Nemo Loan Blog | Contact Us | Brokers | Calculators | News | Payment Protection Plan | Jargon Buster

Friday, March 30, 2007

Terraces see biggest price rise in last 10 years

Recent research from Halifax Estate Agents shows that the greatest UK house prices in the last 10 years have been in terraced properties.

The results from Halifax’s own data show that in the last ten years, the average UK terraced house price has risen by 239%. Not far behind are flats and maisonettes which have increased by 235%.

In the past five years the trend has seen a small difference. Terraced houses still have the highest recorded price growth in the UK at 113%. The next biggest increase was from semi-detached properties at 95%. Flats and maisonettes were not far behind with recorded growth at 87%.

Although there was a strong growth in the prices of terraced houses, detached houses had the greatest average price of all property types. A detached property in the UK is worth an average £326,396. This is compared to the average price was only £110,240 at the end of 1996. The current average detached house price is now over the £250,000 (3%) stamp duty threshold.

On average, all property types are now above the £125,000 (1%) lower stamp duty threshold. In 1996 the lower stamp duty threshold was £60,000. This means that the terraced property (£54,945) and flat or maisonette (£58,046) were below this.

In the last ten years, the price for terraced, semi-detached and also flats or maisonettes has more than tripled in the last ten years. In the regions, the biggest house price increase in the UK has been terraced houses in Northern Ireland and secondly flats and maisonettes in East Anglia.

Semi-detached houses in Scotland saw more modest growth. The price increase for a semi-detached house was on average 129%. Next were bungalows and detached properties at 147%. Even though, a detached property in Scotland is £246,372. Which is well above the UK property types average of £218,760.

Detached properties in London have undertaken the biggest growth over the last ten years also followed by East Anglia and the South West. In London the average detached property has raised by 237% in the last ten years. Next was East Anglia with 223% and 221% in The South West.

Commenting, Tim Crawford, Group Economist, Halifax Estate Agents, said:

"Terraced properties have seen the largest average house price increases in both the last five and ten years. Although the average price of a terraced house is still below the UK all property average, the gap has narrowed."

"Our research shows there are big regional differences across certain property types. In many cases this is a result of the availability of property types and the composition of historic housing stock. For instance, the availability and popularity of flats in London is much greater than in other regions of the UK"

Homeowners looking to move up the property ladder, but find recent price rise hikes restrictive, could consider improving what they've already got with a secured loan. One of many options to improve property, a secured loan could be used to add the vital extra space needed to accommodate growing families. Space adding projects that may be funded with a secured loan include extensions, loft conversions and basement conversions. Other popular projects for adding space which may be financed with a secured loan include garage conversions and adding a conservatory. Secured loans can usually be repaid over a term to suit the borrower from 5 to 25 years.
Nemo´s typical rate is 9.0% APR variable. A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

posted by Nemo Loans at 4:25 AM
 

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  
<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
posted by <$BlogBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Perk-less plastic used by half of credit card holders

A recent study from Goldfish credit card shows that more than half of UK credit card holders possess credit cards that fail to provide them with any perks. The total number of perk-less cards in use is estimated to be 20 million which lack in any reward scheme or reduced promotional interest rates on balance transfers or purchases.

The study which questioned a GB sample of 2,000 cardholders on the type of credit cards they currently hold, found that thirty percent of people have a retail reward card which enables them to collect redeemable points. More than one in five surveyed take advantage of cash back credit cards; and those offering Airmiles or travel points were the third most popular scheme. Seventeen per cent of UK card holders stated that they had taken advantage of low rate balance transfer and purchase promotional deals available on the market.

Charlotte Hogg, managing director for the Goldfish Credit Card commented: 'Credit card holders need to demand more from their plastic. If customers hold a card that doesn't reward their spending then they should investigate what other cards might be better suited to their spending patterns. We have found that an increasing number of our customers are using their credit cards for everyday purchases such as groceries and petrol, realizing that they can reap rewards for all the regular purchases they make anyway.'

When it comes to men and women, the survey revealed that both sexes are equally as likely to admit to having perk-less plastic, 52 per cent and 51 per cent respectively. The younger generation expect more from their credit cards with 49 per cent of under thirties having perk free cards compared to 53 per cent of those aged over fifty. Regionally, those in London are most likely to hold a card that doesn’t offer any real benefit, and people living in Scotland are least likely to carry plastic without any perks.

Homeowners who have several cards and would like to consider paying these off could consider doing so with a secured debt consolidation loan. One of many options to pay off credit cards, a secured debt consolidation loan could lessen the need to juggle multiple repayments every month as these would be wrapped into one. Repayments for a secured debt consolidation loan would be for the same amount and would be debited on the same day each month. Secured debt consolidation loans may be repaid over a term to suit the borrower, usually from 5 to 25 years. When considering a secured debt consolidation loan, it is however important to remember that repaying borrowing over a longer term will increase overall interest charges.
Nemo´s typical rate is 9.0% APR variable. A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

posted by Nemo Loans at 4:54 AM
 

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  
<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
posted by <$BlogBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>

Monday, March 26, 2007

Grand Designs cost UK householders billions

A recent study from Halifax Home Insurance reports that 11 million households have ideas for grand designs which could cost a total of £153 billion to complete. On average, projects cost £13,800 with almost one million households said to make home improvements as a result of HENVY, or home envy. The figure spent due to HENVY is around £9.9 billion in total. Friends and neighbours are said to inspire British home improvements.

A quarter of households plan to make over their gardens which is a clear favourite for a makeover with 26% of households stating this as their number one home improvement. Bedrooms are the second favourite with 15% of households stating this as an area for improvement. Bathrooms and kitchens were favourites for 14% of those surveyed while double glazing and loft conversions were favourites for 6%.

Over half a billion pounds a year is spent on Britons fixing DIY disasters, with 4.1 million households stating that they had completed home improvements poorly in the last ten years.

When it comes to spending on grand designs, homeowners in the South East and Anglia are keen to fork out the most with an average spend of £27,000 and £26,600 respectively. Those spending the least live in Wales and the West Country and plan to spend an average of £3,733 per project.

Halifax Home Insurance,s senior manager of underwriting, Vicky Emmott, commented: 'Whilst well planned and executed home improvements can add significant value to a home, getting it wrong can be a disaster. We'd advise anyone planning any major improvements to their home to employ qualified and reputable tradesmen, rather than going it alone. Indeed trying to tackle certain areas that you are not qualified for, such as electrics or plumbing, could invalidate your home insurance and leave you liable for the cost of any subsequent damage.'

Homeowners who have a grand design in mind could consider financing their project with a secured home improvement loan. One of many options, secured home improvement loans can be repaid over a term to suit the borrower, between 5 and 25 years. Secured home improvement loans may be used to fund grander designs such as extensions, loft conversions and cellar conversions. Smaller designs including garage conversions and refitting kitchens and bathrooms may also be funded with a secured home improvement loan. Homeowners may also consider a secured home improvement loan to cover the costs of developing the exterior of their homes and gardens in addition to financing the bigger scale projects.
Nemo´s typical rate is 9.0% APR variable. A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

posted by Nemo Loans at 7:47 AM
 

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  
<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
posted by <$BlogBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>

Friday, March 23, 2007

Six million consolidate debts

In the last three years more than six million people have opted to consolidate their debts in order to get their borrowing under control. This is according to new research from MoneyExpert.com who found that one in seven adults consolidated debt.

On average people are borrowing £13,000 to consolidate their debts. Six per cent of those that have consolidated debts in the last three years have had to borrow more than £50,000. Six per cent equates to 360,000 people.

Unsecured personal loans were revealed to be the most popular choice for consolidating debt, with 36 per cent of those surveyed opting for this method. 18 per cent stated that they consolidated debt with a re-mortgage and 15 per cent chose to switch to a credit card with a zero per cent rate.

Sean Gardner, Chief Executive of MoneyExpert.com said, 'The UK's debt crisis is a serious concern and borrowers are starting to feel the strain. Debt consolidation is entirely sensible and a good way to get your finances under control if you owe money to different lenders at varying rates of interest. Theoretically you can reduce your monthly repayments and make your debts more manageable. However it only works if you accept consolidation is a wake up call to get your borrowing under control and then work to become debt-free. There has to be some concern that many people simply see consolidation as a way of keeping on borrowing.

Homeowners looking to consolidate debt could consider doing so with a secured debt consolidation loan. One of many options to consolidate debt, secured loans can be repaid over a term to suit the borrower, this is typically from 5 to 25 years.
Debt consolidation loans may be used to put all outstanding debts into one place which means the need to juggle several different payments is reduced. Those taking debt consolidation loans will know the exact date and amount that will be repaid each month. With a debt consolidation loan, it is important to remember that repaying borrowing over a longer term will increase overall interest charges.
Nemo´s typical rate is 9.0% APR variable. A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

posted by Nemo Loans at 4:46 AM
 

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  
<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
posted by <$BlogBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>

Thursday, March 22, 2007

First time buyers still looking to Mum and Dad

Recent news from Abbey shows that one in ten first-time buyers plan to ask their parents for financial help when buying a house. The figure is less than that quoted in the 2006 survey but 45 per cent of potential new homeowners anticipate that their Mum and Dad will help financially when they move into their new properties. Half of the 45 per cent believe their parents will not expect to get their money back.

Although first time buyers looking to get onto the property ladder are less likely than before to ask their parents for help in purchasing their new home, it is probable that they will still help out with the move. The type of help first time buyers are expecting from their parents includes acting as guarantor for the mortgage, help moving into their new home, help with DIY, decorating and buying new furniture. Offspring also expect parents to accompany them on property viewings.

Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, Head of Mortgages at Abbey, said: 'The decline in the number of potential homeowners relying on their parents is a positive indication that first time buyers are finding alternative ways of funding their homes. Certainly part of this is due to the rise in the number of mortgage providers offering better solutions to suit the needs of would-be homeowners.

Though first time buyers still face problems getting on the property ladder, they still aspire for the perfect first time home. 24 per cent of first time buyers aspire for a country cottage, while 20 per cent hope to buy a town house. 14 per cent look to purchase penthouses or city apartments.

Parents who want to help their kids onto the property ladder could consider a secured homeowner loan to help provide their children with a deposit. Secured loans can be repaid over a term of 5 to 25 years and parents can borrow up to £100,000. Secured loans are only available to homeowners and form a second charge on the borrower's property. One of many options, parents may want consider a secured homeowner loan to help kids make over their new property in addition to helping with the deposit.
Nemo´s typical rate is 9.0% APR variable. A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

posted by Nemo Loans at 4:17 AM
 

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  
<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
posted by <$BlogBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Britain - a nation of shopaholics

Recent research from uSwitch reveals British women's spending habits. The fashion spending capital of Britain is said to be Birmingham where women spend an average of more than £1,800 per year. Half a million British women admitted sneaking their fashion buys onto their partners' credit card.

Average personal debts as a result of shopping are £8,092.97 with a collective of £61.96m. Indebtedness amongst British women is said to be shocking as their credit card debt exceeds £11bn, and they owe more than £20bn in unsecured loans. On average, British women have an overdraft debt of £515 and over a third rely on their overdraft every month. Women's overdraft debts are currently £4.6bn.

The use of unsecured credit to purchase fashion items is abundant among Britain's shopaholics, with 72% admitting to using credit cards, store cards, overdrafts or loans to finance their spending.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy, for uSwitch.com says: 'Fat used to be a feminist issue, but it looks like it's been overtaken by debt. In today's celebrity obsessed society, where women emulate the lifestyles and shopping habits of their favourite fashionistas, it's not surprising that women are becoming more interested in Size Zero than 0% APR. Indebtedness because of shopaholicism is the result of easy accessibility to loans, credit cards, and store cards and highlights the need for consumers to take some personal responsibility for managing their own financial situation. By shopping around for the best deals, taking advantage of 0% introductory rates and switching utility providers to get the best available prices on household bills, women can follow the Shopaholic's guide to managing their finances and still enjoy the pleasure-rush of a new purchase without racking up more unsecured debt. Its all gain and no pain.'

Those who have racked up large amounts of debt on credit and store cards, could consider consolidating these with a debt consolidation loan. One of many options to consolidate debt, debt consolidation loans can be secured on homes. Monthly repayments may be less than those for credit cards however it is important to remember that repaying borrowing over a longer term may increase overall interest charges. With a debt consolidation loan, you'll know the exact amount and debt payment will be taken each month and the need to juggle multiple payments is reduced. Debt consolidation loans can be repaid over a term of 5 to 25 years.
Nemo´s typical rate is 9.0% APR variable. A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

posted by Nemo Loans at 4:22 AM
 

Links to this post:

  <$BlogBacklinkTitle$>  
<$BlogBacklinkSnippet$>
posted by <$BlogBacklinkAuthor$> @ <$BlogBacklinkDateTime$>



  • Home
  • Apply
  • About us
  • How we can help
  • Payment protection
  • Contact us
  • Q & A's
  • News
  • Jobs

Previous Posts

  • Updating and modernising homes adds up to £5,000 v...
  • Young potential homeowners in the dark
  • Interest rate changes lead homebuyers to be more c...
  • Fixed rate loans prove popular
  • Potential home owners are put off buying by the ap...
  • Debts can worsen with a pay rise
  • Holiday fever sends quarter of Brits jetting into ...
  • UK homeowners loft conversions go through the roof...
  • Homeowners suffer as neighbours do some damage
  • One million homeowners return from holiday to a £2...

Archives

  • February 2006
  • March 2006
  • April 2006
  • May 2006
  • June 2006
  • July 2006
  • August 2006
  • September 2006
  • October 2006
  • November 2006
  • December 2006
  • January 2007
  • February 2007
  • March 2007
  • April 2007
  • May 2007
  • June 2007
  • July 2007

Powered by Blogger

<< UK Loans Blog


A NEMO LOAN IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Accessible Website | Data Protection | Our Fees | Legal Notices  
Calls may be monitored or recorded for training and security purposes.
Repaying your borrowing over a longer term may increase overall interest charges.
© 2007 Nemo Personal Finance Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for arranging and advising upon general insurance. Registered in England and Wales No. 5188059.
Registered office: Principality Buildings Queen Street Cardiff CF10 1UA