News
HMRC Warning After 170,000 Taxpayers Targeted by Scammers – How to Stay Protected
Millions of self-assessment taxpayers are being urged to stay vigilant after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) revealed it had received more than 170,000 scam referrals in the year to 31 July 20251. While this is a 12 per cent fall compared with the previous year, over 47,000 of the reports involved fake tax refund scams,…
Read MorePreparing for University: How to Protect Your Student’s Gadgets and Valuables
With A-level results day now a distant memory, many young people are preparing to move away from home for the first time to begin their university journey. Alongside clothes and kitchen items, students will often pack laptops, smartphones, tablets, cameras and even bicycles. These possessions can be extremely valuable, and without suitable insurance, a single…
Read MoreAt Last, Some Relief: Average Two-Year Mortgage Fixes Fall Below 5%
Homeowners coming to the end of a fixed mortgage deal are finally getting some good news. For the first time in nearly three years, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate has slipped below five per cent. According to industry data, the average two-year fix now stands at 4.99 per cent, compared with 5 per cent…
Read MoreThousands of Landlords to Face Quarterly Tax Reporting Under New HMRC Rules
Landlords across Britain are being warned to prepare for a major tax shake-up that will affect thousands from April 2026. Under new HMRC rules, many property owners will soon have to report their rental income and expenses to the taxman every three months, rather than just once a year 1. What Is Changing? The changes…
Read MoreYoung Homeowners Risk Losing Homes as Thousands Remain Unprotected
Thousands of young homeowners are putting themselves at risk of losing their homes because many have no insurance cover to protect against life’s unexpected shocks. New research has revealed that a large number of people aged 18 to 34 have little understanding of essential financial protection, and even fewer have taken steps to safeguard themselves1.…
Read MoreMore Lenders Slash Income Barriers for Bigger Mortgages as First-Time Buyers Get a Boost
First-time buyers across the country are set to benefit as a growing number of high street lenders follow Skipton Building Society’s lead in lowering the income required to borrow more against your salary. Just days after Skipton announced it would cut its minimum income threshold for higher loan-to-income mortgages from £50,000 to £40,000, Nationwide and…
Read MoreThe Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates to 4.00%
What this could mean for your mortgage. In a move widely anticipated by markets, the Bank of England has reduced the base interest rate from 4.25% to 4.00% today. This marks a further step in the Bank of England’s shift away from the cycle of rate hikes that saw interest rates reach a 16-year high.…
Read MoreIs Your Mortgage Deal Ending in Early 2026? Why Now Is the Time to Act
Homeowners whose fixed-rate mortgage deals expire in early 2026 are being urged to start planning ahead, as a new wave of rate rises and higher payments could be on the horizon. UK Finance data shows that around 1.6 million fixed-rate mortgage deals are due to end in 2025, with a similarly high number expected to…
Read MoreIs Your Five-Year Fixed Mortgage Ending? Here’s What You Need to Know
Is Your Five-Year Fixed Mortgage Ending? Here’s What You Need to Know If your five-year fixed mortgage deal is coming to an end, you might be wondering what to do next. Many homeowners who locked in a low fixed rate several years ago are now facing a different mortgage market, where rates have changed. With…
Read MoreBuying a Home in a Flood Risk Area: What You Need to Know
Buying a Home in a Flood Risk Area: What You Need to Know Purchasing a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make, so it’s crucial to consider all potential risks before committing. This winter, flooding has once again made the headlines, affecting many homes across the UK, and highlighting the importance…
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