of peoples’ lives, allowing them to spiral out of control […]

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How Much Does A Conveyancing Solicitor Cost?

Buying a house is often one of the most significant financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, and as well as the price of the property itself, you also need to factor in the cost of the conveyancing process. Conveyancing comes with various fees […]

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A Guide to The Homebuyer Survey

Buying a new property is an exciting time and a big financial decision that is not without its risks. When you buy a new home, you will also be taking on the responsibility of looking after the property and investing in it where necessary. If […]

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Could A Logbook Lender Repossess Your Car?

Taking out a loan, through whatever means, can often be a lifeline if you’re struggling financially. However, unfortunately, sometimes financial difficulties don’t stop after you’ve taken out the loan and you may find yourself in a position where you can no longer afford the repayments. […]

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8 Home Improvements You Can Do On A Small Budget

The desire to improve your home comes regularly – but, generally speaking, it can also come at a significant cost, depending on the type of improvement you’re looking at. Finding cost-efficient ways of improving your home can give you that feeling of a brand new […]

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What Are The Alternatives To Logbook Loans?

Most people suffer some sort of financial hardship at some point in their lives. While there are plenty of options available to people who own property as a means of releasing equity, if you’re unable to do so you may find that the options available […]

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How To Improve Your Chances Of Getting A Loan If You Have A Low Credit Score

Approximately 30% of people in the UK are at risk of not getting the best deals when it comes to loans because of their credit rating. The lower your credit rating, the lower your chances of being approved. Thankfully, there are things you can do […]

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How To Deal With The Debts Of Someone Who Has Died

When a partner or family member dies, it can be more difficult to handle when you also have to deal with their debts. This article explains the steps you should take to deal with the debts of someone who has died. If you need further […]

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How To Deal With Late Payment Letters And Demands

If you receive a late payment letter, it can be very stressful, but you should try not to worry. Initially, it is important that you understand which of your debts are a priority. The next step is to begin to deal with them. You can […]

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5 Ways You Can Release Equity From Your Property

Life brings about those unexpected costs at the most inconvenient of times and coming up with ways to find the money can be tough. This is especially true in an economy where the cost of living is continuously on the rise. If you’re fortunate enough […]

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Can You Still Get A Loan With CCJ’s, Defaults Or Missed Payments?

According to figures released by the Office for Budget Responsibility in March 2018, the average household’s debt-to-income ratio has been steadily increasing over the past few years and is set to reach 146% by 2023. Unfortunately, this means the number of people missing payments, defaulting […]

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Can You Get A Logbook Loan Without A Credit Check?

Acquiring credit is a difficult thing to do, especially if you’ve never taken out credit in any shape or form before, or else if you have a bad credit history. If you’re in dire need of a loan, for whatever reason, but you don’t have […]

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Can You Get A Bad Credit Loan Without Using A Guarantor?

Last year, one in five people were turned down for a personal loan or credit card. Over 40% of these were rejected because of poor credit. If you were one of those people, and need to take out a loan, you might think your only […]

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Are Logbook Loans Dangerous?

Understanding loans can be difficult, especially with all the different types available to lenders. If you’re struggling to take out a loan because of your credit rating, then there are options out there for you. However, these options often come with negative repercussions. Being aware […]

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What Are The Alternatives To Guarantor Loans?

Guarantor loans are a form of unsecured debt which – as the name suggests – require someone to co-sign your loan application, acting as a guarantor and agreeing to make repayments if you’re unable to. Generally, guarantor loans are for between £1,000 and £15,000 and […]

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A Guide To Being A Loan Guarantor

A guarantor loan is an unsecured loan, generally taken out by someone who has a poor credit rating or no credit history. They need a person with good credit to co-sign their application. This person is known as a guarantor and becomes responsible for payments […]

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How To Buy Property Cheaply At Auction

Buying a new home at an auction can be an exciting and thrilling way to purchase your next property. Whether you are buying your next home or a property to develop, buying at auction can be a great way to bag yourself a bargain home. […]

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Why Do Payday Loans Charge A High APR?

When you are in a difficult financial situation, applying for a payday loan can seem like the only solution. These short-term, high-interest loans are easy to be accepted for and can give you money in your bank account within minutes. They are designed to bridge […]

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What Is The Difference Between An Instalment Loan & A Payday Loan?

When you need to borrow some money, it can be difficult to know which type of financial product is right for you. There are loads of different lending options available, from mortgages and car finance to credit cards and payday loans and knowing which is […]

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What Are The Alternatives To Payday Loans?

Payday loans are a popular option for individuals who are in need of a small amount of cash quickly and are often used to help bridge the gap until the next payday, hence the name. They offer a quick and simple solution when an emergency […]

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5 Ideas To Fix A Broken Property Chain

If you are buying a new home, then the chances are the seller of that property is also buying another home to move into themselves. You are probably in the process of selling your home to someone else as well unless you are a first-time […]

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Payday Direct Lenders Or Broker? How Are They Different?

When you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, you might consider a payday loan to tide you over until your next pay check. Emergency expenses happen to everyone at one time or another, whether it is that your car has broken down, a pipe […]

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How To Complain About A Payday Lender

When you are struggling to find the money to last until your next payday or an emergency arises, and you need some extra funds quickly, it might seem like a good idea to get a payday loan. Payday loans are short-term finance solutions that are […]

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Does A Payday Loan Negatively Affect Your Credit Score?

Every type of lending or financial product can have a negative impact on your credit score if they are not managed properly, and payday loans are no different. Payday loans are a form of short-term finance that is designed to bridge the gap between paydays […]

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How Your Parents Can Help You Buy A House

Getting onto the property ladder is hard, especially in today’s economy and as a parent, you want nothing more than to ensure a bright future for your offspring. Not everybody can afford to give their children large amounts of money to help them buy their […]

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How To Buy A Repossessed Property

According to trade association Finance UK, 4,700 homes were repossessed in 2017, approximately 500 a month. This is down almost 50% on the previous year but still means there are plenty of properties out there for buyers looking for a good deal on their next […]

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How To Buy A House At Auction

For buyers looking for a bargain or investment opportunity, auctions offer the chance for them to pick up a property at a good price without going through the many steps it takes typically to buy a house. It also presents a number of potential pitfalls, […]

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How Much Does It Cost To Move House?

Moving house can be ridiculously expensive, with large amounts of money made payable to different companies and individuals for different things. Before you make the decision to move from one house to another, figuring out what you’ll have to pay and to who is one […]

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How To Consolidate Credit Card Debts

When you replace several credit card debts with one larger loan, it is called debt consolidation. One way to consolidate your credit card debt is to transfer the balances of all of your existing credit cards to one new one. Some credit card providers offer […]

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A Guide To House Repossession

According to Repossession Stoppers, there were approximately 500 home repossessions a month in 2018. Repossessions happen when a homeowner with a mortgage can no longer afford their repayments, and the lender takes back ownership of the property. They have a number of stages, each of […]

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A Guide To Buying A Second Home

Ah, the dream – purchasing a second home. You’ve worked hard, and you’ve got the dough to do what so many dream of their entire lives. If you’re considering buying a second home, then you ought to consider a number of different things beforehand, because […]

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A Guide To Building Your Own Home

More and more people want to build their own homes, approximately 10% in 2017 according to cash house buyer Ask Susan. They’re attracted by the idea of getting to live in a house they’ve designed in a location that suits them. The price, which can […]

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Which Debts Should You Pay Off First?

Debt happens to the best of us but if you find yourself with several different types of debt then working out what to pay off first can be particularly daunting. Getting rid of your debts through repaying your lenders is hard work and takes a […]

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What To Do If You Fall Behind With Mortgage Payments

Struggling to make your mortgage payments can be overwhelming, and knowing what to do next or where to turn to isn’t always easy. Many people in this situation choose to ignore the problem in the hope that it will go away on its own, but […]

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Ways To Consolidate Your Unmanageable Debts

As of September 2018, the average level of debt in the UK was £58,540 per person, approximately 114% of average earnings. It’s probably no wonder, then, that a recent report by the National Audit Office found 8.3 million people were unable to pay their debts […]

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Minimal Asset Process Explained

Having financial issues and rising debts is difficult for anyone- but especially so for people who are of lower financial means. Keeping on top of things when money is tight is particularly difficult, and the temptation to take out credit to cover basic costs can […]

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How To Get Help With Payday Loan Debt

Payday loans are short-term loans generally used by people in need of money before their next payday (hence the name), though longer-term loans are also available. Also known as cash advance loans, they have high interest rates and steep penalties, e.g. for late payments. As […]

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How To Get Help With Credit Card Debt

The average person in the UK has credit card debts of £7,912, with an average credit card interest rate of 18.3%. If this is you, and you only make minimum payments, it will take 26 years and seven months to pay off your debts. Which […]

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How To Consolidate Catalogue Debts

Catalogues allow you to buy everything from household items to electrical goods to clothing and pay from them monthly by opening a credit account. In a way, it is similar to a credit card as the credit is unsecured and you are charged interest on […]

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Are There Legal Ways You Can Write Off Your Debts?

When you’ve debts you can’t pay, you have a number of options. None simply write off your debts, but they do make them more manageable, meaning it’s easier to become debt free. Debt Management Plan (DMP) A Debt Management Plan (DMP) is an informal agreement […]

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A Guide to Negative Equity

When you are in negative equity with your property, it can cause some issues if you want to move to a new house or remortgage. Being in negative equity is a difficult situation that is often difficult to fully understand. If you are in negative […]

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What Is A Sale And Rent Back Scheme?

When you are in a situation where you are struggling to pay your mortgage but don’t want to move home, you could consider a sale and rent back scheme to stay in your home. The sale and rent back industry has received a huge amount […]

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How To Buy A House With No Deposit

For most people trying to take their first steps on the property ladder, getting the deposit together is the biggest challenge. Saving enough to put down just a 10% deposit can take years, making the idea of owning a home a distant dream for many. […]

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Tips When Negotiating The Sale Of Your House

Selling a property is often going to be one of the most significant financial transactions you will make during your lifetime. When it comes to deciding on a final price with your buyer, it can be challenging to negotiate, and the outcome will have a […]

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Selling A House In Probate – Explained

When you are left to sell the estate of someone who has died, it can be a complicated process. The process of selling a probate property has more complications than an ordinary property transaction, and it is not something that many people have to deal […]

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How To Successfully Downsize Your Home

At some point in your lifetime, the chances are you will have to downsize your home for one reason or another. Whether your children have all flown the nest and you no longer need such a big property, or you’re relocating to a more expensive […]

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How To Sell Your House For The Best Price

The housing market is always changing and knowing when the best time is to put your house up for sale can be difficult. Selling your home is a big decision, and whether you are selling because you are relocating, moving to a bigger home, or […]

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How To Reduce Your Spending And Get Out Of Debt

There are no debt problems that are not able to be solved. The solutions will not always be simple, and you might not get immediate results, but there is always a way. Prompt action will put you in a better position to repay your debts […]

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How To Buy Your Housing Association Property

Recent government schemes are giving housing association tenants the opportunity to purchase their home and make it their own. If you are living in a housing association property, then you might be able to purchase it under the Right to Acquire government scheme. Similar to […]

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How To Buy Your Council House

Many individuals in the UK live in council housing and have done so for many years. In recent years it has become increasingly popular for families in council homes to buy their properties. Not only are they much cheaper to buy than other properties, but […]

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What Is A Debt Management Plan (DMP) And How Can It Help Me?

Debt Management Plans (DMPs) are informal agreements allowing you to pay off unsecured debts by making one, affordable, monthly payment. They do not reduce the size of your debt, which still needs to be paid off in full. Is A DMP The Same As Debt […]

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How To Declare Yourself Bankrupt

If you aren’t able to pay off your debts, you can declare yourself bankrupt, a process whereby your debts are written off (allowing you a fresh financial start) as long as you abide by certain conditions. Applying For Bankruptcy Applying for bankruptcy costs £680 and […]

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A Guide To Getting Out Of Debt

A debt of any size can cause stress, sleepless nights and strains in relationships. Furthermore, debt can damage credit scores which can impact your financial situation in the future. However, many of us rely on borrowing to make ends meet or to cover costly expenses […]

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What To Consider When Buying A Home Abroad

Buying a home abroad is a dream that many Brits have, whether it’s a holiday home for a bit of sun throughout the year or the perfect retirement plan. Whatever your reason for wanting to purchase a property abroad, it is important to properly research […]

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What Do Leasehold And Freehold Mean?

Knowing if your property is leasehold or freehold might seem like technical legal jargon, but actually, it is one of the most important things that you should know about your own home. It can be the difference between owning your home outright and having a […]

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The Home Buying Process Explained

Buying a new home, especially if you are a first-time buyer can be very overwhelming. The home buying process is lengthy, and complications can occur. It is often the biggest purchase of your life, and all the decisions you make during the process of buying […]

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Buying Vs Renting – The Pros And Cons

Choosing whether to buy or rent a property can be a difficult decision, and it is a debate that has been ongoing for many years. Buying your own home is often the biggest financial decision you will ever make, so it is vital that you […]

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A Guide To Using An Online Estate Agent

In recent years the property market has changed significantly, and the rise of online estate agents has played a major role in the way homes are now sold and purchased. For those who are accustomed to traditional estate agents, using an online only service can […]

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A Guide To Estate Agents When Buying And Selling

Buying and selling property is not something that most people do on a regular basis, many people will only buy or sell a property a handful of times in their life. Estate agents are there to make the process easier and handle a lot of […]

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A Checklist For Moving Home

Moving into your new home should be an exciting time in your life, but when you are organising final bills, exchanging contracts and frantically packing up boxes it can become very stressful. Forward planning and careful organisation can minimise some of the stresses of moving […]

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