Blog

It’s the ultimate nightmare scenario. You’ve had a hard week’s work and the weather looks like it’ll be good over the weekend, so you decide to drive up to your small holiday cottage that you fell in love with the first time you saw it.

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into effect on June 1st 2019: What is it?

July 23, 2019

It’s been looming over landlords for a while, but the Tenants Fees Act finally came into force in England at the start of June. Designed to reduce hidden costs for tenants, the new Act has implications for tenants, landlords and letting agents.

Where are the best locations to buy a holiday home in the UK?

July 23, 2019

Staycations are getting more popular in the UK. Uncertainty over Brexit, a weaker pound and the desire for more convenience have led many holidaymakers to stay put rather than jetting off for a break overseas.

What type of medical conditions are covered by travel insurance?

June 28, 2019

Did you know, over a quarter of Brits travel abroad each year without having the right travel insurance? It’s a worryingly high figure, especially if you are traveling with a pre-existing medical condition. And when you start looking at the numbers, the situation becomes even more alarming.

What's A Holiday Let's Weekly Cost To Run?

June 28, 2019

Thinking of investing in a holiday let? While you can certainly make money as a landlord, running a lakeside retreat or a seaside apartment is not all plain sailing. To make sure your holiday home doesn’t turn into a holiday headache, you need to factor in all the costs involved right from the start. So in this guide to holiday let running costs, we’ll cover everything you need to think about - from agents’ fees to holiday home insurance. That way, you won’t get caught out by any nasty surprises.

Best Places To Buy A Holiday Home In The UK

June 28, 2019

Thinking about buying a holiday home? If recent trends are anything to go by, the UK holiday market is set for another booming year with searches and bookings for domestic stays going up by a third compared to last year. This could mean a very profitable investment if you decide to take the plunge.

What are the 4 main sectors of skilled trades?

June 27, 2019

Having a skilled trade under your belt can set you up with a job for life. As Logic4training, the UK’s leading building services training provider points out, there are many reasons why people choose the skilled trades as a long-term career option.

Is Rental Property A Good Way To Grow Your Wealth?

June 17, 2019

On paper, a rental property might not appear the best investment. A crackdown on stamp duty on investment properties, an income tax raid on rent and a stall in house prices has made property investment a less attractive prospect than in previous years.

Top 5 Tips For Travelling Safely With A Medical Condition

June 16, 2019

We all need a holiday from time to time. Holidays are the perfect way to escape from the norm, enjoy a change of scenery and spend time with friends and family. They let you do as little or as much as possible. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach or trying out the latest high-octane adventure sport, travelling is good for the mind, body and soul.

How many people travel abroad without the right cover?

June 15, 2019

When planning for a holiday, getting travel insurance is often the last thing on your mind. Why spend your time thinking about insurance when you could be making other more exciting holiday decisions, such as where to go while you’re away and what to pack?

Where Are The Best Destinations Abroad To Buy A Holiday Home?

June 15, 2019

Do you long for blue skies, breath-taking views and a simpler way of life? Well, who doesn’t?

Brits have been besotted with the idea of owning a holiday home overseas for some time. Why stay in the UK with its unpredictable weather, high cost of living and political uncertainty?

Looking for a holiday home abroad has become a popular pastime for many Brits. So where are the most in-demand locations for property hunters?

How Do I Spot The Signs That My Home Is At Risk Of Subsidence?

June 12, 2019

Subsidence is a pretty common phenomenon around the UK, due to its climate, with variable rainfall and a mix of warm and cool weather. Many homeowners face severe financial consequences if their properties are affected by subsidence or heave.

Our 7 tips for travelling abroad with a pre-existing medical condition

June 6, 2019

We all need a holiday sometimes. Whether it’s to relax completely by a sunny poolside, explore new surroundings, or just spend precious time with loved ones, holidays have an amazing ability to make us feel refreshed and energized. In fact, studies have proven that experiences like holidays have a much longer-lasting effect on our happiness than buying material things.

Can I Insure My Home If It's Left Unoccupied?

June 6, 2019

It may come as a surprise to some homeowners that some standard home insurance does not cover a house if it is left unoccupied for more than 30 days.

It may also come as a surprise how many empty properties there are in the UK. According to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the number of empty properties in England is more than 216,000 – the highest level since 2012. It’s a similar situation across the UK – researchers from the University College London (UCL) revealed that nearly 340,000 of homes in Britain are rarely used.

But with all these homes standing empty across the UK, how many are properly insured?

What are the top destinations for holiday homes?

June 6, 2019

It’s easy to see the attraction of buying a second home overseas. It gives you a place to enjoy summer in the sunshine, bask in a better work-life balance and invest your hard-earned cash. With a host of low-cost airlines to choose from and more routes on offer than ever before, giving into temptation is now a financially attractive option, too.

What Are The Most Popular Holiday Destinations In The World?

June 4, 2019

From sunny summer holidays lying under palm trees to embracing the chilly depths of a gorgeously glacial landscape, one person's idea of the best holiday destination in the world can differ hugely from another’s. Ask yourself this? Do you like relaxing by the beach, lounging in a poolside villa, exploring the cultural sights on a city break or feeling the chill on a sporty, ski holiday? Or do you want to experience all of the above?

Top tips for new landlords

June 3, 2019

There’s strong demand for rental property here in the UK, meaning now could be a great time to take your first steps into the buy-to-let market and become a landlord or landlady.

What Is A Non-Standard Property And Should I Consider Buying One?

June 3, 2019

We’ve all seen TV programmes and stories in the media about unusual buildings – places which stand out from the ordinary because of their design, location, age or construction materials. Usually, these stories dwell on appearance and idiosyncratic features but they don’t always drill down into the details of what constitutes a ‘non-standard’ construction for the purposes of insurance.

Pro's And Cons of Owning A Holiday Home

June 2, 2019

If you can afford to buy a holiday home, should you take the plunge? That’s not a question you should take lightly, with a number of pros and cons to weigh up first before you make your decision.

10 things you should know before going on a cruise

May 29, 2019

There’s a lot to think about when planning a cruise. Where do you want to go? How long will you go for? What time of year is best? And that’s before you’ve considered things like what kind of cabin to book, which clothes to take, the tipping etiquette, and how many excursions to do.

Are timber-framed house more to insure?

May 29, 2019

Timber-framed houses appear to be an attractive option to many buyers these days. In fact, these types of property have always been popular but not all insurers will be showering you with offers to provide your property with the non-standard home insurance it requires.

Top tips for starting your own beauty salon

May 24, 2019

If you’re working as a beauty therapist and want to take your next step in the industry, you may be thinking about opening your own beauty salon.

Do I need to get specialist insurance if my home is unoccupied?

May 23, 2019

Whether your property is empty awaiting a sale, refurbishment, probate or it’s simply vacant for large periods of the year due to it being your family’s summer holiday home, it’s important that you protect your investment.

What Medical Conditions Affect Travel Insurance?

May 21, 2019