Blog

Renovating a home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but as with any big DIY project, there can be stresses, strains and unwelcome surprises that come along the way. No matter if you’re building an extension, remodelling your kitchen or going to the whole hog with a whole home renovation project, both can take up a lot of your time and could end up costing you money.

How long can I leave my home unoccupied due to a long holiday?

August 27, 2019

When we reach retirement, we often decide to spread our wings a little. During our working lives, we spend all day at work before arriving home to look after our families or slump, exhausted, on the sofa. There’s precious little time for an extended holiday – even our annual two-week summer holiday seems to flash by at the speed of light!

What are the 7 wonders of the world and can you visit them?

August 21, 2019

The 7 wonders of the world existed to document the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders and manmade constructions. The original 7 wonders of the ancient world were chosen by Herodotus and Callimachus of Cyrene, who were historians and scholars respectively at the Museum of Alexandria.

How to maintain an unoccupied home

August 21, 2019

There are times when you need to leave your home empty. It could be because you are moving but are yet to sell your house, you’re going away on an extended holiday, or you are carrying out major renovation works, which means the property is uninhabitable for a certain period of time.

Are you thinking of running your business from home?

August 21, 2019

The number of people running their own business from home is on the up. According to research by Barclays, 38% of small and medium-sized businesses are run from UK homes, while so-called ‘homepreneurs’ have increased by 3% over the past five years.

7 unusual destinations for your next luxury cruise holiday

August 20, 2019

More and more of us are taking to the seas in search of adventure, with a few key destinations on our wish lists.

Getting insurance for a house with subsidence

August 20, 2019

When it comes to issues that can affect your home, subsidence is one of the more serious ones. It can have a negative impact on the structural safety of a property and its value.

Will I be refused home insurance if I have a criminal record?

August 20, 2019

Finding affordable home insurance when you have a criminal conviction can be a challenge. But there are plenty of people who find themselves in that situation.

Where are the best locations for active holidays?

August 20, 2019

Lying by the pool not your thing? Fear not, there are plenty of other ways to spend a holiday. Adventure holidays are growing in popularity as more people search for a holiday to remember.

How to prepare your property for new tenants

August 20, 2019

If you’re a first-time landlord, or you’re getting ready to welcome a new set of tenants into your existing let, there are certain things you need do before the new tenants move in.

Precautions to take when going on a cruise with a medical condition

July 31, 2019

What could be better for your health than setting sail on a cruise? You’re surrounded by the beautiful blue of the ocean, you’re waited on hand and foot, there’s loads to do, amazing places to see, and a delicious supply of food and drink. What’s not to like?

Best worldwide travel destinations for over 60s

July 24, 2019

The freedom that comes with reaching retirement, or near retirement age, is great for many reasons but one of the best has to be the chance to travel and explore the world. Children are grown up, budgets are often bigger, and we have fewer work commitments tying us to desks at home. It’s the ideal time to throw ourselves into amazing travel experiences and collect some stamps in our passports.

Most popular cruises worldwide

July 24, 2019

It seems we can’t get enough of cruising. According to data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 30 million people are expected to set sail on a cruise ship this year. Ten years ago, that figure was 17.8 million.

How to protect and secure a vacant holiday home

July 23, 2019

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