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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2020

COOK THE ULTIMATE XMAS DINNER OUR TOP RECIPES TO IMPRESS THIS YEAR TOP INTERIOR DESIGN THE TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR NEXT YEAR

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU KICK OFF 2021 WITH A NEW MINDSET

MUST SEE XMAS TV OUR GUIDE TO WHATâ€™S ON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

XMAS GIFT GUIDE WHAT ARE THE HOTTEST GIFTS THIS XMAS

CONTENTS COVER STORY

Great Christmas recipes Our guide to some special festive recipes to impress your guests

PROPERTY

Interior design trends Inspiration for new designs for your living space

News Our latest mortgage news. Plus meet the team!

LIFESTYLE

Christmas gift guide Alternative gift ideas for your nearest and dearest

The Ultimate New Years Eve Despite the restrictions this year, you can still bring in 2021 with a bang!

New Year. New You The perfect time to action positive change and start afresh

A guide to Christmas TV Here are our top picks for Christmas day viewing

Garden jobs for the winter Now is the time to lay the groundwork for the spring

Darts Championship preview A look ahead to what the Darts tournament has to offer

WELCOME TO THE DECEMBER ISSUE!

he property market is thriving with a second surge during lockdown 2.0 and house prices increasing to record levels. This is all good news coming into 2021.

Rounding this all off we have a preview of the Darts World Championships, a guide to the hottest interior design trends for 2021 and jobs for your garden over the winter period.

In this month’s magazine, we are getting all festive with some great features including a fabulous gift guide as well as some mouthwatering recipes for the big day, and of course, your guide to the must-see Christmas TV this year.

Please note, we are doing our best to be accurate, but in these strange times, all dates and availability may change, however, were correct at the time of writing.

However, it’s not all about Christmas. New year’s eve may look a little different this year, so we have a feature about how to throw the ultimate New year’s eve party at home and ideas for this year’s New Year’s resolutions.

PROPERTY NEWS

ith the new year coming up, it might be time to start thinking of new designs for your living space, so here we are with some inspiration to set you on your way.

BIOPHILIC DESIGN

SPORT

With lockdown, interior design has been a focus this year for lots of people

So get cosy with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, put on a festive movie and relax with us. Till next time. Jonathan Wheatley Editor

(Biophilia (meaning love of nature) focuses on human’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes.) It was a trend once, and has become a trend once more. It fell out of fashion briefly in the 90’s, but now it’s back, greener than ever. Perhaps this year’s pandemic has opened our eyes to the simpler things in life, and nature, with lots of us spending much more time in our gardens than previously. A biophilic design combines nature with architecture as a way to improve our health, psyche and overall ecosystem. We think the next decade will see a growth in reclaimed wood, hanging plants, green walls and large green installations. Not only do they bring colour and vibrancy to a home, they also freshen the air, filter out pollutants and release oxygen.

INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

FOR THE NEW YEAR DISTANT SHORES

Distant shores is a trend which evokes images of the laid-back lifestyle of Hawaii and tropical getaways everywhere. Offering a calm and relaxing living space to make a home a safe and inviting place to recharge, this design offers a contemporary edge to a classic floral design, featuring tropical brights, subtle monotones and soft lemons.

A biophilic design combines nature with architecture as a way to improve our health, psyche and overall ecosystem

OCEAN HUES

Aqua and inky blues offers a calm and contemporary look, capturing relaxing pool sides and beach getaways, aqua and inky blues offer a calm, contemporary look. It’s one which reflects a shift towards tranquil yet modern interiors with a colour known for its association with peace, calm and comfort. Following the pandemic’s lockdowns, the peaceful design of ocean blues, which varies from deep inky tones to soft aquas, will perfectly encapsulate the peace and calm we all need in our homes today.

A KITCHEN’S INVISIBLE HANDLES

In modern times, kitchens, perhaps more than any other room in a home, has taken a noticeable and significant evolutionary journey. Invisible hardware, in many cases, has replaced handles and pulls on drawers and cabinets (especially the oversized ones). Ranging from push latches, a mechanical or magnetic device installed inside the cabinet allowing you to open the cabinet by pushing the door, to integrated handles where you can pull drawers thanks to inwardly bevelled

edges, and more simple solutions such as hidden pulls affixed to the top edge of each door so that just a sliver juts out. The objective is to have a minimal space with a seamless and sleek look.

GLOBAL INFLUENCE

This is a trend which is inspired by earthy color palettes and warm, natural textures, pairing perfectly with wooden, woven and rattan home accessories. Influenced

ARTS AND CRAFTS

It’s an idea many have indulged in this year particularly, in many cases for the first time, being a new-found love and a concept fit for interior design. Embracing the iconic 19th century movement, born out of the industrial revolution, the arts and crafts designs aim to reform how things were made and reverse the damaging effects of machine-dominated production, increasing the value of hand-made, decorative pieces.

CLASSIC TRADITIONALISM

This design incorporates classic art, antiques and pieces with history, bringing a sense of harmony and order to any living space. The soft furnishings, embracing ornate scrolls, courtly stripes and classic damasks, all work toward the idea of symmetry, thus contrasting other bolder, more graphic geometrics. Those with an appetite for history will love the idea of this design.

VINTAGE

Moving forward in time slightly, and we have the vintage design. Antique, repurposed, salvaged and retro pieces all have their place in a vintage scheme. The key is to use strong colours but also a less-is-more approach, resulting in a vibrant, cohesive aesthetic. Contrast is also a defining feature to this design. Luxe elements such as rich fabrics and statement lighting go a long way to creating a modern note.

by wildlife and African plains, its bold, safari feel offers itself as a key trend for the season across both interiors and fashion. Warmer tones are now often being favoured over cooler greys – a key interior trend that can be easily translated into the home.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PAST, PRESENTS AND FUTURE After a miserable year it’s time to spread a little goodwill and cheer with your nearest and dearest, but will a bottled gold nest-egg be top of your shopping list?

magine waking on Christmas morning to discover an inspired Santa has left a bottle of Macallan 18-year-old single malt whisky instead of the usual socks and smellies. Imagine looking at the box, mentally savouring that perfectly-balanced amber nectar which has been matured over several years in both European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks to deliver a sweeter taste and character. Imagine the soft clink of ice cubes, the wonderful sensation as the liquid gold rolls across your palate and caresses your tonsils. Imagine all that … as that’s all you’re going to do. Imagine. Because if you’re shrewd, that box is going straight in the cupboard, unopened, hopefully to be joined annually by a few more to form a collection which could prove to be a nice little earner. Whisky, you see, is a hot little investment, particularly the Macallan, widely regarded

PROPERTY NEWS

as the Rolls Royce of single malts. Hang on to them long enough and they will turbo-charge your pension pot. Still sceptical? Well, a single bottle, bottled in 1983 after a 17-year maturation period in a sherry cask, can change hands for more than £6,000, while earlier this year a man who had been given a bottle by his father every year since his birth sold the lot for

£44,000 and used it as a deposit for his first house. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. In turbulent times, investors have turned to their own ‘safe havens’ to protect their wealth, gold being the obvious favourite. However, Scotland’s own golden export has been outperforming the precious metal, classic cars, coins and even jewellery with experts pointing to a staggering 582per cent growth in the market over the last 10 years. But if your patience threshold is lower than interest rates, then hanging around for Santa’s benevolence to pay dividends just isn’t going to do the business. So, with that in mind … Instead of whisky, perhaps you’re a Bacardi and Coke type, in which case Saint Nick could do you a massive favour and leave the Bacardi Mixing Console, a retro-looking piece from famed designer Hugh Miller and the makers of the world-renowned white rum to create a piece of furniture – think 1970s-style radiogram combining a high-spec audio turntable and cocktail bar for the ultimate in cool mixing. At £1,700, however, it’s going to put a massive dent in the Christmas budget. Or if bubbles are your thing, Fortnum & Mason offer a personalised bottle of Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The Champagne, from the Grand Cru region of Chouilly, come with a personalised message as well as a label bearing the name of a brand synonymous with luxury, so it’s a snip at £44.50.

Well, a single bottle, bottled in 1983 after a 17-year maturation period in a sherry cask, can change hands for more than £6,000,

Alternatively, another of our national retail treasures, Selfridges, have a limited-edition personalised tin for their tempting bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial Rose NV Champagne for a mere £58.99.

However, what better way to sum up this pandemic-blighted year than a personalised face mask (£14)? As we’ve spent most of this year with the lower halves of our faces covered, why not go one step further and have a mask complete with a portrait of your loved one? At least people will remember what they look like when out and about.

All this alcohol could produce the mother of all hangovers so what better way to help ease you into a new day than with a SMEG Espresso coffee machine, a fashionable high-tech addition to grace any kitchen. There’s one issue and it’s not the £320 price tag – it’s pink. Experience days have become quite fashionable in recent years. Expected to be popular this year are a Champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz – (£72.50), a Dark Sky Stargazing Experience in Wales (£50) at the Brecon Beacons Observatory – obviously when Covid restrictions allow – and a landscape photography day (£135). However, the last one might prove expensive as you obviously can’t go without a new camera, such as the latest Panasonic Lumix G100 Vlogging Camera, which is designed to make creating content on the go fairly straightforward. It takes normal pictures too. As for the unusual, how about a molecular gastronomy kit to bring out their inner Heston Blumenthal for £44.95, or Aesop’s Gouttes anti-odeur de merde – that’s post-poo drops for the non-Gallic – which is a scent created to refresh a bathroom. At £20, a perfect solution for those fond of sprouts.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THROWING THE ULTIMATE

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY ...FOR YOURSELVES T

his winter is going to be rather different to the ones we have come to expect, as New Year celebrations will have to be restricted in several ways. So if you’re only able to celebrate within your personal bubbles, or even with just your own household, and you don’t want the celebrations to fall flat, here’s some ways that you can still bring in 2021 with a bang.

GO HOMEMADE

For large parts of this year, life has been far from normal. From homeschooling, to organising Zoom calls, 2020 has forced us to find new ways to entertain ourselves. So why not carry this theme into the new year, and create your own perfect, personalised party? For starters, consider your drinks options. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a party, and not being too keen on the liquid refreshment options. So this year, choose to spice things up, by creating your own cocktails. BBC Good Food offers an extensive list of easy-to-make cocktail recipes which you can try your hand at. Or if you want to avoid the extra costs, input the ingredients you already have in your cupboards, into ‘makemeacocktail.com’, and find out which drinks you can already make without having to shop any further!

PROPERTY NEWS

CUSTOMISE YOUR FOOD Something else which you can take control of this year, is the food on offer. The Christmas season is always a great opportunity to stock your fridges and freezers full of sweet and savoury goodies, so why not go to your supermarket of choice, and indulge in a selection of canapes, to really class up your evening?

If you want to go even further, why not get your party food ‘made to order’ by the supermarket so you can design your perfect menu and really be the talk of the town. Or, if you’d rather keep your spending to a limit, then why not check out ‘deliciousmagazine.com’, for their list of Christmas leftover recipes, so you can make the most out of what’s left in your fridge, whilst still creating mouth-watering dishes.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY

DON’T FORGET THE DECOR Something that’s great about going to a fancy do, is being able to marvel at the decoration. So what’s stopping you from creating your own unique party theme from your own home? For example, if you’re someone who prefers to keep their Christmas decorations up until after New Year, why not match your colour schemes and grab some disposable plates and cups which compliment your Christmas ornaments? And of course, this comes with the added benefit of creating less washing up! And if you want to look like a real pro, and you were, as already mentioned, to make your own cocktails, then why not go the whole hog, and serve them in appropriate cocktail glasses? With Christmas coming just days before, cocktail glasses could be a very useful gift when December 31st arrives....

Although it’s been a tough year, one of the great things to have come out of it is the discovery of ways to speak to family and friends virtually. And this could be a real help for New Year’s Eve. Back in the summer, the nation became hooked on quizzing as a way to entertain itself. So why not bring in 2021 with a huge family and friends quiz, all organised by

virtual communication? Pick your favourite rounds, write your own questions, and let the family go head to head to see who is the smartest, once and for all! And the magic of video calling doesn’t just limit you to quizzing. Head over to ‘marieclaire.com’ to discover what other party games they recommend for your virtual call!

MAKE MEMORIES OF YOUR PERSONALISED PARTY! If you do decide to create your very own New Year’s Eve night, and you can’t quite think how to top it off, then look no further than creating memories. Start with designing a 2020 music playlist, and re-listen to all the great tunes which have been released this year. And in order to complete your party, adorn your home with 2021 bunting, and go a step further, by treating yourself to a New Year themed giant photo frame! Get dressed up, grab a drink, and capture all the memories from the night that New Year was celebrated rather differently.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Our gorgeous guide to some special Christmas recipes that will get your guests excited this festive season

375g pack ready-rolled puff pastry Â˝ small garlic clove 1 beaten egg, to glaze 400g high-quality sausagemeat 150g cranberry sauce 1 x pack sage & onion stuffing mix 50g sesame seeds

XMAS TIP: Cook the sausagemeat in the oven alongside your Turkey for fabulous sausagemeat stuffing for the main meal

1tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp chutney (ideally caramelised onion, or a cranberry variety) 4 parsnips 4 carrots 200g sprouts 2 red onions 2 bay leaves A handful of both Rosemary and Thyme (or whatever herbs you used for the main dish) 1tbsp honey

PROPERTY NEWS

TIS THE SEASONâ€Ś CRANBERRY AND SAGE SAUSAGE ROLLS These flavourful treats are perfect to have on the side throughout the holiday season. Boil the kettle and make the stuffing as per the instructions. Meanwhile, while the stuffing is cooling, finely chop the onion, and in a large bowl add the sausagemeat, chopped garlic and 100g of the cranberry sauce. Once the stuffing has cooled, add it to the mixture, and with your hands, knead and mix together until fully mixed. On a floured side, roll out the puff pastry into a 5mm thick, long rectangle. Preheat the over to 220c Spread the remaining cranberry sauce along the middle of the pastry, in rows, leaving space to seal, then scoop the sausagemeat mixture along the rows. Fold the pastry over and seal before cutting into whatever size sausage rolls you require. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle over the sesame seeds, before making small slashes across the tops with a sharp knife. Place on a baking tray with baking paper and cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.

CHRISTMAS DAY VEGGIE TRAYBAKE Preheat the oven to 210c and mix the oil and chutney together in a roasting tin and season well. Trim and halve the sprouts, cut the onions into wedges, and cut the parsnips and carrots into chunky pieces. Put the veg in a large roasting tin before pouring the olive oil and chutney mix over, then put in the oven for 25 mins. Remove the tin and add the herbs, give it a toss and put back in the oven for 30 mins more, until the veg are soft. Finally, remove the tin and pour the honey over all the veg before returning to the oven for 5 more mins. Once ready, serve immediately.

XMAS TIP: For a meaty option, add chipolatas wrapped in streak bacon to the tin after the first 25 mins.

TO EAT

1kg Maris Piper, Desiree red potatoes or homegrown potatoes A handful of fresh thyme A handful of fresh rosemary 50 ml sunflower oil 2 tsp plain flour Rock salt (not finely ground)

MERRY

ULTIMATE ROAST POTATOES Forego the oven-ready roasts, and goose-fat, for these super-easy, yet incredible roast potatoes from scratch. Preheat the oven to 210c and put a large roasting tin in the oven. Peel the potatoes and chop into even-sized pieces approximately 5cm. Put the peeled potatoes in a saucepan and pour over cold water until they are just covered. Add plenty of rock salt and then wait for the water to boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add the sunflower oil to the hot roasting tin and put back in the oven. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then pour back into the pan before, using the colander as a lid, giving them a vigorous shake to bash and fluff up the outsides. Sprinkle with the plain flour and give another shake until they are evenly coated. Carefully pour the potatoes into the hot fat, tear up the thyme and rosemary and sprinkle over the potatoes before turning them so they are all covered. Finally,

XMAS TIP: You can use other herb combinations depending on what meal you are having, for example, sage with beef, or oregano and basil with chicken

sprinkle some more rock salt over the potatoes before putting them in the oven. Roast for 15 mins before removing from the oven and turning them, then after another 15 minutes do this again. Now leave them for approximately 10-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Serve straight away once they are ready.

Images for illustrative purposes only

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

NEW YEAR The New Year will be just that – new. Like no other. So it’s the perfect time to action positive change and start afresh following a restraining and contemplative 2020.

NEW YOU

his year has been a true shock to the system. A positively unique year through which we have been forced to re-evaluate the way we consider another person’s wellbeing, respecting each other like never before, collectively as a nation. It has changed the way we see life and the way we make our choices. Much more calculated and considered they are now, which we have made and continue to make both in a pre-meditated sense and a real-world one. Throughout our lockdowns, many of us have had the time to think and reflect like never before, and slow down and attain a new focus on the things that matter most. So, what are you going to change when the New Year comes about?

When it was made illegal to advertise tobacco on television in 1965, the conversation has been well-lit ever since, and in 2005 we finally saw a complete ban on all forms of tobacco advertising. It wasn’t until 2006, though, that the UK began initiating bans on all smoking within enclosed public spaces. With our ample opportunity for static reflection this year, particularly on our health, quitting smoking is as important as it was 15 years ago, if not more so. Cancer is still a very real threat. Shown from studies carried out in 2015, smoking accounts for 51.5% of cancer deaths in men and 44.5% of cancer deaths in women. Tips for kicking the habit: nicotine replacement therapy; identify and then train yourself to avoid the triggers; exercise more.

PROPERTY NEWS

Obesity is still a big, big issue in our nation, and it’s getting bigger still. As of August last year, the Health Survey for England estimated that 28.7% of adults in England are obese and a further 35.6% are overweight but not obese. Throughout our lockdowns in the UK there is no doubt those rates have increased, with the catalysts of laziness and the new-found desire to order food online. Planning out a diet doesn’t have to be depressing. There are some very tasty and nutritious meals you can make with chicken or fish, with vegetables, rice and various other tasty supplements. A sauce to drizzle over the top can go a long way. Everything in moderation, but be firm with yourself. Join the gym. Attending the gym may take a very different form in the New Year, but that shouldn’t stop you integrating yourself back into society and getting a much-needed sweat on. Home cooking has cooked up a serious flame throughout our lockdowns, a notable and encouraging flambé of newfound enthusiasm and passion for gastronomy, and it’s a 2020 habit which should go on being preserved. Learn some new recipes and try your hand at some different cuisines. Perhaps try making sushi if you haven’t already! Start a food blog. A YouTube channel would be great, but a written blog online with photos can be just as good. Also there are plenty of free blog sites to create an account with, including Blogger, Ghost and WordPress. Reorganize and equip your kitchen so you can homecook more regularly.

The pandemic has clearly changed us as a people, largely for the better, so it’s the perfect time for a spiritual reawakening. Yes, that’s right – a spiritual reawakening. S’nothing wrong with getting spiritual sometimes, and in this digital age of immediacy, in which the ever-growing governance of technology puts everything at our fingertips, encouraging us to, frankly, be lazy and void of thought as we sit down to another reality television show… it’s an idea to recognize as something more than a mere eccentricity. Multiple studies have shown that yoga reduces stress, depression and anxiety. It’s probably why 37% of yoga enthusiasts have children who also enjoy practicing. Reading fiction refreshes the mind, sweeps you away into another world, and wakes up your imagination to realize your dreams. Yes, really. We should all do it daily. You can always be kinder and extend more respect to your fellow man or woman, and the rewards of doing so are infinite. Also, it’s time to start socially integrating again (albeit at a free and peaceful pace). So here are some ideas for clubs you could join in 2021 (government regulations permitting). Sport club. Sewing club. Book club. Fight class. Yoga class.

Film club. Photography club. Art club. Dance club. Gardening club.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

2021 PDC WORLD DARTS

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

The Darts competition starts this month at the famous Alexandra Palace

ome associate the Christmas period with family time. Others think of more religious connotations. And some look forward to the festive period because it signals the beginning of the World Darts Championship. So as we near the festive period, let’s look ahead to what the biggest tournament in Darts has to offer.

WHAT ARE THE DETAILS?

This year’s competition, which sees the world’s best players all take to the oche, kicks off on December 18th. As has been the case since 2008, the tournament will be hosted at the world famous Alexandra Palace, London. Something that will look very different this year though, will be watching this lively event without the usual swathes of fans turning up in fancy dress attire, and singing throughout. Due to the ongoing pandemic, crowds returning to the darts is not yet possible. But this doesn’t mean that spectators cannot view every single minute of the event, live from your sofa. Although the information has not officially been released, we expect Sky Sports to broadcast every game from the competition via its own dedicated channel, as it has done for a number of years. And if you’re not a Sky customer, you can still keep up to date with what’s happening by signing up to a PDC membership.

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WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?

The past year has seen an emergence of a new wave of dartists, which has blown this year’s Championship wide open. Only a short time ago, Glen Durrant lifted the Premier League trophy, in only his first year on the PDC, so his confidence will be high coming into this tournament. Likewise, Nathan Aspinall has enjoyed a surge in his success, finishing as runnerup in the Premier League, as well as reaching the semi-final stage in both of his only World Championship appearances so far. So don’t be surprised if he were to go a couple better this year. Elsewhere, last year’s Champion Peter Wright will be a firm favourite, as he followed up his first tournament win in 2020, with two other PDC Major titles, most recently in November. And if you’re looking for a dark horse, Gerwyn Price has put together a fine run of firm of late. The controversial Welshman reached the semifinal stage of this tournament last year, and has since won the World Grand Prix this year, so he could be one to take the trophy.

The tournament kicks-off on the 18th December and runs through to the 4th of January

YOUR GUIDE TO

CHRISTMAS TV W

Settle down with our top picks for this festive period’s mustwatch TV

hen it comes to Christmas day, once the dinner is finished, attention usually turns to gathering round the telly and discovering what festive specials are on offer. So here are our top picks for Christmas day viewing.

DOCTOR WHO

The Doctor Who Christmas special has been an institution of the Christmas day schedule ever since its revival in 2005. And it will be back once again, with Jodie Whittaker to star alongside regulars Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill, and Tosin Cole. And if fans of the show weren’t excited enough already, this festive instalment will feature the Doctor’s most feared enemy, the Daleks. It has not been confirmed when this sci-fi hit will air, during the day, but it is rumoured that viewers will be able to see their favourite timelord in an early evening time slot.

CELEBRITY MASTERCHEF

Another show which will be on our TVs at Christmas, is BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef. Again, we are not sure as to when this will be aired over the period, but reports suggest that this episode will be a special all-star cast of previous contestants. Rumours hint that Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood will be in the kitchen, alongside TV personalities Rylan Clark-Neal and Janet Street-Porter, all battling it out to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

CALL THE MIDWIFE

Back in March, filming for Call the Midwife was halted, but thankfully, the Christmas special will go ahead this year! This episode, set in 1965, will include all of our favourite nurses, including those portrayed by Jenny Agutter and Linda Bassett, to name a couple. It has also

been announced that Doctor Who legend Peter Davidson will guest star as a circus ringmaster, who proves to be a big hit in Poplar. The air time has not been confirmed by BBC1, but we expect this widelyanticipated drama to be one of the highlights of the day.

GHOSTS

The hit comedy, which has aired two seasons, will provide us with a Christmas special, ahead of its confirmed third series. The show, which has proved popular since its first broadcast, follows a cashstrapped couple, who inherit a country home, only to have to deal with its numerous ghosts. It is unclear when, during the Christmas period, the special will be released, but we can expect all of the usual shenanigans from its core cast, which includes Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

The Doctor Who Christmas special has been an institution of the Christmas day schedule ever since its revival in 2005

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SHARPEN UP

FOR SPRING T

he days may be short but the ‘to do’ list remains long. December can be a quiet month in the garden as far as routine work is concerned, so now is the time to lay the groundwork for the spring.

now your manicured green sward is largely dormant - unless we have a temperate winter - it is time to get blades sharpened and, particularly if you have a petrol model, thoroughly serviced and the oil changed.

In that respect, the most important thing you should do is to make sure any pruning is completed early in the month, providing the opportunity to make the most of miserable, gloomy dank days to take up residence in the shed to clean, grease and maintain your tree loppers, shears and lawn edgers.

It will also make sure you don’t put your shoulder out trying to start up if another unseasonal mild spell means the grass needs some early attention in the new year. Remember, grass will continue to grow in temperatures above 5degreesC so a light trim three to five millimetres higher than usual will help to avoid turf stress.

Obviously, the most important tool at your disposal is the lawn mower and

In terms of pruning, overgrown

It may be cold outside but that doesn’t mean the garden comes to a standstill in the depths of winter

apple and pear trees can be cut back while ornamental trees such as acers and birches, as well as vines, need to be trimmed before Christmas to avoid ‘bleeding’. And if you have any deciduous trees and shrubs that need to be planted or moved, they can still go in as long as there is no frost in the ground. For vegetable gardeners now is the time to harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage and sprouts - particularly once they have got the first sharp frost in them – and the remaining root crops you planted. And, really, apart from that it’s all about common-sense maintenance and

Ornamental trees such as acers and birches, as well as vines, need to be trimmed before Christmas to avoid ‘bleeding’

PROPERTY NEWS

ensuring delicate plants are protected against sub-zero temperatures. Fallen leaves should be cleared from lawns as they will block what light there is, as well as moisture reaching the roots. However, if you have a rotary mower put it on the highest setting and shred the leaves into small pieces, creating a great soil conditioner. Any leftovers can be spread as mulch around plants and flower beds, providing a barrier against the cold as well as well as providing muchneeded nutrients. It is always worthwhile checking gutters as leaves will cause damaging blockages while ponds could also

become clogged if late autumnal falls settle and congeal, particularly if your prized water feature ices over after a series of freezing nights. Obviously, a pond heater will help prevent ice forming, but if it does a hot pan will create a hole large enough to allow oxygen through. A football left on the surface will also delay freezing â€“ as will a fountain or ornamental waterfalls - but remember, if there are fish in the pond do not smash the ice as the shock waves can be harmful. And if you are considering turning off your water feature, remember to insulate it, and that goes for outdoor taps too. Of course, once Christmas is out of the way, January ushers in a new

growing year and, although daylight hours are still at a premium, there is much to look forward too and plans to be made. Nowâ€™s the time to order your seeds for the spring as well as plan your vegetable crop rotations for the coming season. Outside, top up your garden mulch by shredding your Christmas tree and, while you are spreading, disperse worm casts from the lawn and check if the branches of any delicate trees have been damaged during a heavy snowfall or violent storms. Also give your pots a clean ready for spring planting, and the same goes for greenhouses, ensuring good light penetration and paying attention to any insulation to make sure it is still secure. But, above all, keep bird feeders topped up. January can be a particularly brutal month for wildlife and your garden visitors will need all the help they can get, not only with feed but water too.

Also give your pots a clean ready for spring planting, and the same goes for greenhouses, ensuring good light penetration

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Autumn/Winter 2020

Mortgage & Protection news

mortgages

The newsletter from Xact Mortgages Limited

With a range of restrictions in place across the UK, you’ll be pleased to know that both the Mortgage and Housing markets are open for business...

That said, you may feel confused about identifying the best way forward on the mortgage (and protection) front. With our extensive knowledge of this marketplace, this is where we can help. You may also have concerns, for example, if you’ve been furloughed, are a first-time buyer, are self-employed, or have taken a mortgage payment holiday. Whilst we can’t resolve every issue, we’re fairly adept at finding solutions. Although, even in our shoes, it can be hard to keep up. With lenders withdrawing from certain markets, then returning; products that were available at 8am, then unavailable at 8.15am; and so on.

Housing mini-boom On the upside, the Chancellor recognised early on that the property sector can be the perfect engine to help the economy to recover. It’s partly for this reason that the Stamp Duty reduction was introduced (see box item), which could deliver a saving of up

Xact Mortgages Limited 6 The Square, First Floor Solihull B91 3RB Tel: 0121 712 6230 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk

Continue d fin support in ancial to announce 2021 d fo Employee r s, Self-Emp loyed Business and es. (Source: Ch ancellor’s statement, 5 Novemb er 2020)

to £15,000 until 1 April 2021, when the

previous rates will be reapplied. If you then add the pent-up demand from the first lockdown period, along with a reassessment by many on how they want to live their lives, it helps to create a buoyant property marketplace. Figures from Rightmove endorse this. It estimates that there are nearly 40% more sales currently going through the buying and selling process compared to the same time last year. More recently, Nationwide’s house price index set out a 5.8% UK-wide annual growth for October, equating to the highest annual increase since January 2015. (Sources:Rightmove, 21 September 2020; Nationwide, 30 October 2020 release)

Continued on the next page

You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

STAMP DUTY Applicable to a residential property purchase in England and Northern Ireland. Up to £500,000 The next £425,000

0% 5%

(the portion from £500,001 to £925,000)

The next £575,000

10%

(the portion from £925,001 to £1.5m)

The remaining amount

12%

(the portion above £1.5m) ■ This is applicable on purchases up to 31 March 2021, and thereafter it reverts to the rates in place prior to 8 July 2020. ■ Add a 3% surcharge to the above for those buying an ‘additional’ property. (Source: GOV.UK, 8 July 2020)

HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.

■ Xact Mortgages Limited is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network (PRIMIS), a trading name of First Complete Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. PRIMIS is only responsible for the service and quality of advice provided to you in relation to mortgages, protection insurance and general insurance products. Any other product or service offered by Xact Mortgages Limited may not be the responsibility of PRIMIS and may also not be subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. ■ This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. ■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up

repayments on your mortgage.

Open for BUSINESS (contd) Continued from the previous page

What does it mean for you? The positive developments above need to be balanced by what may be ahead. We can’t lose sight that we’re in a recession, and there will be further job losses. And, events are likely to have an impact on the property marketplace. Also, no-one quite knows how COVID-19 will play out. However, it’s not as if the government and lenders aren’t aware of the issues and both are keen to deliver support. With regard to what’s on offer from lenders, there are still some excellent mortgage deals out there. The lower the percentage of loan that you need, the greater the likelihood that there will be a wider range of products on offer, a decent rate and the possibility of being accepted for a loan.

BUT - rates are starting to creep up.* AND - the strict rules applicable to ‘evidencing of income’ and ‘affordability’ still apply across the board. (Source: *Moneyfacts, 19 October 2020 release)

Other positive initiatives In addition to the colossal amount of money that the government has pumped in to help us through this crisis, there are additional initiatives that would also be of interest to existing and potential homeowners. The government intends to make the planning process easier for those that might want to add, for example, additional space above their current home, subject to neighbour consultation. Additionally, it

wants to deliver greater freedom to adapt the use of vacant buildings and land in town centres to create new residential properties. The smaller renovation projects may be easily covered from existing savings, or even money saved from not going on an overseas holiday! For the bigger projects, then talk to us about a mortgage or remortgage to help raise the funds needed. Finally, you can apply for government vouchers under the Green Homes Grant. Against certain criteria, this will provide £2 for every £1 homeowners and landlords spend to make their homes more energy efficient, up to £5,000 per household. Or, in the case of those on the lowest incomes - up to £10,000. It’s applicable in England - but similar schemes may exist elsewhere in the UK. Do get in touch to see how we can help. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. n Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

UPDATE... Furloughed Workers Job Retention ‘furlough’ scheme The support provided to furloughed workers has again been revised, following the decision to enter a lockdown period for the whole of England from 5 November. n As a reflection of this development, the existing Job Retention ‘furlough’ scheme will now continue, and run until 31 March 2021. n Employees will receive from the government, 80% of their current salary for those hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. n Businesses will have flexibility to use the scheme for employees for any amount of time and shift pattern, including furloughing them full-time. n There will be NO employer contribution to wages for the hours not worked. In this respect, employers will only be asked to

cover National Insurance and Employer pension contributions for hours not worked. n The government will review the policy in January to decide whether economic circumstances are improving enough to ask employers to contribute more. n The replacement Job Support scheme, which was scheduled to launch on 1 November, has been postponed.

Job Retention Bonus Additionally - as a consequence of the extension of the furlough scheme - this ‘bonus’ will not be paid out in February, and be redeployed for an appropriate time.

Businesses required to close Businesses in England that are required to

close due to Covid restrictions will receive up to £3,000 per month. n Also, backdated cash grants will be provided for businesses in Tier 2/3 areas in England. These are businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors that suffered from reduced demand due to local restrictions introduced between 1 August and 5 November. They will receive backdated grants at 70% of the value of closed grants, up to a maximum of £2,100 per month for this period.

Current Mortgage Issues For those who are on furlough (or have placed staff on furlough), different lenders have set different criteria with regard to assessing income and affordability. In short, it’s best to take advice.

Screen Time! We can provide advice on both your mortgage and insurance requirements in a way that best meets your needs - by phone, email, videoconferencing, and so on.

One key piece of advice - unless there are mitigating circumstances - is not to sit on your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) once you come to the end of your deal period. As the chart below shows, you’ll be paying almost twice as much in interest! Average Fixed Rates vs. Standard Variable Rate (SVR) 19 October 2020 2-year fixed rate

2.42%

5-year fixed rate

2.67%

SVR

4.44%

what we’ve established with regard to your financial position and particular needs. Also, we’d endeavour to help reduce the hassle of filling out forms. Plus hold your hand throughout the process, and liaise with the various parties along the way. So, irrespective of whether you’re new to property buying, or an old hand, we have experience of dealing with all types of clients, enabling us to work towards identifying a suitable product for you.

What if life goes wrong?

(Source: Moneyfacts, 19 October 2020)

Naturally, there are fees to pay with a new deal, so you need to do the maths. Our discussions would also cover issues such as the merits of a fixed vs. tracker mortgage, and the length of the mortgage deal, such as the 2 or 5-year plans above.

The process Of course, you can undertake this yourself. However, you don’t want to make too many unnecessary applications, which may have a negative impact on your credit rating. That’s why it makes sense to ask us to assess the wider marketplace in light of

The current challenging times may well have focused your thoughts on having some protection insurance in place. This could be life cover to deliver a lump sum to your family, if the insured person dies. Or insuring yourself against suffering a critical illness, or being off work long-term due to illness or injury.

Already have cover in place? Even here it’s worth having a conversation (if it’s not a policy that we’ve recently set up), as there’s been so much innovation over the last few years. With many policies

A record 98.3% of all PROTECTION CLAIMS are met - equating to a sizeable £15.8m a day in payouts, and how that plays out for the key sectors are as follows: LIFE COVER n 99.6% of all Life claims n Average payout of:

£77,535 (term) £3,465 (whole of life)

CRITICAL ILLNESS n 91.6%

of all Critical Illness claims n Average payout of £67,573

INCOME PROTECTION n

87.2% of all Income Protection claims n Average payout of £17,729

(Source: Association of British Insurers, 2019 data, May 2020 release)

now fully recognising mental health issues, plus lots of value-added benefits, such as medical advice and fitness support. Also, as a consequence of the current crisis, you may even be thinking about saving money and cancelling a policy. This could then prove to be more expensive, with more caveats, and an age weighting, should you return to start a new one with the same insurer. The insurers are mindful of this and some will allow you to stop paying premiums for an agreed period, with certain rules. As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. n Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

UPDATE...

Mortgage Payment Holidays Following the latest Government Coronavirus restrictions, the Financial Conduct Authority is proposing to extend the availability of mortgage payment deferrals. This will mean that: - those who have not yet had a payment deferral will be eligible for 2 payment deferrals of up to 6 months in total. - those who currently have an initial payment deferral, will be eligible for another payment deferral of up to 3 months. - those who have resumed repayments after an initial payment deferral will be eligible for another payment deferral of up to 3 months. n Borrowers would have until 31 January 2021 to request a deferral. n Do note that lenders may ask if you participated, and might factor that into future loan applications.

Tailored Support If borrowers are not eligible for a payment deferral, then tailored support to meet their circumstances could still be offered, albeit that may appear on a borrower’s credit file. (Source: Financial Conduct Authority, Nov. 2020)

Finding a Way... In a recession, lender’s enthusiasm to lend to First-Time Buyers tends to wane. The upside for the first-time buyer is that property prices generally drop - yet the opposite is occurring at the moment!

That said, the government recognises that the first-time buyer is an important cog in helping to keep the property market moving. To assist this process there are various government schemes across the UK that are designed to help get the first-time buyer onto the property ladder. When you consider that the average monthly rental price for a new tenancy in the UK stands at £987, this may motivate many to want to buy a property and possibly pay less per month in the process. (Source: HomeLet Rental Index, September 2020)

Getting the Deposit together So, what’s stopping all renters jumping on board? Some will prefer the flexibility renting provides, others will be worried about the stringent controls that are now in place for mortgage lending. But possibly the biggest stumbling block is getting together the deposit. According to Moneyfacts, the average deposit for those buying their first home has risen to £47,059, equating to around a fifth of the average UK house price. (Source: Moneyfacts, 7 September 2020) Of course, there are mortgage deals available that require a

SHARED OWNERSHIP ■ A new Affordable Homes scheme announced in

September, will also deliver a new model for Shared Ownership for purchasing new homes, and will: - reduce the minimum initial share you can buy in a property from 25% to 10%. - allow people to buy additional shares in their home in 1% instalments, with heavily reduced fees. - introduce a 10-year period for new shared owners where the landlord will cover the cost of any repairs and maintenance. This scheme is applicable to England only, other parts of the UK will deliver different support.

smaller deposit, but this is where the lender’s enthusiasm has waned. Back in March (the month when lockdown started) there were 1,184 mortgage products requiring a 10% deposit, or less. By October, according to Moneyfacts, this had reduced to 75!! Rates have also increased. Back in March the average interest rate for a two-year fixed rate mortgage with a 10% deposit was 2.57% it’s now 3.76%. (Source: Moneyfacts, 19 October 2020) However, if you consider that the average first-time buyer loan is around £176,000*, then a 3.76% rate would equate to a repayment mortgage of about £815 per month. Unlike the £987 rental payment figure mentioned earlier, this lower amount would include paying off part of the capital borrowed, as well as the interest owing. (Source: *UK Finance, January-June 2020)

Look at alternative funding options If you’re lucky enough, then there is the Bank of Mum & Dad to help get some, or all, of that deposit together. In fact, nearly one in four housing transactions (175,000) will be backed by the Bank of Mum & Dad in 2020, equating to an average of around £20,000 each to help those borrowers with their deposits, and possibly gain access to better interest rates. (Source: Legal & General, September 2020) Alternatively, there are Guarantor Mortgages, which might be a more suitable route for family support. Or consider Shared Ownership, in which case you buy a percentage of the property now, and can purchase more into the future (see box item).

Talk to us With so much to consider, do have a conversation with us as early as possible in the decision-making process. We are working with these issues day-in/day-out, and fully understand the options on offer. And, as part of our offering, we would endeavour to help navigate you through the affordability, evidencing of income and credit rating hoops. ■ Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Mortgages for the

Self-Employed Self-Employed workers have been hit hard by the onset of Coronavirus. In addition to the likely loss of business income, many would have fallen through the net with regard to obtaining government funding to help see them through. (see box item below)

The upshot of this is that we’ve seen an annual drop of 374,000 in the number of workers that are self-employed an amount that now stands at 4.56m. (Source: Office for National Statistics, Labour market overview, October 2020)

That said, it’s quite likely that many self-employed workers would have been fairly adept at swiftly restructuring their offering to ensure revenue continued to flow in. And, following lockdown, may be reassessing how and where they live, and looking to fund renovations, or seek a new property.

Stricter lending requirements However, even prior to COVID-19, the self-employed - which still represents almost 14% of the total workforce - had sizeable hoops to jump through to secure a loan.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme n You may have been one of the 2.7m Self-Employed

workers that benefited from the First Grant, or also amongst those who took out the Second Grant (at least 2.2m according to data up to 20 September 2020). (Sources: GOV.UK, 17 August & 5 October 2020)

n Following statements from the Chancellor (most recently

on 5 November 2020), this scheme has now been extended for a further 6 months. n For the initial November to January period, the Grant

amount has been increased from what was initially proposed. It would now cover (for those eligible) 80% of average monthly trading profits, and would be paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500.

The issue with lenders is that unlike assessing a payslip, the income stream of the self-employed is not as clear cut. This is compounded by the way some self-employed organise their payments to ensure they’re tax-efficient (such as more income via dividends than salary). This could work against them when wanting to demonstrate to a lender they have the ability to fund the loan they wish to take out. The term ‘self-employed’ can also present a problem for lenders, as it pulls together a whole host of different individuals. This could mean that a myriad of workers with differing income streams and earning potential are lumped together, resulting in the computer possibly saying: ‘no’.

Impact of COVID-19 Beyond this, the economic impact of the pandemic means that even more information is now required, such as: n wanting to know if the client has experienced a reduction in their self-employed income due to COVID-19. n is in receipt of the government Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, or a Bounce Back Loan. n were any of their staff furloughed (if applicable). n more recent bank statements, as the latest accounts would probably apply to the period prior to COVID-19. In short, mortgage providers are looking for proof the business is viable, and to understand how the pandemic has affected the work and income of the applicant.

How we can help We are already dealing with other self-employed workers, and know our way through this particular mortgage maze, and would approach the lenders that we know are more sympathetic to your particular situation.

n HMRC will now pay this grant sooner than planned, with

the window for claiming opening from 30 November.

n Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

LANDLORDS have proved to be a fairly resilient group, and may have built up a greater resolve than most to face the current recession.

As it stands, in this strange property market, the average monthly rental income across the UK is still holding up at £987, up 2.1% year on year. In fact, 10 of the 12 regions all showed an increase, with the exception of Northern Ireland and Greater London - albeit the average rental value for the latter was £1,646 almost 100% higher than the figure for the rest of the UK (£828). (Source: HomeLet Rental Index, September 2020)

Financial stability of tenants The main concern for landlords into the near future will be hoping those rental payments continue to come through, as there’s the likelihood that some tenants will fall on hard times, raising the possibility of void periods. However, it’s not just a case of ‘sit and wait’, as there are a number of initiatives landlords could undertake to help recessionproof their business.

Time to remortgage? Buy-to-Let mortgage rates remain low although - as with the residential sector - rates are starting to creep up. So, if you haven’t already assessed what’s on offer, perhaps it’s time to take stock. Dependent on the deal you’re on, there may be savings to be made. (Source: Moneyfacts, 19 October 2020)

Alternatively, you may want to consider pooling together your properties into one mortgage, but do be aware there are benefits and disadvantages of this course of action. The same can be said about considering a Limited Company structure to help mitigate the tax changes. As well as talking to your accountant about these issues, do get in touch with us, as we can look at your particular situation and help identify what may work best for you.

Make new investments, and/or restructure Landlords will also benefit from the short-term reduction in Stamp Duty fees. As was the case previously, the 3% surcharge still needs to be added, but the current charges could deliver a substantial saving on a property purchase ahead of 1 April 2021.

With regard to purchasing additional properties, the normal disciplines apply, such as: - don’t buy a property that you’d like to live in yourself. You need to love the deal, not the property. - research the area and understand market conditions. - decide on the type of renter you want. Properties that can be let, for example, to multiple tenants, such as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) could help to spread the risk of any rental voids, as you’ll receive an income from various people. - shying away from student rents, in the current climate, and possibly being drawn to a slightly different form of renting holiday lets. The rise of the ‘staycation’ will increase the demand for this type of property. But again, talk to us, as this is a different form of borrowing compared to the normal buy-to-let loan process.

There is no guarantee that it will be possible to arrange continuous letting of the property, nor that the rental income will be sufficient to meet the costs of the mortgage. The value of your Buy-to-Let property and income from it can go down as well as up. You may also require advice on the legal and tax issues. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate legal and taxation advice, and most Buy-to-Let mortgages. HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. ■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Tel: 0121 712 6230 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk

Steve Froggatt HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Been with Xact for 5 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Helping people find the best deal in as simple a way as possible SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I met Nelson Mandela on an Aston Villa club tour in 1994 FAVOURITE FOOD? Italian FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Whale watching and shark cage diving in South Africa

Conor Brown HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 18 Months WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Helping people get the best deal for their mortgage but also love making sure that everyone is fully protected SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I lived in America for 18 months FAVOURITE FOOD? Sunday Roast – so many flavours on one plate FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Disney Land as it is a real family holiday. I can’t wait to take my family there. However, I have always dreamt of going to Bora Bora

Colin Jones HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 5 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Speaking to clients on a daily basis and giving them the peace of mind that should the worst happen they will be financially secure. SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I am a qualified Golf Instructor FAVOURITE FOOD? Italian FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Hawaii

Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk

Meet our Advisors Lee Heycock HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Since December 2017 WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Solving problems for people who are looking to move but don’t think its achievable SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Prior to Xact I served in the Infantry as a LCpl in the Royal Anglian Regiment where we toured Afghanistan, Nigeria and Kenya FAVOURITE FOOD? Sushi, looking forward to the new Japanese restaurant opening in Solihull! FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? A cruise around Italy and the Greek Islands

Mike Hodgkinson HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 19 September 2001…Day one WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love putting smiles on our customers faces SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I have a gold medal for ballroom dancing watch out strictly here I come FAVOURITE FOOD? Sunday Roast FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Cornwall, have been lucky enough to travel most of the world, Cornwall is still the best

Dane McCarthy HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Since January 2018 WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I enjoy interacting with all types of people on a daily basis FAVOURITE FOOD? Steak FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Anywhere in Scotland

The information contained herein is of a general nature and should not be relied upon as legal or financial advice and is not intended as a substitute for the same. You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions. The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (December 2020).

new home FINDING YOUR

THIS WINTER

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T: 0121 712 6230

E: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk W: xactmortgages.co.uk

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