Property ladder

Climbing the rungs, financing your home and making money from property.

Five-minute guide to choosing a mortgage

By Cathy Adams Update: Fri, 20/08/2010 - 11:14

Whether you’re thinking of buying a one-bed flat, a three-bedroomed house or a grand mansion, it’s likely you’ll need mortgage advice at some point. There’s a huge selection out there, and it’s important to find the right one. Read more

House price indices to be investigated by Statistics Authority

Update: Wed, 18/08/2010 - 11:18

The UK Statistics Authority has launched a review into the differing figures produced by the various monthly house price indices in the UK. Rebecca Rutt reports. Read more

Can a green home pay?

By Laura Howard Update: Wed, 01/09/2010 - 12:31

Making major energy-efficient changes to your home in the hope of recouping the costs by saving money is not a foolproof plan. But minor measures can ease your conscience and protect your purse, says Laura Howard. Read more

Can you get rid of debt for good?

By Mike Thomas Update: Fri, 13/08/2010 - 14:46

With the number of home repossessions dropping slightly, Moneywise Debtwizard explains how mortgage lenders still recover their losses many years later, just when you think it's all over. Read more

Can I use my holiday home to thwart the taxman?

Update: Thu, 12/08/2010 - 14:45

One of our experts advises a reader on the capital gains tax liability of his first and second homes and finds whether he can avoid it. Read more

1 comment

How to make money from students

By Faith Glasgow Update: Wed, 04/08/2010 - 11:31

Traditionally seen as a tight-fisted bunch, surviving on beans in a bedsit, students' taste in accommodation has gone upmarket. And by investing in student digs, you could look forward to a hassle-free and steady income. Read more

Benefit from London's property recovery

By Faith Glasgow Update: Wed, 04/08/2010 - 12:00

Central London is leading the recovery in the UK residential property market, and there are rich pickings for investors in prime locations, writes Faith Glasgow. Read more

East London house prices are Olympic winners

Update: Wed, 28/07/2010 - 09:43

With only two years to go until the 2012 Olympics kick off, figures show that house prices in east London have risen sharply since the capital was awarded the Games five years ago. Rebecca Rutt reports. Read more

Five-minute guide for first-time buyers

By Esther Armstrong Update: Wed, 01/09/2010 - 12:42

The mortgage maze can be hard to navigate, particularly if you're entering it for the first time. Esther Armstrong asks mortgage expert David Hollingworth what you should consider before taking that initial step onto the property ladder. Read more

How to review your mortgage deal

Update: Tue, 10/08/2010 - 11:23

If your mortgage deal has run out, chances are you're on your lender's standard variable rate, but there are much better deals to be found. Sam Barrett tells you what to look for when reviewing your mortgage. Read more

Mortgage lending up 15%

Update: Tue, 10/08/2010 - 11:29

Mortgage lending increased by 15% in June, according to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Read more

Could you live with your best friend?

By Laura Howard Update: Wed, 01/09/2010 - 13:02

Sharing the cost of a mortgage is a good way of getting on the property ladder, but make sure you've truly thought it through. Laura Howard looks at the possible pitfalls and how to avoid them. Read more

Renovating on a budget

By Laura Howard Update: Tue, 15/06/2010 - 15:54

Thinking of sprucing up your home? Laura Howard's handy tips will help keep your project on track and within budget. Read more

World Cup deals and steals

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Fri, 28/05/2010 - 15:34

The count down has begun in earnest, with the World Cup less than two weeks away. So whether you're going to South Africa, or you're an armchair supporter, watch out for these deals and steals. Read more

Find a home loan that works for you

By Sam Barrett Update: Thu, 27/05/2010 - 20:13

There is a wide range of mortgages to pick from, despite the credit-crunch clear out. Sam Barrett looks at what might work for you. Read more

Best mortgage providers revealed

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Fri, 28/05/2010 - 12:00

As the mortgage market starts to move in the right direction, Nathalie Bonney reveals the providers that offer the best value and service, in the 2010 Moneywise Mortgage Awards. Read more

2 comments

What’s the true cost of your mortgage?

Update: Mon, 12/04/2010 - 15:45

Unlike other financial products, it isn't possible to compare mortgages based on rate alone as fees can make all the difference to the overall cost. Rebecca Atkinson explains how you can work out the true cost of your mortgage. Read more

How have house prices held up in your area?

Update: Thu, 18/02/2010 - 15:24

We all know that house prices have fallen dramatically, but how has your area held up? Moneywise looks at the latest house price statistics for February 2010. Read more

The top 10 things that can devalue your home

By Laura Howard Update: Thu, 18/02/2010 - 12:18

Protect the value of your home and avoid pitfalls that could end up costing you dearly, says Laura Howard. Read more

3 comments

Bypass estate agents and sell your home yourself

Update: Tue, 27/10/2009 - 11:51

Estate agents fees can be as much as 2.5% plus VAT - no wonder many people would prefer to sell their homes themselves. Rebecca Atkinson explains how to bypass estate agents and still sell your home. Read more

How to buy a property at auction

Update: Tue, 16/06/2009 - 12:26

The slow housing market and an increase in repossessions have led to more buyers turning to auction houses. But while you may be able to pick up a discount, there are risks involved. Rebecca Atkinson explains how to buy a repossessed home at auction. Read more

Is the housing market crash really over?

By Laura Howard Update: Wed, 20/01/2010 - 18:01

Experts disagree on whether the housing market is recovering or due a relapse. Laura Howard answers the questions to help you decide your next move. Read more

Should you help your kids onto the ladder?

Update: Tue, 21/07/2009 - 12:41

More first-time buyers are turning to the Bank of Mum and Dad to help them get onto the ladder. But what should parents bear in mind before digging deep? Read more

Make money from your house

By Laura Howard Update: Mon, 09/11/2009 - 18:45

Turning a spare room into cash couldn't be easier, but, as Laura Howard explains, make sure you manage the risks involved in finding the right tenant. Read more

How first-time buyers can get onto the ladder

By Laura Howard Update: Mon, 21/09/2009 - 17:31

Despite falling house prices, it’s still a  difficult climate for first-time buyers.  But taking up a government scheme could be  the solution, says Laura Howard. Read more

Should you move location for better education?

By Sarah Coles Update: Tue, 25/08/2009 - 08:44

Parents will go to almost any lengths to get their child into their choice of schools - including moving house. But is moving really the answer or would you be better going private, ask Sarah Coles. Read more

Don't be beaten by the mortgage mayhem

By Sam Barrett Update: Thu, 23/07/2009 - 18:01

With mortgage lenders on the retreat, what are your chances of finding the right deal for you? Sam Barrett shows there are still options available on the market. Read more

Swap bricks and mortar for an alternative home

By Laura Howard Update: Tue, 07/07/2009 - 12:37

If you are a first-time buyer looking for a truly affordable home, it could be worthwhile widening your horizons. Laura Howard weighs up the alternative ways of finding a roof to put over your head. Read more

Make the most of falling costs

Update: Tue, 23/06/2009 - 12:54

Many households have seen their disposable income increase over the past year, thanks to low interest rates and cheaper household bills. But don't look a gift horse in the mouth - make sure you use these savings wisely, says Rebecca Atkinson. Read more

Moneywise Mortgage Awards 2009

By Liam Tarry Update: Wed, 10/06/2009 - 11:33

Despite the slowing mortgage market, there are still some good deals around. Liam Tarry reveals where you can find them in this year’s Moneywise Mortgage Awards. Read more

Cut the cost of home insurance

Update: Wed, 10/06/2009 - 11:51

One in four people have ditched their home insurance in order to save money, leaving them at risk from theft or damage from fire or flooding. But there are other ways you can save on home insurance and remain protected. Read more

Is now the time to buy property?

By Rob Griffin Update: Mon, 08/06/2009 - 10:45

With house prices having fallen significantly since 2007, should buyers finally take the plunge? Rob Griffin weighs up the pros and cons. Read more

Can my neighbour chop down my tree?

Update: Mon, 01/06/2009 - 12:21

What legal right does your neighbour have to chop down trees that intrude on their property? Read more

Rental market showing signs of recovery

Update: Thu, 28/05/2009 - 12:57

The cost of renting a room or property remained unchanged in May following nine months of consecutive falls. Read more

Improve your home for less

Update: Thu, 30/04/2009 - 17:19

Giving your home a makeover doesn’t have to cost a  fortune. Laura Howard reveals the best ways to fund your work and how to cut the cost of home improvements. Read more

Mining the cash in your home

By Rob Griffin Update: Mon, 18/05/2009 - 12:01

Should you unlock the value in your home  if you’re strapped for cash? Rob Griffin looks  at the pros and cons of equity release. Read more

Free yourself from debt

By Sam Barrett Update: Thu, 28/05/2009 - 15:35

It may feel like a distant hope, but you can break out of your debt prison.  Sam Barrett  reveals the route to a debt-free future. Read more

How landlords can beat the credit crunch

By Liam Tarry Update: Thu, 19/03/2009 - 16:33

Whether you are a buy-to-let investor or just renting out your home until the housing market recovers, you could be in for a tough time. But, as Liam Tarry reports, you can still beat the credit crunch by acting now. Read more

Beware the buy-to-let marketing patter

Update: Wed, 11/03/2009 - 13:15

Jim Moore, the man behind buy-to-let investment firm Inside Track, is back with two new ventures. Tony Hetherington warns investors to watch out for the risks. Read more

Escape the negative equity trap

Update: Mon, 20/04/2009 - 17:13

House prices could plummet by a further 55% - pushing up to six million homeowners into negative equity. But there are ways to escape the negative equity trap. Read more

Find a mortgage broker

Update: Mon, 09/03/2009 - 18:01

If you are looking to borrow to buy a house or are coming up to remortgage then a mortgage broker should be your first port of call. Moneywise has teamed up with IFA Promotions to help you find a mortgage broker in your area. Read more

Beware the rise in estate agent fees

By Sarah Coles Update: Fri, 20/02/2009 - 15:45

Estate agents are hitting their customers with extra charges as they try to recoup their losses from the property downturn. Sarah Coles investigates. Read more

Is a housing market recovery in sight?

Update: Thu, 05/02/2009 - 11:28

Halifax has reported an increase in house prices in January - the first in 15 months - and Woolwich recently launched its cheapest ever mortgage deal. So, is a housing market recovery in sight? Read more

Your most pressing property questions answered

Update: Wed, 04/02/2009 - 12:48

In the current climate, buying or selling a home and remortgaging are challenging prospects. Laura Howard tackles your biggest concerns. Read more

Is it still possible to remortgage?

Update: Wed, 04/02/2009 - 12:49

Once upon a time, when your mortgage deal expired you simply remortgaged onto a better rate. But times have changed. So, is it still possible to find a remortgage deal? Read more

Will there be fresh hope for homeowners in 2009?

By Johanna Gornitzki Update: Wed, 04/02/2009 - 12:51

Worried by the turmoil in the housing market? Johanna Gornitzki asks the experts what they think the coming year holds in store for homeowners. Read more

Is this the next big mis-selling scandal?

By Victoria Hartley Update: Fri, 15/05/2009 - 11:39

As the crunch continues, more investors are offering to buy homes on the verge of repossession and then leasing them back to their former owners. Victoria Hartley asks whether this is a scandal in the making. Read more

What rights do renters have against repossession?

Update: Fri, 15/05/2009 - 11:35

With mortgage arrears on the rise, what rights do tenants have if the property they rent is repossessed? Rebecca Atkinson investigates. Read more

How low could interest rates go?

Update: Tue, 06/01/2009 - 12:40

The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates to nearly zero in the US, and economistsbelieve the Bank of England could do the same. Rebecca Atkinson asks how low could interest rates really go, and finds out what that means for you. Read more

Survive the recession

By Liam Tarry Update: Tue, 16/02/2010 - 11:00

Follow Moneywise's steps to protecting yourself and your finances during the recession. Read more

Which banks have passed on rate cuts?

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Fri, 05/12/2008 - 13:44

Increasing numbers of mortgage borrowers are now on their lenders' SVRs, but not all will benefit from Bank of England rate cuts. Moneywise investigates which banks have passed on the savings - and which haven't. Read more

Take cover with mortgage protection

By Sam Barrett Update: Wed, 04/02/2009 - 12:44

As recession looms, it makes even more sense to take out insurance to cover your mortgage and provide for your family in case disaster strikes. Sam Barrett looks at the options. Read more

Is buy-to-let dead?

By Liam Tarry Update: Wed, 01/10/2008 - 16:51

Following the nationalisation of Bradford and Bingley, the UK’s largest buy-to-let lender, and the withdrawal of some 500 landlord loans, Liam Tarry asks: is buy-to-let dead? Read more

A guide to renting for tenants and landlords

By Nathalie Bonney Update: Tue, 19/08/2008 - 10:36

The tenant and landlord relationship is often fraught with difficulty, especially where property damage, deposits and rents are concerned. Nathalie Bonney has some useful tips to keep things on an even keel. Read more

The true cost of making your home energy efficient

By Liam Tarry Update: Fri, 05/06/2009 - 16:42

Gordon Brown wants all homes to be energy efficient by 2020. But how cost-effective are measures such as cavity wall insulation, and can they really reduce your gas and electricity bills? Liam Tarry investigates. Read more

Should you move or improve?

By Laura Howard Update: Thu, 30/04/2009 - 17:07

With no end in sight to the housing market downturn, families that need extra space are opting to extend rather than buy a new home. Laura Howard asks whether it could make sense for you. Read more