BLOGS
‘I’d rather be patient than do DIY’
About to buy a property or in the market for some home renovations? Our content manager, Christina Neal, has noticed that tradespeople seem to be busier than ever, but would still rather wait than attempt anything herself. A valuable nugget of info for first-time...
‘I plan to pay off my mortgage early’
Our content manager Christina Neal talks about her goal to clear her mortgage sooner rather than later. It’s been almost six months since I went from renting to owning the house I have lived in for over four years. I’ve been thinking about how fortunate I am to become...
‘My mortgage payments could be less than my rent’
Prospective first-time buyer Isaac Williams talks about having his first consultation with one of our mortgage advisers, James Watson, and reveals what he learned… (hint: it was good news). After months of guesswork and questionable calculations, it turns out my...
‘I’m in dire need of some double glazing’
New homeowner Christina Neal talks about the challenges of living on a busy main road in a house with drafty windows… I’m already plotting my next move. House move that is. I love my house, and it was a real achievement to be able to buy it this summer after renting...
‘I want a kitchen that doesn’t resemble a school art project’
Prospective first-time buyer Isaac Williams has prepared a checklist of what he wants from his first home, including why double-glazing and reliable electrics are essential. First-world problem alert: I live in a flat with single glazed windows. Of course, there are...
Living together in perfect harmony
Living together is not always easy but finding the right property to share and having your own space will certainly help create a happy household, says Christina Neal. Apparently, Sunday is #NationalBoyfriendDay. I’m raising my eyebrows even as I say it. I’m not big...
‘We’re looking forward to having more space’
Prospective first-time buyer Isaac Williams and his partner are excited about getting onto the property ladder next year and even have a few ideas about décor and style. They both agree that a spare room is a must… Having had the deliberately vague ‘middle of next...
‘It’s about prioritising on home improvements’
New homeowner Christina Neal looks at what home improvements will add value to the price of a property and why you don’t need to spend a fortune renovating your home. I bought my three-bedroom end of terrace house in the summer. I had been renting it for almost four...
‘Why rent if you can buy?’
Our content manager Christina Neal talks about why renting didn't suit her and thinking ahead when you purchase your next property. I keep hearing the media question whether the housing bubble is set to burst, and yet prices keep going up. Since June 2020, the average...
‘I’ve finally found the right home for me’
Buying a property is a big deal. You may be in a hurry to become a homeowner, but it’s so easy to get it wrong if you act in haste. Christina Neal looks back on bad property decisions she has made in the past and what she has learned about buying a place. I found my...