Latest LIFESTYLE News and Information

Planning Your Retirement - (LifeStyle)
Make sure you're prepared for your retirement with this vital e-book guide... ... more

Holiday Brits increasingly savvy - (LifeStyle)
Long holidays with family members are gradually becoming less popular, a new poll has found... ... more

How to Make Your Own Will - (LifeStyle)
This updated self-help e-book really does enable you to make a will yourself... ... more

Paradise Portugal the best in Europe - (LifeStyle)
Quality of life in Portugal is amongst the best the world, according to Natwest... ... more

Eurostar makes French market a Euro-star - (LifeStyle)
Eurostar's improved service is already having an impact on the French property market... ... more

City fatcats and the 2nd home squeeze - (LifeStyle)
House prices in Second home hotspots are set to plummet over the next 12 months... ... more

FTB price blackout continues - (LifeStyle)
A year of negativity for FTBs is set to end in yet more despair, according to new figures... ... more

Sustainable homes milestone for Scotland - (LifeStyle)
Fully sustainablem zero carbon homes will come to Scotland in 2008... ... more

Eurostar commuters fuelling French property market - (LifeStyle)
The improved Eurostar service has already fuelled increased interest in buying properties in France, reports HiFX... ... more

First zero carbon homes to be built in Scotland - (LifeStyle)
Plans to build the first Scottish sustainable homes in zero carbon standard have been unveiled... ... more

Government ramps up funding for home adaptations - (LifeStyle)
Communities Minister Baroness Andrews yesterday announced the increases in the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) as part of a package of measures designed at helping people live independently in their own homes for longer... ... more

17.3 million unable to get on ladder - (LifeStyle)
According to new research from Abbey, 17.3 million adults are not currently able to get on the property ladder... ... more

The Cup runneth over for Brazils property market - (LifeStyle)
The outlook for Brazil's property market has been nothing but sunny for a few years now, but the news that the country has been named as the host nation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup will only serve to turn up the heat... ... more

Homeward bound - (LifeStyle)
Living close to our ?nearest and dearest' is becoming a top priority for house-hunters when searching for a new home, reveals Alliance & Leicester Mortgages' movingimproving index... ... more

Second home hotspots to feel the squeeze - (LifeStyle)
The squeeze on City bonuses has been predicted to affect house prices in the second home hotspots of the South West and East Anglia over the next 12 months... ... more

Tourists warned over hotel price rip-off - (LifeStyle)
Worldwide hotel prices are rocketing, according to a recent survey... ... more

Downsizing difficult for empty nesters - (LifeStyle)
Prospective empty nesters may not realise their downsizing dream for two big reasons... ... more

The myth of Wind Farm price erosion - (LifeStyle)
The perceived negative impact of wind farms on property prices may be a myth, say surveyors... ... more

Sydney The worlds favourite city brand - (LifeStyle)
Sydney is the strongest city brand, but London has the highest future potential... ... more

Portugal still a safe bet - (LifeStyle)
Portugal's property market has remained a stable and profitable investment in 2007... ... more

Fly-to-let investors bolt to Berlin - (LifeStyle)
Germany is achieving its goal of becoming one of 2007's hotspots for overseas investors... ... more

English Adventurers branching out - (LifeStyle)
Brits are becoming more adventurous when it comes to buying property a broad... ... more

Murcia vs. Aquitaine - (LifeStyle)
Despite competition from emerging markets, demand in Spain and France remains high... ... more

Boomers driving the US market - (LifeStyle)
US 'baby boomers' have a wide variety of future housing needs, according to a recent study... ... more

Brits plan to escape festive mania - (LifeStyle)
2.5 million Britons are set to flee the country this Christmas... ... more

Homeowners hail cheap airlines - (LifeStyle)
Low cost airlines are having a huge impact on property prices... ... more

Techno-homes to replace carers - (LifeStyle)
Smart-homes that look after people with serious health problems are set to become a reality... ... more

Brits escaping in record numbers - (LifeStyle)
The NAEA is advising homebuyers to think carefully when considering a move abroad... ... more

Investors skiing into Canada - (LifeStyle)
Buyers investing in ski property would do well to look across the Atlantic to Canada... ... more

Romanias little Paris excites investors - (LifeStyle)
The bustling city of Bucharest continues to attract overseas investors... ... more

Brits dabbling in the Dominican - (LifeStyle)
MRI Overseas Property has seen a leap in demand for overseas properties on the island... ... more

Crete Island of wonderful contrasts - (LifeStyle)
The island of Crete is known for its year round sun, unspoilt beaches and dramatic coastline... ... more

Desperately seeking the South-West - (LifeStyle)
The South West has received the biggest boost from internal migration over the past decade... ... more

Overpayment can relieve the burden - (LifeStyle)
Mortgage overpayments can help homeowners become mortgage free a lot sooner... ... more

Canadian resale activity easing - (LifeStyle)
After a record-breaking 2006, resale housing activity in Canada will ease in 2007... ... more

British tourists amongst worst in the world - (LifeStyle)
New research reveals extent of Brits' noisy habits and bad behaviour abroad... ... more

Government risks missing CO2 housing targets - (LifeStyle)
The Government is at risk of failing to meet CO2 targets on new housing, reports Jon Land in www.24dash.com... ... more

UK public still confident in housing market - (LifeStyle)
A recent BSA report into the UK public's attitudes towards home ownership reveals steadfast confidence in housing market... ... more

It takes two to get on the ladder... - (LifeStyle)
Today's generation of first time buyers realise that pooling funds is the most affordable way of getting on the housing ladder, reports Linden Homes... ... more

Mass confusion about retirement provision - (LifeStyle)
Less than half of people aged 50-66 know what their retirement income will be, reports Norwich Union... ... more

Property is no longer a mans world... - (LifeStyle)
New research by Bradford & Bingley has finally banished the stereotype that female property involvement only goes as far as choosing paint colours and soft furnishings... ... more

House prices drop for first time in 2 years - (LifeStyle)
House price growth turned negative in August as demand slowed sharply, reports the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors... ... more

Emigrating Brits wasting millions - (LifeStyle)
Britons moving abroad are wasting up to £900 million a year... ... more

To swap or not to swap - (LifeStyle)
A recent survey by propertyfinder.com reveals how house swapping is on the rise... ... more

Brits advised Do your homework - (LifeStyle)
Buying a new home can be a daunting experience, so a few tips won't go amiss... ... more

Turbine tax woe for eco-owners - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners who invest in green energy may find themselves paying for the privilege... ... more

Euro ski resorts under threat - (LifeStyle)
Climate change is threatening Europe's lucrative skiing trade... ... more

Montenegros amazing growth potential - (LifeStyle)
Experts have predicted that property prices in Montenegro will soar by 50% in the next year... ... more

Romania will rule Europe - (LifeStyle)
Romania is set to be Europe's number one investment destination over the next 10 years... ... more

Czech investors should get in now - (LifeStyle)
Huge VAT rises scheduled for 2008 will hit potential Czech Republic investors hard... ... more

Euro news fuels Cypriot property boom - (LifeStyle)
Increased interest in Cypriot property listed on TheMoveChannel.com has pushed the holiday hotspot up 3 places to break into the Top of the Props Top 5!... ... more

Higher interest rates putting a break on lending - (LifeStyle)
Consecutive interest rate rises are starting to have a slowing effect on consumer borrowing, the Building Society Association reports... ... more

Lack of buyers makes selling tricky - (LifeStyle)
People looking to sell their homes may have their work cut out, says National Homebuyers... ... more

UK missing out on £2.7 billion of pensions cash - (LifeStyle)
UK pensioners are collectively throwing away £2.7 billion through not claiming pension credits and making unnecessary tax payments, reports Unbiased.co.uk... ... more

Brits cashing in on overseas property boom - (LifeStyle)
The number of British holiday home owners downsizing or selling their place in the sun and repatriating money to the UK has doubled in the last year according to currency specialists HiFX... ... more

Women to be main earners in 25pc of households - (LifeStyle)
50 years from now large numbers of women will have taken over a traditional preserve of men by taking control of key financial household decisions, signals NS&I's (National Savings and Investments) Century of Saving report... ... more

Average house prices to pass £300k by 2012 - (LifeStyle)
The average house price will rise by 40 per cent over the next five years to reach £302,400 ? according to new research published this week by social housing pressure group the National Housing Federation... ... more

Greening new build around the world - (LifeStyle)
With the world feeling the effects of climate change, developers around the world are becoming ever more aware of the need reduce their carbon emissions... ... more

Clueless tenants in poisoning alert - (LifeStyle)
FireAngel is urging tentants to get wise to carbon monoxide poisoning... ... more

Banskos most exclusive development to date - (LifeStyle)
One of Bansko's only ski-in/ski-out developments, Pirin Springs offers a fantastic 6% rental guarantee for 2 years... ... more

Brit love affair with France continues - (LifeStyle)
The British love affair with France has been a long and prosperous one... ... more

Brits missing out on lofty prices - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners are failing to undertake work that adds the most value to their properties... ... more

For returns of up to 75pc look to the Caribbean... - (LifeStyle)
Port St George Investments Ltd is offering a unique and exciting opportunity to get involved in a new development in the Bahamas at the pre-planning stage... ... more

Spain top for food safety - (LifeStyle)
Spain is the safest country in Europe when it comes to food quality control, according to a company that specialises in food safety... ... more

Its grim down South - (LifeStyle)
A new survey has revealed that towns and cities in the South of England are the worst places for raising families... ... more

Rural demand outstrips supply - (LifeStyle)
The ratio between the number of applicants per available house in the British countryside is now reportedly 15 to one... ... more

Sofia can compete with top tourism destinations - (LifeStyle)
A tourism expert has said that Sofia can compete strongly with the most popular destinations for ''congress tourism'' reports the Focus News Agency... ... more

Interest in New Zealand reaches boiling point - (LifeStyle)
Interest in New Zealand from visitors to TheMoveChannel.com has really hotted up over the last month, bringing the country up from a simmering 19th position to the boil in 8th place in the Top of the Props chart. But what's all this heat about? ... more

Buyers crave escape to the country - (LifeStyle)
Research from Halifax Estate Agents has revealed that a breath of country air is by far the biggest draw for prospective property owners... ... more

Bratislava tourist bonanza - (LifeStyle)
Tourists in Slovakia increased by 4.5 percent to more than 3.5 million in 2006, reports the Slovak Spectator... ... more

Fiji hopes for imminent tourism boom - (LifeStyle)
... more

Europe tops quality of living poll - (LifeStyle)
The 2007 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey has revealed that Zurich again ranks as the world's top city... ... more

Parents join bank of son and daughter - (LifeStyle)
Many parents admit they have so little saved for that they may have to rely on their children for support during retirement... ... more

Cities down under best in the world - (LifeStyle)
Cities in New Zealand and Australia rank among the best in the world for quality of life, a new global survey has found... ... more

Cultural tourism booming in Italy - (LifeStyle)
... more

NZ becoming a pariah destination - (LifeStyle)
Rising environmental guilt could create a serious problem for New Zealand's $7 billion tourism industry, claims TVNZ... ... more

Pre-sale DIY a waste of time - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners planning to use the coming bank holiday weekend for home improvements to increase their chances of a good sale could be wasting time and money... ... more

Climate change warning for homeowners - (LifeStyle)
Allied Surveyors warns homeowners of the potential damage the changing climate could be doing to their home... ... more

Australian tourisms best kept secret - (LifeStyle)
The Northern Territory's Litchfield National Park has been voted Australia's best-kept tourist secret, reports Northern Territory News... ... more

Monarch smash Cyprus flights stranglehold - (LifeStyle)
Cyprus is set to benefit from intense competition between budget airlines... ... more

Getting hitched - think of the guests pockets - (LifeStyle)
Wedding guests spend £13.8 billion attending weddings; with just getting to the church alone costing more than £80 per person on average... ... more

PS3 empty boxes risk home security - (LifeStyle)
Leaving empty equipment boxes showing in the household rubbish is always an advertisement to thieves, but with PS3 so scarce it's a positive enticement... ... more

Study reveals UKs quirkiest house names - (LifeStyle)
Forget Dun Roamin, now we're Dun Tawkin, Dun Struglyn and Dun Servin... ... more

Tourists splash cash in India - (LifeStyle)
Tourists splash their cash more in India than in other popular destinations... ... more

Dont get piqued by perk-less plastic - (LifeStyle)
Over half of all credit card holders confess to perk-less plastic... ... more

Wind farm property price impact is a myth - (LifeStyle)
The perceived negative impact of wind farms on property prices may be a myth, say surveyors... ... more

Trips to the USA too much hassle for tourists - (LifeStyle)
The number of tourists visiting the USA from United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and France dropped 5% last year, a development that alarms the U.S. tourism industry... ... more

Tourism booming in Incredible India - (LifeStyle)
Thanks to successful government-backed efforts to promote the country to holidaymakers, tourism in India is booming like never before... ... more

Council tax is the hottest over dinner topic - (LifeStyle)
The subject of rising house prices subsides, as two-thirds of people ?chew the fat? over the cost of council tax with family & friends, says a report... ... more

Borrowers choosing rate hike strategy - (LifeStyle)
More borrowers are opting for long term security because they fear further interest rate rises... ... more

Mums the word when it comes to money - (LifeStyle)
One in five look to mum as their financial role model, according to Scottish Widows... ... more

The land of grand designers - (LifeStyle)
DIY disasters cost Britons over £ billion to fix each year, but 11 million of us have grand designs for our homes... ... more

Rural families exposed to Budgets time bomb - (LifeStyle)
The Budget failed to address an inheritance tax rural time bomb, particularly for rural families... ... more

Missed opportunity to help first time buyers - (LifeStyle)
Important issues such as a stamp duty and inheritance tax were skirted around by the Chancellor, said industry specialists venting their frustration that once again little appears to have been done to help first time buyers... ... more

The rise in gated community living in Sofia - (LifeStyle)
www.bulgariarevealed.com discuss the rise of the gated community in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia... ... more

Wrinklies driving home ownership growth - (LifeStyle)
New stats project single households as the major factor in household growth projections ? with increasing male life expectancy pushing the ageing population sector... ... more

Townhouse popularity spreading north - (LifeStyle)
The townhouse is now becoming more common across the UK and now makes up over 10% of the mix... ... more

5 sizzling hotspots for summer 2007 - (LifeStyle)
Rightmove Overseas explain their top five overseas property hotspot choices to look out for this summer... ... more

20000 the environmental cost of every home - (LifeStyle)
The hidden costs of environmental infrastructure could add £20 billion to plans for housing growth in England and Wales... ... more

You cut my house bills and Ill go greener - (LifeStyle)
Homebuyers are prepared to pay for greener homes, but want something in return... ... more

Housing market balanced on Banks next step - (LifeStyle)
Consumer confidence in the housing market is on the rise, according to a report today... ... more

Separate bedroom trend explained - (LifeStyle)
One in five Britons say they would choose to have a separate bedroom from their partner, but what drives the trend is not snoring as is often quoted... ... more

Shortage of dream homes - (LifeStyle)
Dream homes are pie in the sky for most home buyers... ... more

Interest in Brazil is going nuts - (LifeStyle)
Interest in Brazil from visitors to TheMoveChannel.com has been really hotting up since last November, bringing the Latin American giant to 8th position in this month's Top of the Props chart... ... more

Washing machines do most water damage to homes - (LifeStyle)
Millions of Britons suffer water damage to their homes every year and the biggest cause of all that hassle is the humble washing machine... ... more

Pension jargon is biggest excuse for delay - (LifeStyle)
The future is on hold for many Britons as they make some odd excuses for failing to plan for retirement... ... more

Seaside towns neglected by government - (LifeStyle)
Government policy is failing communities in coastal towns, an influential body of MPs has warned... ... more

Water levy on second homes call - (LifeStyle)
Holiday home-owners could see higher water charges if MPs and water chiefs agree... ... more

Green light for flat-pack housing estate - (LifeStyle)
Ikea gets planning permission for its first UK housing development... ... more

Mortgage payers get a further hold in rates - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee decided to freeze interest rates at 5.25% for a further month today... ... more

Where the rich live and how they got their money - (LifeStyle)
A new report shows where the rich live in the UK and predicts that Britain will have the highest concentration of high net worth households in the G7 within the next decade... ... more

Planners standing firm against on-shore wind - (LifeStyle)
Planners have been refusing on-shore wind turbine schemes and, according to the British Wind Energy Association, scuppering the UK's renewable energy target... ... more

When downsizing becomes a difficult decision - (LifeStyle)
Prospective empty nesters may not make the downsizing dream for two big reasons... ... more

Footloose Britons set to boost buy-to-let - (LifeStyle)
People seeking flexibility and mobility are set to help boost the buy-to-let market by 40% over the next ten years, a report claims... ... more

Law set to allow legal break-in to your home - (LifeStyle)
New laws will put debtors at greater risk from unscrupulous bailiffs, a consumer advice charity is warning... ... more

Pensions come before property - (LifeStyle)
Britons start their retirement planning younger than any nation in the world... ... more

Britons give away highest-ever tax mountain - (LifeStyle)
Some 82% of the adult population will pay £7.9 billion unnecessarily during 2007, according to an annual tax report... ... more

East End rivers get Olympic go for gold - (LifeStyle)
A new lock will open up waterways around the Olympic Park area to construction and passenger transport for the 2012 games... ... more

Green funding farce - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners looking to take advantage of the government's flagship green grant scheme had just 90 minutes to get their applications in yesterday before the month's green allocation turned into a dry well... ... more

Great sat-nav says Which but... - (LifeStyle)
Portable satellite navigation systems have been given the thumbs-up by Which? but police warn users to take care over rising car break-ins to steal the easily portable systems... ... more

World is not prepared for retirement - (LifeStyle)
Six in ten (60%) pre-retirees across the world are under prepared for the financial rigours of retirement, according to Aviva... ... more

Villagers loosing their banks get lifeline - (LifeStyle)
Remote ? and not so remote ? villages are getting a mobile banking service... ... more

Thailand property market overview - (LifeStyle)
The Thai property market continues to thrive with sophisticated destinations like Phuket leading the way... ... more

Crete sun shines on holiday homes investors - (LifeStyle)
For those looking for a holiday home away from the Costas, Crete is also fast becoming a good investment, reports the HomeBuyer Show... ... more

Years biggest property show this weekend - (LifeStyle)
With only three days to go until the launch of this year's Homebuyer Show (2-4 March) at ExCel London, the property industry is gearing up for a weekend of superb property deals, exciting investment opportunities and invaluable knowledge gathering... ... more

Migration explains house price performance - (LifeStyle)
It is migration, both from overseas and also from area to area, that controls the way house prices go up ? and the effect can be accurately measured... ... more

2.3 million properties now inside IHT band - (LifeStyle)
Average house prices in 236 postcode districts are now above the threshold for inheritance tax, a report has claimed... ... more

Young investors choose Spain for home in the sun - (LifeStyle)
Younger families are flocking to buy second homes in Spain, reports SmartNewHomes.com... ... more

Record returns expected in Egypt - (LifeStyle)
With over one million UK holidaymakers visiting in 2006 and property price rises already outstripping most emerging markets, experts are predicting that Egypt could offer one of the greatest overseas property investment returns currently available worldwide... ... more

The very best converted buildings wanted - (LifeStyle)
England and Wales's new rural buildings are to be entered in a contest to find the country's finest conversions and developments... ... more

First-time danger in pay-check promise - (LifeStyle)
First time buyers will rely on above inflation salary increases to hop onto property ladder, a survey reveals... ... more

Scaffolding and skips; meals sans chips - (LifeStyle)
The prominence of ethnic cuisine, traffic wardens and skips could decide where you choose to buy your next home... ... more

Property growth eases slightly in New Zealand - (LifeStyle)
January residential property statistics released last week by QV report 8.8% growth in national property values over the past year... ... more

Shared homes and now shared wheels - (LifeStyle)
Co-buying a home to live in is not the only way to save money. ?Green' youngsters are also co-buying wheels to save the planet... ... more

MPC were cool on rate increase - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 to keep UK interest rates on hold at 5.25% in February... ... more

Pet passport deadline looms - (LifeStyle)
Act this month if you are looking to take your pet away this summer says Halifax Pet Insurance... ... more

Homeowners think green with their wallets - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners have become green but only to save money ? not the planet... ... more

France has the worlds highest quality of life - (LifeStyle)
A new international study has concluded that France has the world's highest quality of life... ... more

5000 fine for home parking obstruction - (LifeStyle)
Tough new penalties for obstructing emergency workers could lead to wilful parking obstructions getting a £5,000 fine... ... more

Thatch cottage fire warning - (LifeStyle)
A mild winter ? so far ? means many thatched cottage owners have still to light their open fires, but danger could be lurking when they do... ... more

Plumbers declare war on rogue traders - (LifeStyle)
The plumbing and heating industry has started a war against rogue traders ? but it's up to us to fight their battles... ... more

Rate hike fear hits housing market confidence - (LifeStyle)
Fewer people expect house prices to rise now than in December and 85% of people said any downturn in property prices would be due to the succession of interest rate hikes... ... more

So how much will you be taxed on your view - (LifeStyle)
A homesearch company estimates how much extra your house is worth because of the view from your window... ... more

Homes dressed to... well arouse - (LifeStyle)
When it comes to choosing a partner, home appearances are everything... ... more

Britons are tops at looking after their homes - (LifeStyle)
House proud Britons outshine Europe, it seems, with refits and hygiene top on the list of British homeowners' desires... ... more

Mallorca to be hot in 2007 - (LifeStyle)
Mallorca looks set for great things this year after accounting for 80% of Spanish sales at UK giant Chesterton's in 2006... ... more

Has the Spanish coast had its day in the sun - (LifeStyle)
Brits and other overseas investors are moving away from the traditional Spanish coastal resorts and are looking to buy further inland, reports www.1casa.com... ... more

Pensioner ex-pats could be wasting £300 million - (LifeStyle)
British citizens living abroad could be wasting over £300 million a year when claiming their state pensions, HiFX has claimed... ... more

Rate rise knocked back first-time buyers - (LifeStyle)
First-time buyer levels fell from its peak after January's interest rate rise... ... more

Affordability slowed the mortgage market - (LifeStyle)
First-time buyers, stretched for affordability as income multiples reached a record high, slowed December's mortgage lending figures, CML has said... ... more

Mortgaged homeowners cut spending again - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners with mortgages have cut their spending on credit cards below the level of inflation whilst households without mortgages have continued to borrow... ... more

Paris is still the capital of love - (LifeStyle)
Paris is still considered the capital of love, according to a recent survey... ... more

Carbon footprints in the snow - (LifeStyle)
With the Met Office predicting further cold snaps for February and into March there is a good test you can do to find out if your home is energy efficient or not... ... more

Average property prices declining in Spain - (LifeStyle)
New data from Kyero.com reveals that the average property price in Spain dropped 1.6% in January 2007... ... more

Warning over cash-back phone offers - (LifeStyle)
Cash-back phones may be cash-back cons, warns Citizens Advice... ... more

Self-employed to lose out in retirement - (LifeStyle)
The majority of self-employed people are aged over 50, yet astonishingly many are not saving for retirement ? yet... ... more

Buyers prepared to pay more for green homes - (LifeStyle)
A Mori poll shows that consumer demand for environmentally-friendly homes is on the increase... ... more

Direct flights to boost Cape Verde market - (LifeStyle)
There will be direct flights from Europe to Praia's new international airport in March boosting Cape Verde's property market, reports Property Investor News... ... more

The door opens on Bucharest... - (LifeStyle)
Romania's membership of the EU on the 1st January 2007 has opened doors for investors who might previously have been shy of dealing with a non-member state, reports Romania Revealed... ... more

More Brits seek snow holidays - (LifeStyle)
On a day when the UK is covered in the stuff, the Ski Club of Great Britain reports a rise in the number of Brits seeking snow on their holidays... ... more

Mushrooms take the magic out of housing plan - (LifeStyle)
A plan for over 300 houses around disused reservoirs in Wales hit a setback when a judge declared that mushrooms were more important... ... more

Homeowners get big fuel bill cuts - (LifeStyle)
People waking up today to find it snowing will be warmed by the news that gas and electricity prices are at long last falling... ... more

Bank rates kept steady - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners' sighs of relief joined with that of economists' at the end of a week of speculation about a further rate increase this month... ... more

Cheaper to invest in flood prevention now - (LifeStyle)
Climate change will increase flood frequency and the Environment Agency is calling for preventative cash investment to save money in repairs... ... more

Zero-carbon communities challenge - (LifeStyle)
House builders have already had a zero-carbon homes challenge presented to them; now the government wants then to rise to a zero-carbon community challenge... ... more

Rural homes warning - (LifeStyle)
A strange alliance of pressure bodies has warned that future generations will not be able to afford to buy homes in the countryside unless the government takes action... ... more

Homeowners put all their eggs in one basket - (LifeStyle)
Nearly two-thirds of homeowners are putting themselves at financial risk by piling almost all their savings into one single asset - their house... ... more

Parents hesitate to redecorate after kids leave - (LifeStyle)
Parents redecorate only after they are sure kids have really flown the nest... ... more

The town where theres no shortage of homes - (LifeStyle)
Sheer numbers of new homes are forcing prices down, say estate agents in one North-east town... ... more

Potter potion to perform again - (LifeStyle)
Harry Potter and Beatrix Potter have more in common than the big screen and their names. Property prices soar in areas with the ?Potter effect', it seems... ... more

Homeowners uneasy as rate increase predicted - (LifeStyle)
A further rate increase is predicted for this week by a leading accountancy firm, but will the Bank do it twice in a row? ... more

Festival fun in Phuket - (LifeStyle)
The tropical island of Phuket is probably the second most popular holiday destination in Thailand and it's not very hard to see why... ... more

Newcastle 100 times noisier than Torquay - (LifeStyle)
The rush-hour noise level in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the highest in Britain and as loud as an alarm clock ringing in the ear, according to a university study... ... more

Buyers not superstitious - touch wood - (LifeStyle)
Many people will touch wood, not pass on the stairs or avoid walking under a ladder but when it comes to buying a home, buyers are not so superstitious it seems... ... more

Will Spain and Morocco get their own Chunnel - (LifeStyle)
The governments of Morocco and Spain are currently in talks about constructing an underwater tunnel to connect the two countries, reports Craig Whitlock of Washington Post Foreign Service... ... more

Third of over-50s planning to buy abroad - (LifeStyle)
A third of people aged over 50 are considering buying a holiday home abroad according to a report by over 50s specialists Saga... ... more

Good neighbours dominate UK communities - (LifeStyle)
A new survey reveals strong neighbour relations and a nation of proud homeowners... ... more

Sharp rise in repossessions set to moderate - (LifeStyle)
Arrears and repossessions figures show a rise for 2006. Arrears are likely to rise in 2007 before falling back again in 2008, while repossessions will continue to rise according to the CML... ... more

Showdown at laser pollution city - (LifeStyle)
Incredibly, given new regulations about light pollution, a government funded body has agreed to fund a laser light scheme set to despoil a National Park... ... more

700 first-time initiative homes unveiled - (LifeStyle)
The first homes in a scheme that enables first-time buyers to get a foot onto the property ladder by paying 50% of the price of a new property have been unveiled... ... more

New tax policy to affect tourists to Italy - (LifeStyle)
Italy is planning to allow its towns to tax tourists up to EURO 5 ($6.30; £3.40) per day, reports Jet-to-Let Magazine... ... more

Air Malta seeks a new generation of travellers - (LifeStyle)
Air Malta has launched a new campaign to enliven the image of historic Malta, and to increase the number of young Australian visitors to the tiny Mediterranean nation, located just south of Sicily... ... more

Double whammy for home wind turbine investors - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners who invest in green energy may find themselves paying for the privilege of helping the neighbourhood look green... ... more

VAT set to rise in Czech Republic in 2008 - (LifeStyle)
Foreign investors interested in buying property in the Czech Republic need to act soon if they are to avoid the large increase in VAT scheduled for the beginning of 2008, reports PropertySecrets.net... ... more

Slovakian market to boom in 2007 - (LifeStyle)
Slovakia's property market is set to boom in 2007, according to a leading industry analyst... ... more

Britons not switched on about switchover - (LifeStyle)
Awareness of the digital TV switchover is at an alarmingly low level with over 38 million consumers still living in blissful ignorance about what is happening... ... more

Overpayment can seriously improve your wealth - (LifeStyle)
Use your annual bonus to lower your mortgage but don't let early repayment charges become irksome... ... more

First-time buyers risking last-chance saloon - (LifeStyle)
First-time buyers are willing to take greater financial risks than ever, a survey by Yorkshire Bank suggests... ... more

Dreams of home ownership set to be shattered - (LifeStyle)
Many people have not moderated their aspirations in light of the house price boom and are unrealistic about their chances of success in getting on the property ladder... ... more

Golf in Portugal to get 50 million Euro investment - (LifeStyle)
Portuguese tourism officials have recently announced a 50 million investment in promoting golf throughout Portugal... ... more

Tax-efficient ways to give to loved ones - (LifeStyle)
Eleven ways to maximise the amount you can pass on to your nearest and dearest... ... more

Online banking gets thumbs up from mature users - (LifeStyle)
Internet banking is the preferred method of money management for the over 50s, says a new report... ... more

TV town homes give best performance - (LifeStyle)
Across or down, whichever way you look at it Oxford has had its fair share of house price inflation in the twenty years since Inspector Morse was first aired on TV... ... more

Investors to benefit from Cape Verde tourism boom - (LifeStyle)
A new survey published by Expedia lists Cape Verde as a top 10 holiday hotspot for 2007... ... more

Lack of London property drives city bonuses abroad - (LifeStyle)
Lack of property in London is forcing city workers to spending their bonuses further afield, reports the Homebuyer Show... ... more

Surplus public land data should be revealed - (LifeStyle)
The government should reveal how much surplus public land is available to provide more affordable homes, according to a planning campaign charity... ... more

Techno-home to look after people - (LifeStyle)
A smart-home that uses groundbreaking technology to look after people with dementia and other serious long-term health conditions goes on show today... ... more

Atlas expands into the Greek Islands - (LifeStyle)
Atlas International has expanded into the Greek Islands... ... more

After the storms come the rogue tradesmen - (LifeStyle)
Households that suffered damage to their homes following last week's storms are being warned to watch out for rogue tradesmen, the government announced today... ... more

Lifestyle preferences shape new home choices - (LifeStyle)
Cars and dining are northerners' choice while southerners prefer books and bedrooms... ... more

Elderly homeowners continue to get raw deal - (LifeStyle)
Home-related costs that pensioners consider ?essential' have risen far in excess of headline inflation... ... more

Fly-to-let buyers flocking to Berlin - (LifeStyle)
With its recovering economy, growing consumer and business confidence and strong rentals market, Germany is set to become one of 2007's property hotspots for overseas investors, MRI Overseas Property reports... ... more

Second lowest council tax rise predicted - (LifeStyle)
Average rises in council tax could be as low as 3.5%, a survey of councils shows. But the price will be cuts in services to Britain's aging population... ... more

Residents vote gas-guzzlers out - (LifeStyle)
The time has come, Lib Dems have said, to drive in other things... ... more

New-builds flourish north of the border - (LifeStyle)
Scotland is now ranked number three in new-build league table... ... more

NAEAs top tips for people moving abroad - (LifeStyle)
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is offering advice to homebuyers to ensure that dream of moving abroad doesn't turn into a nightmare... ... more

Some homes to get release from hosepipe ban - (LifeStyle)
After months of above average rainfall some water companies are lifting the hose-pipe ban which has affected some 13 million customers... ... more

Cyprus developing as property market stabilises - (LifeStyle)
Cyprus experts Principal International believe that after a winter cold snap, Cypriot property prices will really heat up this year... ... more

Stop identity theft from your old computer - (LifeStyle)
Up to one third of discarded computers could be used to steal the owners' identities... ... more

Energy giants see 50pc of consumers switch away - (LifeStyle)
Four million customers changed gas and electricity suppliers in the first ten months of 2006... ... more

First-time buyers shrug off affordability peak - (LifeStyle)
Affordability pressures for first-time buyers have reached their highest ever levels... ... more

Granada now most popular Spanish province - (LifeStyle)
Granada has beaten the traditional Spanish favourites of Alicante and Malaga into the top slot as most popular province with property investors in 2006, reports Kyero.com in their 2006 Spanish Property Review... ... more

Montenegro prices to rise 50pc in next year - (LifeStyle)
Experts at the Homebuyer Show have predicted that property prices in Montenegro will soar by over 50% in the coming year... ... more

French property market growth moves west - (LifeStyle)
French property investors are being lured away from France's long-standing southern property hotspots to the west where property is more affordable and growth is strong, reports Assetz... ... more

Australias West Coast in property boom - (LifeStyle)
The city of Perth on Australia's west coast is enjoying a massive property boom, reports Principal International... ... more

UKs household balance sheet is in good shape - (LifeStyle)
The total value of UK housing stock has risen to £3.8 trillion, well ahead of the £1.1 trillion mortgage debt... ... more

Investing in Morocco - (LifeStyle)
Paul Staines, Director of Saffron Villas speaks with Adam Samuel of Nubricks.com to give his insider information on purchasing property in Morocco... ... more

Concern grows as British pets become overweight - (LifeStyle)
As vets find over a third of British pets are overweight, surgeries set up special weight-loss clinics... ... more

All change on interior decoration - (LifeStyle)
Comfort is back on the interior design agenda as homeowners wave goodbye to minimalism... ... more

Double dip for consumer confidence - (LifeStyle)
Consumer confidence was positive on house prices ? at least, until yesterday... ... more

European ski resorts threatened by climate change - (LifeStyle)
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has warned that climate change is threatening Europe's skiing trade... ... more

New budget flights to Larnaca from March 2007 - (LifeStyle)
Budget operator Monarch Airways has announced that it will begin scheduled flights from Luton to Cyprus from March, reports InvestinCyprus.com... ... more

Golf goes global - (LifeStyle)
To meet the demand for residential properties in golf resorts overseas, Golf Homes Worldwide is launching the first exhibition dedicated to overseas golf property in March 2007... ... more

Home workers are happy folks - (LifeStyle)
Home workers have higher levels of health, wealth and happiness, according to a new study... ... more

Home buying accessibility worsens - (LifeStyle)
Accessibility worsened for home buyers last year and is now as weak as the levels experienced in 1980... ... more

Bank of England makes surprise rate rise move - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee today took a surprise move today and increased the bank rate to 5.25%... ... more

Interest in North African tourist hotspots soars - (LifeStyle)
Egypt and Morocco enjoyed a surge in interest from visitors to property website TheMoveChannel.com in December, as both countries stormed into the Top of the Props Top 10 for the first time... ... more

Jamie cant fix it for women - (LifeStyle)
Jamie Oliver may have helped, but women still shoulder the responsibility for cooking and food shopping for their partner and family, suggests new research... ... more

Plymouths Berlin Wall tumbles - (LifeStyle)
The first section of a three-metre high security wall that has divided Plymouth's Devonport community for over 50 years has been breeched opening a temporary vista through to Cornwall... ... more

Stamp duty slowing home movers - (LifeStyle)
Although 70% would rather move than improve their current property, stamp duty is stopping people from moving... ... more

Renting in retirement gains momentum - (LifeStyle)
Renting property in retirement on an assured tenancy basis is gathering momentum, increasing by 40% last year... ... more

Skiers flock to Bulgaria as snow fails in Alps - (LifeStyle)
Thousands of skiers and snowboarders are changing their holiday plans and visiting the resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo in Bulgaria this season due to poor snowfall in the traditional Alpine resorts, reports www.jet2letproperty.com... ... more

Canada ripe for investment - (LifeStyle)
With almost 10% growth in 2006 and a budding rental market, Canada is ripe for investment, claims Assetz... ... more

Low cost airlines boost house prices by 39pc - (LifeStyle)
There is a price and rental premium for properties located near airports served by low cost airlines according to the results of a landmark survey carried out by Savills Research with www.Holiday-Rentals.co.uk... ... more

Live-for-today Britons look to start saving - (LifeStyle)
30% of us failed to save a penny last year ? but one in eight is planning on 2007 being their savings revival year... ... more

Buyers confident for 2007 property market - (LifeStyle)
The general public is even more positive about the market than some of the UK's top housing experts are, according to a new survey... ... more

Britons head for Bulgaria - (LifeStyle)
As Britain braces itself for the expected influx of Bulgarians following EU accession this month, a significant number from the UK are heading the other way, according to Quest Bulgaria... ... more

Property Frontiers 2007 hotspots - (LifeStyle)
Property Frontiers give their tips on new property markets to look out for... ... more

UK holiday destinations get boost - (LifeStyle)
Internet booked holidays of 7 days or more will have the UK as the main destination, a new report shows... ... more

Whats in your New Year home-makeover list - (LifeStyle)
Home makeovers will be all the rage in 2007, but what did you choose? ... more

Mainstream society households getting greener - (LifeStyle)
Concerns about the environment have become part of mainstream society, according to researchers Mintel... ... more

South West sees top inter-region house-moving - (LifeStyle)
The South West had the biggest boost from internal migration over the past decade, according to figures compiled by Halifax... ... more

Alternative buyers drive the housing market - (LifeStyle)
No longer is Mr & Mrs average with 2.4 children driving the housing market it seems... ... more

Tips for doing your homework before buying - (LifeStyle)
Buying a new home can be a daunting experience and never more so than when you are moving to an unfamiliar area, so a few tips won't go amiss... ... more

Africa has fastest tourism growth - (LifeStyle)
In 2006, Africa will be for the second consecutive year the fastest-growing region in international tourist arrivals, confirms the World Tourism Organization... ... more

BoE minutes give little away about future hike - (LifeStyle)
All nine members of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep the interest rate on hold at 5% this month, but their differing views don't give any clues for future movements... ... more

Under-30s to struggle with bills this winter - (LifeStyle)
Winter bills may spell trouble for young Britons... ... more

Cut my tax to go green - (LifeStyle)
Half of all British consumers think it would be too expensive to make their homes energy efficient, but a growing number say they would go green if they were offered financial incentives.., ... more

Bonus expectations push enquiries - (LifeStyle)
Forecasts of 18% higher bonuses have already pushed property enquiries by 20%... ... more

Rental ROI in Cyprus is 6.3 survey reveals - (LifeStyle)
With Cyprus earmarked as one of the investment hotspots for 2007, leading ?for rent by owner' holiday home site, www.holiday-rentals.co.uk surveyed its owners in order to quantify the actual rental return on investment potential buyers can expect... ... more

Green light for power station sized wind farm - (LifeStyle)
The world's biggest wind farm with 341 turbines in 144 sq miles has been given the go-ahead by Whitehall... ... more

Still a castle but just one occupant - (LifeStyle)
In 20 years time, the number of single person households will increase by over 50% as disintegration of the nuclear family will proliferate in the UK... ... more

Brits top for time off - (LifeStyle)
The Brits are no slouches when it comes to taking an extended break during the Christmas holiday season, a TripAdvisor survey has found... ... more

Dont get into festive swag mood - (LifeStyle)
Burglars just love the festive season, with New Year's Eve running as top spot in a spell of quick gains that starts now... ... more

House-swapping undraped - (LifeStyle)
House swapping is mildly popular and may become more so as the home-swapping film 'The Holiday' gets around but is the trend just a homely holiday or a residential road-test? ... more

Buyers give frosty reception to lit-up facades - (LifeStyle)
Christmas lights are bad news for buyers, whether they are on the house being sold or the one next door... ... more

Thousands of cancer patients lose their homes - (LifeStyle)
First, your main thing is to survive. Then as you start to recover, you encounter all these money problems. ?You feel like you are being punished. It's harder than all the other stuff you have to go through...? ... more

Public under-informed about housing market - (LifeStyle)
A new poll reveals the house buying public are unaware of basic facts about the buying and selling process... ... more

Ofcom moves on broadband home moving issues - (LifeStyle)
New rules from Ofcom will compel broadband suppliers to help people switch between providers and resolve home moving issues... ... more

Nearly one in ten Brits live abroad - (LifeStyle)
More than 198,000 British nationals moved overseas last year, bringing the total number of Brits abroad to more than 5.5 million, according to new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research, published this week... ... more

Identity fraud takes four million victims - (LifeStyle)
In seven years identity fraud has increased by 500% and now more than four million people in Britain have now fallen victim to it. ... more

Home rubbish charge is unstoppable juggernaut - (LifeStyle)
The unstoppable juggernaut that is ?pay-as-you-throw' is slowly accelerating down the waste highway... ... more

Working families break into renting - (LifeStyle)
Family renters are back in fashion ? and it's no surprise, points out the author of a top-selling buy-to-let book... ... more

Harsh weather for windscreens and credit cards - (LifeStyle)
You're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't when it comes to getting the car defrosted in the morning... ... more

UK set to be super millionaire land - (LifeStyle)
UK growth, that outstrips any other G7 economy, will give Britain the highest concentration of ?million dollar' households in the world within the next ten years... ... more

Ensure your finances add up this Christmas - (LifeStyle)
Yorkshire Bank's six top tips to ensure your finances add up this Christmas... ... more

Up-market flats limit student choice - (LifeStyle)
Private suppliers of student accommodation may ultimately be restricting the choice of university for some students... ... more

Popularapproval for endowment claims firms - (LifeStyle)
Consumers like to use mortgage endowment claim-handling firms, despite a lack of evidence as to the benefits and poor service among some firms, research shows... ... more

Cost of living outstrips pensioners incomes - (LifeStyle)
Pensioners' disposable incomes are being squeezed as household bills rise at a faster rate than pensions... ... more

Bank holds interest rate at 5pc - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England's Monetary policy Committee held the interest rate at 5% today... ... more

Your dream home may remain just that a dream - (LifeStyle)
One in five Britons don't ever expect to live in their dream home... ... more

Notorious bandits DNA sought - (LifeStyle)
Centuries ago, the western end of the border between Scotland and England was a turbulent and lawless place and many lives were lost. Now researchers are asking for people with ?Border Reiver' surnames to uphold their family honour in an entirely new way... ... more

No evidence of problem for interest-only users - (LifeStyle)
Widespread concern that homebuyers taking interest-only mortgages have built in no plans for repaying the capital is unfounded, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders... ... more

Study reveals best way to release home equity - (LifeStyle)
Research reveals the cost of using your home to provide extra income in retirement... ... more

Overseas property ownership jumps 45pc - (LifeStyle)
Over the last two years the number of overseas property owners has increased by a staggering 45%, with 250,000 more households now owning an overseas property than in June 2004... ... more

Female breadwinners fight financial friction - (LifeStyle)
Women are now the main breadwinners in one in five relationships ? and it's causing arguments across the nation, a survey suggests... ... more

The most common UK poison is in your home today - (LifeStyle)
The most common UK poison is in your home today and could be in your body by tonight... ... more

Invention puts hydrogen economy one step closer - (LifeStyle)
A UK invention that releases trapped hydrogen at the flick of a switch promises to help make hydrogen power a viable clean technology for the future... ... more

Buyers scared off by unfriendly neighbours - (LifeStyle)
All the effort homeowners go to in order to sell their home could be for nothing if it's actually the neighbours that are putting prospective buyers off... ... more

Post offices vital to urban communities too - (LifeStyle)
The vital role played by post offices in deprived urban areas has been overlooked, according to research... ... more

Kingston is bicycle crime capital - (LifeStyle)
Bike thieves are riding off with £113 million worth of bicycles a year, according to new figures that show the country's bike theft hot spots... ... more

Locals help developer towards national award - (LifeStyle)
Local enthusiasm for a new development in Devon helps a short-listing for prestigious national award... ... more

Flat-mate mortgages offered - (LifeStyle)
Renting a spare room to a friend is a popular way for first-time buyers to get a helping hand with their mortgage repayments. Now mortgage lenders are offering larger loans to people willing to share their property with flat-mates... ... more

Number of Brits owning property abroad trebles - (LifeStyle)
The number of UK households owning property overseas has trebled in the last ten years, reports Grant Thornton... ... more

Thousands more in IHT trap - (LifeStyle)
The last budget's IHT threshold increase had no impact, a new report shows; in fact the situation has worsened... ... more

No excuse for council tax hikes slated - (LifeStyle)
Local government minister Phil Woolas has said there was ?no excuse for excessive council tax increases next year,' but Tories say the average council tax bill will soon reach £1,500... ... more

Property prices push first-time buyers abroad - (LifeStyle)
3.8 million first time buyers would consider buying abroad just to get onto the property ladder, according to the new research from MRI Overseas Property... ... more

Record number of Britons on Christmas escape - (LifeStyle)
A record level of 2.5 million Britons will flee the country this Christmas in an effort to avoid cooking, cold weather and not-so-great escape movies... ... more

Bank of Mum and Dad set to hang up closed sign - (LifeStyle)
The next generation of parents have entirely different views from those currently funding deposits for first homes... ... more

Tornado wrecks homes in Welsh village - (LifeStyle)
A welsh village suffered extensive property damage early this morning following a ?tornado' warning for the south west part of England... ... more

Britains soaring property millionaires - (LifeStyle)
The number of property millionaires in the UK has increased by a third in a year, research from the Portman Building Society shows... ... more

Why the housing market will not crash - (LifeStyle)
A fundamental issue stops the house price bubble from bursting, according to an economic forecasting body... ... more

Reverse empty-nesting on the rise - (LifeStyle)
Parents are increasingly taking up residence in their grown-up children's homes, research shows... ... more

Enlightening the way to buying a lighthouse - (LifeStyle)
If you are considering buying an unusual property, or one that needs renovation, think carefully about getting advice first... ... more

Most equity withdrawal went to home improvement - (LifeStyle)
Some 650,000 homeowners withdrew equity from their properties over the last three years, and most made use of the cash for home improvement... ... more

Moving Get your broadband sorted early - (LifeStyle)
Another thing to think about before moving home ? your broadband supplier may require advance warning... ... more

Armchair booze-cruisers back on the water - (LifeStyle)
Britain's booze-cruise army are back on the water today as the EU court decides the tax man really needs all the help he can get... ... more

Nimby attitude to recoil on parents - (LifeStyle)
Parents could find themselves under increasing pressure to help their children onto the property ladder if opposition to new house building continues... ... more

Booze-cruise in the comfort of your own home - (LifeStyle)
An impending tax ruling could see booze-cruisers sailing into uncharted territory... ... more

Unrealistic house prices to tumble - (LifeStyle)
The house market is to burst within two years, according to a former adviser to Gordon Brown... ... more

Compulsory water meters one step closer - (LifeStyle)
The government is going for early consultation on proposals to clear the way for water companies to force householders to buy water meters... ... more

Careful planning can save 114000 in IH tax - (LifeStyle)
By putting the correct legal documents in place, up to £114,000 in potential inheritance tax can be saved... ... more

Housing market confidence slips - (LifeStyle)
Ignoring London and the South East, average house prices are barely rising faster than earnings, leading to a slip in market confidence... ... more

Bound-to-fail planning application encouraged - (LifeStyle)
A council that gave outline planning permission for a large house between two listed buildings in a national park has been ordered to pay compensation... ... more

Spa towns price premium quantified - (LifeStyle)
Halifax have put a price on the premium people are prepared to pay for the relative peace and quiet of some of Britain's spar town properties... ... more

Women have an eye for your arrears - (LifeStyle)
The contents remaining in your wallet are the key to attracting the fairer sex, it seems... ... more

Rising rate era heralds offset mortgage deals - (LifeStyle)
Offset mortgage benefits increase in appeal for homeowners as threat of further rate rises combine with end of fixed rate deals for many... ... more

Edinburgh homeowners to get wind turbine right - (LifeStyle)
Green city planners are set to remove the planning permission requirement for home wind turbines in Edinburgh... ... more

Solicitors findings vital on Hips dry run - (LifeStyle)
The Law Society commits to the Hips roll out and warns it is vital solicitors take part... ... more

Young becoming richer faster - (LifeStyle)
A new record for wealth-holding will soon be breached with the young becoming richer faster than ever before... ... more

Our bedrooms are most undervalued - (LifeStyle)
Britons are in the dark over the value of their home contents, and strangely, people most undervalue their things in areas where burglary is highest... ... more

Lifestyle makeovers driven by syndrome - (LifeStyle)
The emotional impact of grown-up children leaving the family home leads many parents to weird new pastimes ? like re-styling the home... ... more

Those things that go bump on your house price - (LifeStyle)
A phone mast or railway line nearby could reduce the price of your house by 5% but when it comes to run-down land it could make a difference of 20%... ... more

Bringing up a child costs more than a house - (LifeStyle)
Worse ? it's going up. The cost of a raising a child is increasing faster than property prices... ... more

Subsidence risk for half Britains homes - (LifeStyle)
Half of Britain's homes are built in mining subsidence risk areas or on poor soils, so check carefully before you buy, says a land information service... ... more

Homemakers reject high-priced south - (LifeStyle)
Escalating house prices are pushing purchasers looking for brand new homes out of the south and into the north... ... more

Millions of hours gazing at homes abroad - (LifeStyle)
British holidaymakers have spent almost 22 million hours gazing into foreign estate agent windows in search of the perfect property in the past two summers, according to new research... ... more

Deterring burglars in the winter months - (LifeStyle)
Securing your home needn't cost the earth and will be most rewarding, both in peace of mind and insurance wise... ... more

How flexible is your new home to be - (LifeStyle)
Traditional building methods offer a chance to change your mind about room sizes... ... more

Squeals of mortgage hardship unfounded - (LifeStyle)
Research undertaken in anticipation of yesterday's interest rate increase shows a disproportionate number of people believe the hike will seriously hit their finances... ... more

Parking charges to rocket garaged homes prices - (LifeStyle)
Home with garages could see a price rise of up to 20% if gas-guzzling parking charges get the go-ahead... ... more

Bank rate rises to 5pc - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners are glum but savers happier after today's increase in interest rates by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee... ... more

Italy introduces yet more taxes - (LifeStyle)
Italian Prime Minister Romani Prodi has reintroduced succession tax and altered the tax rules for gifts, reports The Italian magazine... ... more

Student living pods for London - (LifeStyle)
Science fiction style living accommodation for students is being developed at a site in King's Cross... ... more

The ever flexible property ladder - (LifeStyle)
The property ladder stretches as you climb, making the second step harder than the first... ... more

Savings figures indicate a lean Christmas - (LifeStyle)
UK savings levels have fallen by a fifth over the last few months and unless we've been squirreling away presents instead of money were in for a lean Christmas... ... more

IHT will soon hit the average homeowner - (LifeStyle)
Inheritance tax will soon touch most homes with savings, according to a ?shocking? report from a building society... ... more

Homeowners trade down to enjoy life - (LifeStyle)
People are increasingly choosing to downsize their property in retirement to take advantage of the equity built-up in their homes, but a new report reveals it's not always for the reasons you'd expect... ... more

The home improvement divide - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners and estate agents disagree on what constitutes good value in home improvements... ... more

Double whammy on bonfire night bash - (LifeStyle)
Remember, remember the fifth of November - Worst night of the year for household burglaries... ... more

NAEA house market sensitive to rate rise - (LifeStyle)
Another rate rise could slow the market, says the National Association of Estate Agents as MPC is tipped to increase rates next week... ... more

The dark side of home security - (LifeStyle)
Winter darkness sees a rise of forced entry burglaries of 21% - one every sixty seconds, says Halifax. But adding simple security measures can make a big difference... ... more

Liverpool regeneration project stopped again - (LifeStyle)
No sooner than the bulldozers were ready to bull their way into Liverpool's Edge Lane this week, then another shot from angry resident Elizabeth Pascoe put them into doze-mode again... ... more

Partner or house Partner or tradesmen - (LifeStyle)
Bricks and mortar pull more strings than a romantic relationship with a partner, shows a survey. But even more interestingly, one in five homeowners place more value on a good relationship with a tradesman than they do their partner... ... more

Estate agents to help in charity downsizing - (LifeStyle)
Moving house is a time when people clear out their belongings, and estate agents are ideally placed to recommend a charity ready to welcome them... ... more

Protect your home from ghoulish pranksters - (LifeStyle)
Halloween tricksters cause record amounts of damage to homes. An insurance company recommends has a few tips to reduce your exposure... ... more

Slacking over white goods decisions - (LifeStyle)
We take less care over white goods and expensive items like cars than we do over handbags and gadgets... ... more

Liverpools Edge Lane project starts - (LifeStyle)
Demolition starts today on the Edge Lane West area of Liverpool paving the way for new homes and regeneration of the area... ... more

New house price index hits the market - (LifeStyle)
The birth of the first official, independent house price index is announced... ... more

North-south first-time-buyer stamp duty divide - (LifeStyle)
Huge regional differences in the number of first-time buyers paying stamp duty have been revealed by the Council of Mortgage Lenders... ... more

100000 extra homes in 45 towns and cities - (LifeStyle)
Towns and cities across England will be expanded to host thousands of new homes and jobs under £40m start up funding... ... more

Buyers do want Hips vote shows - (LifeStyle)
Proponents and opposition to home information packs voted unanimously to preferring to buy a home with a pack... ... more

Time of year to beware of the silent killer - (LifeStyle)
The Health and Safety Executive has issued a warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning as the cold weather approaches... ... more

Parking charges to rise for gas-guzzling cars - (LifeStyle)
The cost of parking permits could be linked to car emissions under plans being considered in one of the country's most affluent areas... ... more

London house price timebomb warning - (LifeStyle)
The average house price in London is due to rocket to almost £400,000 by 2011... ... more

Tranquillity map released - (LifeStyle)
Tranquillity is one of the most sought after, hard to pin down ingredients of a good quality of life. A new map shows where we will (and won't) find it... ... more

Property investment confidence stays high - (LifeStyle)
Property is still the most popular investment vehicle a new report shows... ... more

Private renting is growing in popularity - (LifeStyle)
Along with dozens of other housing related facts, the Department for Communities and Local Government's Housing in England report says private renting is growing in popularity... ... more

Fresh groundwater under increasing threat - (LifeStyle)
Groundwater the hidden resource which provides clean, fresh water for many of our homes is under increasing threat from pollution... ... more

First-time nerve or nerves - (LifeStyle)
First-time buyers are increasingly relying on their parents to help them fund a deposit on a property purchase, a survey suggests. But once they have a deposit ? what about a home? ... more

Room for growth of shared equity HomeBuy - (LifeStyle)
A new report finds that the new Open Market HomeBuy scheme is currently limited by its small scale, but has potential for enlargement... ... more

The accidental landlord revealed - (LifeStyle)
Almost a half of all landlords did not intend to let out their first rental property when the first bought it... ... more

Allotments make a comeback - (LifeStyle)
Allotments are attracting families keen to keep their children healthy and also help the environment... ... more

The rise and rise of the townhouse - (LifeStyle)
People are raising the townhouse to fashionable status again. With modern building designs producing relatively lower prices and increased floor space, they are attracting ever increasing numbers... ... more

Rate rise closes in as Banks MPC disagree - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England was split over this month's decision to keep interest rates on hold, giving further weight to economist's November hike prediction... ... more

Divorcees carry debt burden into retirement - (LifeStyle)
Divorced people have fewer assets in terms of savings or owning their own homes and the debt burden can carry over into retirement, according to a new study by Alliance & Leicester... ... more

Hips inspector certification scheme approved - (LifeStyle)
The first home inspector certification scheme is approved by government... ... more

Private schooling further out of reach - (LifeStyle)
IT professionals, architects, scientists, police officers, engineers and tax advisors are among the many occupations of people who can no longer afford to send their children to private schools... ... more

Ever considered buying a holiday cave - (LifeStyle)
Well, strange as it may sound, "casas-cuevas" are already a very popular option with overseas buyers looking to purchase their first holiday property in Spain... ... more

Electronics lead the UK home shopping list - (LifeStyle)
Electronics dominates the interior look of the modern home... ... more

First-time buyers in worsening struggle - (LifeStyle)
Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show how rising house prices have squeezed the finances of new buyers... ... more

Young too busy for DIY but dad can do it - (LifeStyle)
Are we building a don't do it yourself generation? Halifax asks after a survey shows many children are asking parents to help out with property DIY ... ... more

Homebuyer confidence remains strong - (LifeStyle)
August's interest rate hike is not deterring people from moving house but they are looking to protect themselves from further rate rises... ... more

9m Brits want to leave the UK permanently - (LifeStyle)
As the summer draws to a close and holiday-makers return to British soil, a recent survey commissioned by NatWest International reveals that nine million Brits intend to escape the UK permanently; sadly, one in eight of us admit we don't really enjoy our UK lifestyles... ... more

DIY suffers after pangs of jealousy - (LifeStyle)
In the wake of the Wold Cup, homeowners are moving from DIY to keeping up with the Jones'... ... more

Frothy temptations in the housing market - (LifeStyle)
Calling the housing market ?frothy', the charity Credit Action warns that in their eagerness to buy properties, people may be committing to more than they can afford... ... more

Graduate first-time buyer plight - (LifeStyle)
Graduates are downbeat about the property market, with one in ten believing they will never be able to buy a house... ... more

Coastal populations on flood alert - (LifeStyle)
Emergency planning teams are on full alert for the highest tides in 20 years... ... more

Big brother motor insurance takes off - (LifeStyle)
A car-tracking system that monitors when and where you drive to provide pay-as-you--drive motor insurance has been trialled since 2004 ? now it's taking to the road... ... more

Local authorities should offer equity release - (LifeStyle)
Many homeowners could stay longer in their own homes if they could draw down on their equity to make improvements, but older people need help to deal with the difficult arrangements... ... more

BoE maintains interest rates at 4.75pc - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee today voted to maintain the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves at 4.75%... ... more

Hosepipe ban lifted but drought risk remains - (LifeStyle)
Drought eases, but is not over, said the Environment Agency, as Folkestone and Dover Water lifts hosepipe ban... ... more

The never-ending mortgage trap - (LifeStyle)
Many UK property owners run the risk of falling into a "never-ending" mortgage pattern, according to new industry figures... ... more

Call for government to fix rural PO threat - (LifeStyle)
One-stop rural access to life services are under threat, says a charity calling on the government to rescue rural post offices... ... more

A shocking way to put out a home fire - (LifeStyle)
Almost one and a half million UK adults would risk electrocution by putting an electrical fire out with water. And that's not all... ... more

Homes boost as new key worker scheme launched - (LifeStyle)
Extra help for up to 20,000 key workers looking to get on the property ladder is on offer from today... ... more

Foreigners key for Spanish market - (LifeStyle)
According to www.spainrei.com, more than 13% of the homes sold in Spain within the first quarter of the year were acquired by non-Spaniards... ... more

London to get new parkland - (LifeStyle)
A new conservation park that will double the size of Hampstead Heath is to be created... ... more

Mortgage debt will lead to longer working - (LifeStyle)
More than a third of homeowners will work into retirement to pay off their mortgages, according to a survey... ... more

Landowners advised over land registration - (LifeStyle)
With 50% of UK land unregistered, there's sure to be more problems with establishing ownership as time passes... ... more

Bulgaria offers the good life - (LifeStyle)
Bulgaria offers fresh hope to Britons priced out of the UK property market... ... more

Credit card rates rise after bad debt ruling - (LifeStyle)
Many credit card firms have increased their interest rates in the last three months to offset enforced cuts in their default fees, a report shows... ... more

Homeowners set for compulsory MPPI burden - (LifeStyle)
Leaked government plans for making MPPI policies compulsory is potentially disastrous for consumers, argues Moneynet... ... more

Apartment buyers see security as tops - (LifeStyle)
A survey shows apartment buyers are looking for security as top of their wish list... ... more

November rate rise says RICS - (LifeStyle)
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has predicted a solid economy will lead to another rate rise in November... ... more

Help as soon as you arrive on French soil - (LifeStyle)
Those first few days in your new country can be exciting but frustrating all at once. A new company can help with finding anything from groceries to gardeners... ... more

Cats bred to reduce allergy go on sale - (LifeStyle)
The world's first specially-bred hypoallergenic cats have gone on sale in the United States... ... more

DIY project planning advice offered - (LifeStyle)
From sprucing up your home to planning a home extension, Halifax's new DIY website has something to offer... ... more

Home demolition compensation gap of 35000 - (LifeStyle)
There is an average gap of £35,000 between the cost of buying a new home and compensation received by homeowners in the government's housing market renewal areas... ... more

Keeping cool cost a hot lot this summer - (LifeStyle)
Overheated Britons spent an estimated 5 billion pounds trying to keep cool, according to a survey... ... more

Estate agents say buyers demand amenities - (LifeStyle)
Community spirit is bottom of the list of attractive items when considering an area to buy a home.... ... more

Greener homes could get mortgage incentives - (LifeStyle)
Government plans could mean environmentally friendly folk could get incentives such as cash from power companies and incentives in the form of green mortgages... ... more

Remember remember the 30th of September - (LifeStyle)
Remember to file by 30th September... if you want the Taxman to do the sums... ... more

Homeowners face increasing difficulties - (LifeStyle)
A plethora of problems are facing families and young people today, a report out today reveals... ... more

Land released for thousands of homes inside M25 - (LifeStyle)
A reorganisation of defence facilities in Greater London will see brownfield land released for redevelopment... ... more

Private pension payouts tumble - (LifeStyle)
Payouts from private policies have roughly halved in the past ten years, financial data firm Moneyfacts said... ... more

Second-hand electrical items safety warning - (LifeStyle)
Buyers and sellers to take more care when trading electrical items, as over 2,500 Britons are killed or injured each year by electrical fires... ... more

Armed Forces to get help with home ownership - (LifeStyle)
Armed forces personnel will for the first time receive help to buy their own home, according to a government announcement... ... more

Financial comparison websites warning - (LifeStyle)
Using some financial comparison websites can potentially damage your credit rating... ... more

Bigger bills for households on standby - (LifeStyle)
Our love of gadgets and high technology appliances means millions of homes in Britain have turned into electricity-guzzling units... ... more

Home workers may now print their own stamps - (LifeStyle)
Home workers, small businesses and auction website sellers are among the many set to benefit from a new scheme from the Royal Mail... ... more

Young are tomorrows failing home buyers - (LifeStyle)
The young are set for increasing pressure from rising debt and low earnings growth and will face extreme difficulty in entering the housing market... ... more

1000s unnecessarily facing boiler breakdown - (LifeStyle)
You don't have to pay a fortune to avoid the big chill as boilers break down this winter... ... more

Todays retirees plan to spend the inheritance - (LifeStyle)
Spending the inheritance: The average Briton will use the family home to fund retirement to the tune of £112,000... ... more

Experimental green Fenland homes project starts - (LifeStyle)
Work has begun on an experimental housing project that aims to measure the total environmental impact, both during and after building... ... more

Are UK homes becoming more affordable - (LifeStyle)
According to Home.co.uk's asking price index the ?average property' is 15% more affordable for the ?average buyer' than it was two years ago... ... more

Bulgarian holiday give-away - (LifeStyle)
A property developer, is planning to give away free holidays from its exhibition stand at A Place in The Sun Live at the NEC, Birmingham... ... more

Swindon sisters take IHT battle to Strasbourg - (LifeStyle)
Two elderly sisters who live near Swindon are taking the government to the European courts in a bid to overturn inheritance tax laws... ... more

Tighter rules on cheques paid to banks - (LifeStyle)
People writing out cheques to banks or building societies will need to add further details from next month... ... more

Brits suffer 9 billion holiday hangover - (LifeStyle)
Post-holiday Brits are being urged to take immediate action to avoid overpaying on the £9bn they borrowed to fund this year's summer breaks... ... more

Then there were four or not - (LifeStyle)
Experts express concern over unstable households as desperate first-time buyers join forces to buy a property together... ... more

Saving for a divorce - (LifeStyle)
Paranoia or prudence? Savvy savers are stashing the cash in case of unexpected emergency... ... more

Hidden house chain breakers revealed - (LifeStyle)
No matter how good the deal on a property might be - some things are just a no-go when discovered... ... more

Does Christmas drive couples crackers - (LifeStyle)
It may seem a rather unseasonable story - but if Christmas usually brings a parcel of problems then now may be the time to take action... ... more

Mortgage-to-pay ratio leaps again - (LifeStyle)
Mortgage costs as a percentage of take home pay soars to a new level... ... more

BoE holds off from interest rate rise - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England held off from an interest rate rise this morning, but experts believe the next increase is only a short time off... ... more

Find your own new home snags - (LifeStyle)
A new version of a snagging checklist has just been released allowing new homebuyers to desnag a property for themselves... ... more

Tradespeople botched 8bn worth of home jobs - (LifeStyle)
British homeowners waste over £8 billion on sub-standard jobs, says a new report... ... more

Expectations of house price rises moderate - (LifeStyle)
Expectations of future house price rises moderate as consumer confidence plummets to lowest value in two and a half years... ... more

Bed tax back in bed with local councils - (LifeStyle)
Local councils are backing a controversial bed tax despite vigorous opposition from the hospitality industry, which forecasts a drop in tourism revenues by about ₤550m a year... ... more

Overseas retirees see more of their family - (LifeStyle)
Couples who invest their savings in overseas property may be miles away, but they actually get to spend more quality time with their families, according to new research by over 50s holiday operator Saga... ... more

Women admit to secret cash stash - (LifeStyle)
Secret savings give UK women the upper hand, according to Scottish Widows... ... more

Clampdown on Ayia Napa antics - (LifeStyle)
With Cypriot authorities clamping down on loud music and typical '18-30s' antics, Ayia Napa is fast becoming an upmarket holiday destination and a serious hotspot for property investors, says Assetz... ... more

Nude Britannia - (LifeStyle)
84% of Brits would buy a home next door to naturists, reports Propertyfinder.com... ... more

Pay-as-you-throw scheme proposed - (LifeStyle)
A report due to be published this autumn will recommend that local authorities are given powers to charge a ?pay-as-you-throw' fee for collecting un-recyclable rubbish... ... more

Rome voted favourite city break destination - (LifeStyle)
A survey carried out by leading holiday home rental website, Holiday-Rentals.co.uk, has revealed that Rome is still firm favourite for city breaks this year... ... more

Norwich gets UKs largest free wireless network - (LifeStyle)
Norfolk Open Link, the largest community wireless broadband network in the UK, went live in Norwich this month... ... more

Young families suffer property shortage - (LifeStyle)
An acute shortage of new family homes continues to blight young families, reports SmartNewHomes.com... ... more

Interest soaring in Portugal and Cape Verde - (LifeStyle)
HiFX, the currency specialist, report that the number of people buying in Cape Verde has doubled since March while traditionalists are seeking out property in Portugal... ... more

Warning over bogus parcel scam - (LifeStyle)
Homeowners are being lured into a bogus parcel scam which could net the fraudsters involved thousands of pounds... ... more

London transport voted best but overpriced - (LifeStyle)
A poll of TripAdvisor's travellers has voted London as having both the best and the most overpriced system of public transport in the world... ... more

Victorian villa voted most popular - (LifeStyle)
Victorian and Georgian architecture is found the most popular with homebuyers... ... more

Neighbour relations drop to new low - (LifeStyle)
?Sorry to bother you, but can I borrow a cup of sugar please?? Sadly this is seldom heard in the UK any more... ... more

Energy hikes have spurred home improvements - (LifeStyle)
Faced with soaring gas and electricity prices, over one quarter of people have carried out energy and fuel saving home improvements over the last year, according to new research... ... more

10 top tips for buying property in Greece - (LifeStyle)
Claire May of R & C Property Management Services offers her 10 top tips for buying property in Greece... ... more

Pets more precious than people - (LifeStyle)
Almost a quarter of self-employed people have pet insurance but fewer than one in ten have income protection... ... more

Bumper house buying bank holiday beckons - (LifeStyle)
A bumper weekend for property sellers, buyers and estate agents is in store this Bank holiday... ... more

Idle money now makes for hardship later - (LifeStyle)
One in 10 still stash money under the mattress or in a jar rather than have a savings account... ... more

South West housing crisis set to worsen - (LifeStyle)
The South West is a beautiful place, one that vast numbers of people want to enjoy. But the housing crisis is a key concern for many people and agencies in the region... ... more

Storm flood risk populations named by experts - (LifeStyle)
Hull, Portsmouth and the Thames Gateway have been named as areas at high risk of a catastrophic storm flood... ... more

Back to school budget blow-out - (LifeStyle)
UK parents can expect to fork out a staggering £11.8 billion just in the 2006/7 school year on the everyday costs associated with their kids' education... ... more

Are stretched first-time buyers misskimping - (LifeStyle)
Nearly half of first-time buyers are financially overstretched, according to research by the Post Office Financial Services... ... more

Quick-fix DIY improvements wont do anymore - (LifeStyle)
New research reveals that using image to sell could soon cost homeowners dearly... ... more

Investors overlooking residential markets overseas - (LifeStyle)
According to research from Assetz, most British investors are missing a trick by focusing solely on holiday lets when buying overseas, as letting to the local residential market can generate much more reliable returns for a lot less work... ... more

Households prove traffic reduction scheme works - (LifeStyle)
?Easy' household choices have reduced car trips by a substantial 13% in a scheme trialled by transport charity Sustrans... ... more

Rising housing costs drive pensioner inflation - (LifeStyle)
Over the past year, pensioner inflation was 3.9%, the highest rate in a decade, said Clerical Medical... ... more

Men homebuyers secure better deals than women - (LifeStyle)
British men show their true alpha male colours when buying a home, according to new research... ... more

House building starts fall - (LifeStyle)
Housing starts are down, but the trend continues upwards according to DCLG report... ... more

UK is still most desired holiday home location - (LifeStyle)
Nearly a third of all British holiday homeowners have a property in their native country a survey reveals... ... more

Bank holiday traffic-beating options - (LifeStyle)
Take part in the alternative Tour of Britain this Bank holiday... ... more

Fund-pooling first-timers on the rise - (LifeStyle)
Housebuilder reports 25% increase in the number of friends becoming joint property owners in a bid to get on the ladder... ... more

Camerons new-look right-to-buy plan - (LifeStyle)
Tenants would be able to convert rent payments into mortgage instalments under a Conservative plan to expand home ownership... ... more

Buying a property abroad could save you money - (LifeStyle)
It could work out as more cost effective to purchase your own holiday home abroad than to repeatedly book your annual holiday accommodation in your favourite location through a travel agent... ... more

Drought wildlife toll - (LifeStyle)
Ponds and rivers are drying up, fish becoming stranded and algal blooms rife according to the Environment Agency, who said we are suffering the worst drought for many years... ... more

Holiday home rental stats reveal growth trends - (LifeStyle)
Statistics from a holiday home rental firm reveal both where property owners are looking to let and also where holiday makers are looking to rent... ... more

Students clued up over university debt - (LifeStyle)
Part-time jobs, parental help and concerned awareness have all helped students tackle average debts of £13,252, a survey of graduates showed... ... more

BoE rates committee were firm about hike - (LifeStyle)
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee were resolved about raising interest rates, voting 6 to 1 for the 0.25% hike earlier this month... ... more

Student handouts fuel second property market - (LifeStyle)
Homes purchased by parents to house their children while they are at university are fuelling the second home market... ... more

Investing outclasses student renting - (LifeStyle)
High capital growth and rental yields are possible by investing in student property, with the midlands yielding highest rewards... ... more

Education costs raises personal borrowing - (LifeStyle)
In the last year, the number of applications for personal loans to cover school fees has risen by 38%... ... more

Brits fail to realise foreign retirement dreams - (LifeStyle)
New research by engage Mutual Assurance shows that despite dreaming of foreign adventures, in reality, few pensioners ever fulfil their retirement aspirations... ... more

Recycling rewards work - (LifeStyle)
Prizes such as cash, cars and holidays have helped to encourage