Xact Mortgages Magazine February 2022

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

mortgages

FEB 2022

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS PERFECT GETAWAYS FOR JUST THE TWO OF YOU HOME TRENDS HOTTEST HOME DECOR TRENDS THIS SPRING

LOVE YOUR GARDEN GET THE MOST FROM YOUR PERFECT PLOT

MEAL FOR TWO SIMPLE ROMANTIC MEALS YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME

SIX NATIONS RUGBY FIXTURES FOR THE UPCOMING SIX NATIONS

CONTENTS COVER STORY

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Romantic Breaks Romantic breaks for just the two of you

PROPERTY

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Home trends Spring trends to introduce into your home

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News Our latest mortgage news.

Plus meet the team!

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About us Get to know the Xact mortgages team!

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Your home move Your guide to help you every step of the way on your home move

LIFESTYLE

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Electric cars Electric cars for every budget

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Electric homes Get your home more eco freindly

10

Show your garden love Fall in love with your garden this year

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Meal for two Treat someone special with our Valentine’s Day recipes

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Half Term DIY DIY Jobs to keep the kids busy over the half term holidays

SPORT

14

Six Nations A preview of this year’s Six Nations tournament

CLEAN

GENIE B

ack in the dim and distant past before daytime TV and the internet, homes would get a thorough cleaning once a year. And by thorough, we mean windows open, furniture moved and rugs up: a forensic deep clean from the coving to under the carpets.

In the northern hemisphere it usually takes place in late February and early March, just as the seasons start to turn, generally because it is just starting to get warm enough to allow fresh air in through open windows, but still cold enough to keep flying insects gounded. Also, soot and ash marks could be cleaned from areas around the coal fire, which wouldn’t be needed again, at least until the autumn.

WELCOME TO THE FEBUARY ISSUE!

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ove is in the air, as is cleanliness.

It’s Spring, which means it’s time to get out the mop and bucket and give your home a full blown clean.

On pages 2&3 we offer some helpful hints and tips to achieve Spring clean greatness this month.

Keeping inside your home, on pages 8&9 we look at some of the hottest interior design trends coming this year.

It is also Valentine’s Day this month, so show your special someone you care with our guide to some of the most romantic getaways available in the UK. A special spark isn’t just with your significant other though, on pages 6&7 we look as how to make the most of the electricity in your home as well as our guide to

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PROPERTY NEWS

the best electric cars available for all budgets.

That’s not all, if you want to treat your partner without going away, on page 12 we have some great romantic recipes, while on page 13 we preview the upcoming Six Nations tournament. February also means half term, so on page 14&15 we look at great ways your kids can help around the home with some simple and fun DIY jobs.

So, pour a glass of wine, light turn up the heating, and snuggle up with the February edition.

So that, in essence, is the thinking behind spring cleaning. For some cultures, it is more than just a habit: for Iranians it coincides with the ancient festival of Nowruz where they practice “khooneh tekouni” or “shaking the house” - a ritual where the entire house is cleaned – while before their New Year, the Chinese celebrate the holiday of Ninyabaat, hence their saying “wash away the dirt on Ninyabaat”.

Jonathan Wheatley Editor

In Britain, it is greeted with a hearty chorus of: “Must we?”

It need not be that way. For example, the hauling down of the Christmas decorations provides the ideal opportunity to at least get some groundwork done, tackling the areas which have been hidden behind trees and that inflatable Santa which miraculously appeared after the girls’ night out.

Because spring cleaning is best tackled step by step, room by room, over a mutually agreed period of time, trying to do it in one go will only result in a hernia or some areas not getting the attention they deserve or need.

START GENTLY Break yourself in gently by cleaning the windows, inside and out. Clean those on the shady side of the house first – trying to do it in direct sun only leads to streaks – and don’t forget to wash down the sills. Internally, plastic blinds can be dusted down while fabric shades and curtains can be vacuumed, but don’t forget those bits around the hooks. You could even give the curtains a good blow by putting them in the tumble dryer for 10 minutes on the cool cycle.

KITCHEN Feeling brave? Then set aside a good few hours to tackle the cooker and extractor fan. Both will have been working overtime during the winter with the combination of heat, steam and grease proving a stubborn enemy if left. Soaking in hot water and washing up liquid, plus a good scrub, should help bring the fan’s grille’s up a treat, and it might be worthwhile just checking the outside vent to make sure it is not blocked.

BATHROOM While you’ve got the Marigolds on, it’s off to the bathroom where grout can be whitened by making a paste of three parts baking soda and one of water (avoid using vinegar as it can stain some natural stones, such as marble) and brushing it into the grout before rinsing off. A mix of oxygenated bleach and water is a good alternative.

And you can spruce up your plastic or vinyl shower curtains by popping them into the washing machine with a few bath towels, while extractor fans can be cleaned with an old toothbrush. If the cover can be removed, try to clear out the cobwebs that will inevitably lurk behind it.

BEDROOM You already hoover your mattress regularly and probably air the pillows two or three times during the summer, but now’s the time to pull the bed away from the wall and get behind and vacuum underneath it.

Also, clear out your winter wardrobe and give your storage space a good dust before restoring your spring and summer clothes. Anything you haven’t worn could be relocated to a charity shop.

On the external surfaces only elbow grease will do, while if you are lucky to enough to have a self-cleaning oven, one click and it’s job done. If you haven’t, there are commercial cleaners available which can at least make the job a little easier.

Kitchen cabinets are also magnets for dirt and grease, so wash the doors and handles with warm soapy water to restore that ‘just installed’ look. The same approach can be taken to the fridge, where bacteria and spillages can be wiped away, while a solution of water, chopped up citrus fruit – either lemon, lime or orange – and a few spoonfuls of vinegar can be placed in a cup and popped in the microwave. Turn the oven on high until the solution boils and the window is steamy, leave it for a few minutes to cool and then wipe down the interior with a sponge.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

3

UK GETAWAYS

ROMANTIC

FOR TWO

Romance is important, whether you’ve been together for one year or fifty, so why not treat yourselves to a getaway for just the two of you?

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very once in a while, it doesn’t hurt to treat your relationship with your loved one to a private getaway for two, for you both to remind each other why you’re both so special to one another, and these locations around the UK will afford you that very opportunity. These beautiful spots will allow for that perfect kiss, or perhaps even a proposal for marriage.

CAMBRIDGE

One of the most elegant, period places in the UK is Cambridge, housing the second oldest university in the UK. The city itself has many romantic spots, including the architectural eye-candy gracing the place. Everywhere you look there are churches and cathedrals just adding to that timeless, gentle feel of the city. Many of the buildings go as far back as the 13th century, which includes the university and colleges. Also, no visit to Cambridge would be complete without hopping on one of the many peoplepowered punts, the distinctive flat-bottomed watercraft used to move people around the city’s shallow canals and on the River Cam. Punting is a delightful way to spend an hour or two with a loved one and provides views of this historic college town you may otherwise have missed.

For over 2000 years, Bath has been providing a soaking service to travellers which is said to possess healing qualities in the hot springs they have there. These springs still gush today, with an impressive 275,000 gallons of it a day.

Images for illustrative purposes only

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PROPERTY NEWS

Recipes from www.bbcgoodfood.co.uk

within the Lake District National Park, including Scafell Pike which is officially the highest mountain in England.

The deepest (Wastwater) and largest (Windermere) natural lakes in England are here too. With hotels, camping sites, and various exhibitions to offer, it will be a winner for any couple on a romantic getaway.

THE COTSWOLDS

Hire a cosy cottage out here in the Cotswolds to bask in a stay which is graced with quaint architecture and beauty at every turn. Romantic, leisurely strolling handin-hand through the picture-perfect countryside is a popular pastime for loved ones here, as they explore the picturesque, quintessentially British villages with cobbled streets and colourful floral gardens.

ST IVES

Cornwall is world famous, and not just for its pasties, but also for its amazing, award-winning beaches. There’s nothing like the fresh sea air to leave you feeling like you’re truly escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, and to escape into nature with your loved one by your side.

St Ives is the epitome of a tranquil seaside resort with plenty of cosy bed and breakfasts, independent restaurants, and a wealth of picturesque views from the harbour to the beaches.

BATH (ROMAN BATHS) EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is easily one of the most romantic places in Europe, let alone the UK, with breathtaking views and historical landmarks which crack the imagination wide open. Edinburgh Castle particularly lends itself to some beautiful sunset views, and proves to be a fantastic place to spend a day exploring together. Calton Hill is another romantic spot in Edinburgh, enjoying famous views from the folly, a replica of the columns from the Acropolis in Athens.

Some of the best restaurants in the area, such as the award-winning Tower Restaurant atop the National Museum of Scotland, come with stunning views over landmarks such as the castle.

The city also offers some notable theatre and cultural activities, including such world-renowned events as the Edinburgh Fringe, or the equally popular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

LAKE DISTRICT

By far the most popular mountainous region in England and possibly the UK, the Lake District is a much-loved holiday destination for couples everywhere, with more than 19 million visitors each year. Largely famous for its lakes, forests and mountains, it is also well-known for its associations with William Wordsworth and other Lake Poets, as well as Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin. All the land in England which is higher than 3,000 feet above sea level exclusively lies

Bath is one of the absolute most attractive smaller towns in the whole of the UK, and an incredibly romantic spot to celebrate your love as a couple. For over 2000 years, Bath has been providing a soaking service to travellers which is said to possess healing qualities in the hot springs they have there. These springs still gush today, with an impressive 275,000 gallons of it a day. The Romans built the first structures here, including the spectacular Roman Baths, and is today left largely unchanged since those first visitors from far and wide availed themselves of these therapeutic waters.

A variety of special packages are available for couples, including massages for two with a lovely meal served afterwards. An alternative spa experience can be enjoyed at the historic Cross Bath, an 18th-century open-air facility that can be booked for private 1.5-hour sessions.

Some of the most romantic London spots: The West End theatre scene.

St Paul’s Cathedral.

South Bank.

Tower Bridge.

London Eye. Regent Street.

Buckingham Palace.

Hyde Park.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

5

DRIVING EV HAS NEVER

BEEN MORE EASY

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f you’ve kitted out your home accordingly, then perhaps your next thought should be towards driving electric. These vehicles may seem an expensive purchase, but in the long run, will save money on fuel. What’s more, is that like traditional cars, there are a variety of motors to choose from. So here are just a few of options, from ones on the cheaper side, to the more luxurious end.

VOLKSWAGEN E-UP (2ND GENERATION)

2021 marked the release of Volkswagen’s new electric range, and this particular model is great if you don’t require anything too spacious. This vehicle has the same dimensions as a classic UP, and is available for £16,000. This model was first released in 2016, but this second generation will see its battery size doubled. But where this car is the real deal is in the ease of charging. If you thought that your car would need to charge overnight in order to get use of it, think again. This car can take you approximately 135 miles, on a full charge, and can charge up to 80% in only 45 minutes, making it the car for the person on the move.

HONDA E

Priced around the £30,000 mark, this vehicle is not cheap, but is absolute value for money. It’s Honda’s first electric offering, and can even better Volkswagen’s charging time, with this little number getting to 80% charge in a mere 31 minutes. And its physical features are something to behold, with pop-out door

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PROPERTY NEWS

handles and a side camera mirror system oozing modernity and sophistication. Honda also emphasises that the interior of this car is all centred around a lack of clutter. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that its power capabilities aren’t a main feature. Drivers can get from 0-60mph in a frightening 8.3 seconds, meaning that this vehicle can both go anywhere, and get anywhere, fast.

TESLA MODEL 3

When you think of electric cars, Tesla comes to mind straight away, with their pioneering work in creating energy-efficient, decadent methods of travel. And this vehicle certainly lives up to that billing. It’s available from around £43,000, and buyers can customise their design, from wheels, to the interior. These cars also come with a built-in touchscreen, including streaming services like Netflix, meaning that the whole family can be entertained. You can also cleverly use your smartphone as an alternative to a key to this powerhouse, which will travel 360 miles on a single charge. And the charging capabilities are simply astounding. Just 15 minutes of charging will result in 172 miles of the ultimate driving experience.

GIVE YOUR HOME THE HEAD START

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s the requirement to become eco-f riendly in every way of life becomes all the more pressing, making sure that your home is ready for this new future is vitally important. Here are just some of the ways that you can transform your living space.

INSULATION

Finding sustainable methods of heating your home are paramount to ensuring that you keep all of your gas and electricity bills down. One of the most effective things you can do is go ‘fabric first’, and reduce any thermal bridging, in order to stop the releasing of heat. This isn’t the easiest solution to implement though, so you’ll need to find workmen who uphold the highest of standards.

An alternative way of dealing with the issue of heat is to address the numbers of windows and patio and bi-folding doors in your home. As a result of the amount of natural light which these allow in, they act as a ‘passive solar design’, and help to trap heat in. And of course, putting in some of these doors will give your home some added natural light, thus reducing the amount of artificial light required. As well as this, underfloor heating is recommended as a long-term solution to keeping us toasty. This low-energy emitter will help keep bills down, and with the removal of radiators, helps a home to look less cluttered.

SMART TECHNOLOGY

Technology beyond our wildest dreams has been available at our fingertips for years, but now your home can experience some of these benefits. For example, with USB cables now taking over our lives, why not bypass the middle-man of a plug socket, and simply install a USB charging port wherever is convenient, such as near your bed?

EV CHARGING POINTS

Electric cars are here, and they’re here to stay. There were nearly 350,000 purely electric cars on our roads in October 2021, and this figure will only grow. So to aid the eventuality of going electric, get an EV charging point installed. When you commit to one of these chargers, they are fitted as part of the service, and come with a warranty.

You can even use an app to track your vehicle’s charging progress, and be made aware of any software updates.

Technology beyond our wildest dreams has been available at our fingertips for years, but now your home can experience some of these benefits.

Or perhaps you can solve all of your energy issues in one go?

With the Theben LUXORliving system, you can put your lighting, heating, and even your blinds on timers. What’s more, is that you can control each room individually, resulting in the ultimate ease of running your house. Rather cleverly, this system can also be automatically controlled according to the local weather in your area.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

7

EMBRACE THE SPRING REFRESH HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR SPRING

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f you’re thinking of updating your house for a healthy home with plenty of wowin Spring, you’ve chosen the perfect factor. Introducing large windows to time! If you’re planning on moving, emphasise a particular view might sound Spring is the time of year when motivated like an obvious idea, but that is just one of buyers focus on moving. They’re more many different ways to embrace the great prepared to go out house hunting and outdoors from within. view properties when the weather’s mild.

With more buyers looking, there is a The trend of merging the outdoors with knock-on effect on prices, which means inside is referred to as Biophillic design. you could get even more for your home. If Biophillic design is a term growing in you’re not thinking of moving, refreshing popularity as an interior buzzword of 2021 your home design in and 2022. It relates to the Spring means you’ll be human instinct to ready to enjoy it during interact with nature and The keenness for green the Summer months. the associated health is moving beyond benefits. Improving air botanicals with green First to consider are circulation and quality, kitchen cabinets, dedicated activity and a home connection bathroom tile, accent spaces. People have with nature through chairs and bedrooms been relying on their incorporating plants, homes to provide new green roofs and living avenues of activity and entertainment walls into domestic design, are all ideas since the beginning of the pandemic and you could adopt to add a touch of it shows in the emerging trends for art biophillic design to your space. studios, home bars/wine cellars, home theatres, home gyms and home offices.

The keenness for green is moving beyond Only you know which type of activity space botanicals with green kitchen cabinets, will suit your needs, but if you’re prepping bathroom tile, accent chairs and bedrooms your home to sell, home offices are a replacing the navy trend of 2020 and 2021. no-brainer when re-designing your space.

Using raw wood for spring decor can bring a sense of organic beauty to your home.

The trend of bringing the outdoors in is set Using raw and untouched materials, to stay. The desire for an openness to resplendent with their perfect nature and an abundance of greenery in imperfections adds to the artistic style of our homes is a trend that seems to be the piece, whether it be furniture or art, accelerating. One of the most popular plus natural wood tones will complement items on an extension, renovation or nearly any decor style. self-build wish-list is to increase natural light in a home while making the most of It might also be time to give your living the garden. As we’re spending more time room a refresh. The living room has always than ever in our homes, maximising a been an important gathering space within connection to our surroundings is crucial the home. As you will have undoubtedly

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PROPERTY NEWS

spent more time within it over the past year, you may be seeking inspiration to refresh the space.

Consider updating accent pillows, home accents, abstract paintings, display shelves, or slip and chair covers as relatively inexpensive ways to update the room. We are all looking for a little bit of decadence in our lives, so when updating furnishing, consider luxury fabrics, materials, and colours. Why not incorporate velvet, gold, or crystal? What goes around comes around—and that’s definitely the case with the uptick in ’80s decor revival. Interior design in the ’80s was all about wealth and opulence, pulling inspiration from art deco ideology and minimalist style. Brass and lacquer sculptural forms, and glass and stone with high-shine finishes are one way you can add glamour to your home and encompass the ‘80s revival tastefully.

When you are refreshing your home, the goal is to improve both its overall aesthetic and its functionality. Flexible design, in terms of furniture, may offer more flexibility within the existing footprint of your home. Think TV armoires with pocket doors, queen Murphy beds, and nesting side tables, to create dual uses for a room by creatively hiding them away when not in use. Circular and scalloped furniture is also set to be a trend for 2022, perhaps adding a softer dimension to the bold colours you’ve chosen for the walls or furnishings.

So, embrace the refresh Spring can offer and get you house ready for you, or its next potential buyer!

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

9

LOVE

SHOW YOUR

GARDEN SOME Creating a romantic space can be quite simple

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t’s wet, it’s cold and, truth be told, it’s hard to feel romantic about your garden. It might be that time of year, but it’s probably not the place for any kind of canoodling. Well, not yet anyway.

Obviously, those warm, heady mid-summer nights are the most alluring but turning a wind-battered, soggy mess into a fragrant, enchanting retreat might not be a wild and sentimental flight of fancy. All it takes is a bit of planning…

For a start, gauge your space. It doesn’t matter if your garden is square or irregular, it can be divided into zones to make use of even the most abandoned and neglected corner which can be linked to the rest of the garden by that most cliched of romantic props: an arch.

Now, while it might not be the brightest of ideas to transplant a climbing rose while there is frost in the ground, there’s nothing to stop you marking out your planned planting areas.

Or indeed start off those fragrant upwardlymobile summer favourite – sweet peas – in a biodegradable pot on a sunny windowsill.

Once established, they can be relocated to the garden when the weather turns milder without having to be removed from their containers, damaging fragile roots.

It’s also important to decide if you want seclusion in your “secret garden” for seclusion or for it to be a quiet, intimate outdoor dining spot. For argument’s sake, if it’s the latter, four fence posts can be set in a square over a shingled or sandstone-paved area, with twinkling fairy lights draped around them to create atmosphere.

Shingle or wide-spaced slabs can work in your favour as you can plant out some sweet-smelling herbs (lavender perhaps?) which could add to the ambience when brushed against. And, even if your basic soil isn’t conducive, you can pot up some vibrant hydrangeas or camelias to add bold colours to the space.

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And while your preference may be for either ornate wrought-iron or wood garden furniture, don’t skimp on the upholstery: plenty of cushions … you need to be comfy in that recliner.

If you’ve chosen a particularly shady spot, there’s no need to sweat as lovely, textured greenery such as box, bay or griselinia can create a charming, cool sculptured look, particularly as a backdrop for a dramatic yucca or hebe.

And if you want to be really private, a screen of gently swaying bamboo lends a tropical feel, although having said that, they do best in a sunny spot.

At the end of the day, though, this is all about engaging your senses, which brings us on to a water feature. The sound of running water adds an air of serenity and calm – sorry, leaving the outdoor tap running on to the gravel doesn’t cut it – and there are some great value solarpowered fountains on the market.

But if all this talk of amour doesn’t float your boat and all you want is a more productive garden, then now is the time to, quite literally, dig in.

Even if the ground is still cold, much can be done particularly if you have a greenhouse or conservatory - to kickstart the growing season. If conditions allow and the

soil is frost free, gently dig over and prepare the area you have earmarked for planting.

This will expose soil pests to cold night-time temperatures and bird predators, giving new plants a better chance to prosper and, if you have moved into a new house, will help identify whether you have inherited a light or heavy soil.

Obviously, a stodgy, clay-based soil will need longer to warm, and this will affect planting plans. But if you discover a light, sandy mixture and live in a mild part of the country you can crack on – after weeding and allowing the soil to settle – by covering the area with clear polythene, cloches or fleece to warm the ground before sowing.

Once you have decided on your crop rotation for the year, then you can sow broad beans, carrots, parsnips, early varieties of beetroot, salad onions, lettuces, radishes, spinach and summer cabbages under the covers, while seed potato tubers can be chitted in the greenhouse.

As for those who want colourful borders in the spring and summer, it’s about time to start off summer bedding, such as lobelia and Busy Lizzies, in propagators, giving them a head start before they are big enough to be planted out or in hanging baskets.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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SCRUM-TIOUS!

Six Nations could serve up a really tasty finale this year

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And should it all go down to the last game, defending champions Wales face Italy in Cardiff, the closest thing to a pushover and a bonus point.

ONE

They should be second favourites behind France, who

Scotland start their Six Nations programme against England and wind up in Ireland, another nearly side who should have a major part to play.

February 5th Ireland v Wales (2.15pm) Scotland v England (4.45pm) February 6th - France v Italy (3pm)

TWO

From that perspective, England will be most relieved.

A miserable Six Nations last season – fifth and with a negative points difference – heightened the pressure on coach Eddie Jones and his misfiring team. But a thumping win against Tonga and morale-boosting victories against Australia and world champions South Africa in November put them back on course.

Which brings us nicely to the Scots, who have been making significant progress and were only beaten by the South Africans in the autumn. Many observers feel they are a work in progress and just a season or so shy of hitting their peak … which is just as well as it would take them nicely into World Cup year.

February 12th Wales v Scotland (2.15pm) France v Ireland (4.45pm) February 13th – Italy v England (3pm)

THREE

It is very finely poised with every team - bar Italy having a shout, with encouraging results f rom the Autumn Internationals providing a few key pointers.

France don’t do ‘last-game deciders’ very well. They blew up against Scotland last year when heavily fancied to win, raising questions once again over their mental f ragility.

February 26th Scotland v France (2.15pm) England v Wales (4.45pm) February 27th – Ireland v Italy (3pm)

FOUR

Because there’s a very real chance that this year’s competition will be decided by the final round of games. And, quite possibly, the very last game.

sauntered past Argentina and Georgia before crushing New Zealand 40-25 in November. Of course, you never know which French team is likely to turn up, which makes the Six Nations conclusion between Les Bleus and thee English on March 19th all the more tantalising.

March 11th Wales v France (8pm) March 12th - Italy v Scotland (2.15pm) England v Ireland (4.45pm)

FIVE

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f Marty McFly hadn’t parked his time-travelling DeLorean in the path of an incoming train, would you, as a rugby fan, borrow the keys and fast forward to March 19th for the final round of matches in this year’s Guinness Six Nations Championship? Or would you want to sit and suffer/savour the whole tournament week by week?

March 19th Wales v Italy (2.15pm) Ireland v Scotland (4.45pm) France v England (8pm)

IMAGE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES

THE PERFECT ROMANTIC MEAL FOR TWO

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his is our recipe for the perfect romantic meal for two, including a starter and a main course, and they will be sure to woo anyone over a nice glass of wine or two

SALMON AND CRAB COCKTAIL

Premium crab meat tub (x1) Salmon fillets (x2) Tomato ketchup (100g) Mayonnaise (200g)

Cayenne pepper (tsp) Lemon juice (3 tbsp) Baby gem lettuce (x2)

Simply combine the ketchup, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper and lemon juice (along with salt and pepper) in a mixing bowl and place in the fridge to keep it cold and to allow those wonderful flavours to marry. Place the two salmon fillets skin side down in a frying pan on a high heat with a touch of olive oil. Once the fillets begin to cook and the skin is dark and crispy (but not burned!), turn then over and reduce the heat to low. Let them sit there and gently cook through. Once they’ve cooked through completely, place them on a chopping board, remove the skin from both fillets, and then chop the crispy skin with a knife, creating a kind of crispy

onion consistency, which we will sprinkle on the cocktail at the end as an edible garnish. Gently break up the salmon with a fork so the flesh is in shards. Take out the cocktail sauce you made earlier, and add the premium crab meat, along with the now-cooled salmon shards.

Mix well. Take two large martini glasses and place two baby gem lettuce leaves neatly in the base and so they stick upward on either side. Gentle place the cocktail mixture into the glass but leaving about half of the leaves still showing. Garnish with the crispy salmon skin (option), and enjoy!

CREAMY SAUSAGE, MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS PASTA

Sausages (x8) Mushrooms (200g) Asparagus tips (200g) Garlic (4 large cloves)

Single cream (300ml) Garofalo Mafalda Corta (but any pasta will do) (500g)

Using a sharp knife, take the skin off each sausage, and then place into a large saucepan with olive oil and plenty of salt and pepper. Using a spatula, gently break up each sausage into small bite-size pieces, but be careful not to grind it all down to a mince. Once they’ve been chopped and you’re happy with the sizes, just simply leave it there until you can hear hard sizzling. Then carefully move the sausages around to cook them evenly, retaining their shapes and not breaking them up. Once most of

the water is evaporated, chop up the mushrooms and add to the mix. Once the mushroom water content has gone, add the chopped asparagus, before finally adding the chopped garlic. Mix well but gently, and after three minutes, add the cream, and turn down to a low heat.

Cook the pasta, adding some of the starchy pasta water to the sausage mixture, before finally adding the pasta itself. Stir well and serve, with a generous cracking of black pepper.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

DIY JOBS TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY OVER HALF TERM

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etting kids involved in DIY projects at an early age will help them gain confidence and skills they will put to good use later in life. And when you work on these projects together, it can be a great bonding experience. Better yet, it’s a way to stop them from getting bored and doing something productive over the half term break.

OUTDOOR PROJECTS

Spend some time in the garden and construct a treehouse. This is a DIY project you can do together and make it as basic or intricate as you’d like. You may even find you can reuse materials you already have. A treehouse could be as simple as using a few pallets to construct a mini-den or could be as elaborate as you (and you kids) can imagine. If creating the treehouse is beyond your skillset, why not get your kids involved in the design process and spend some time talking about what they would like in their dream treehouse. once you’ve done this, have a look online or contact a local handyman to make their dream a reality.

Painting stones is a DIY project the little ones will love. Collect some stones (the flatter the better) and paint them. Try painting ladybugs, flowers or get creative! Markers would also work for this project. You can then use them to decorate the garden, creating a pebble stone path or display.

Feeding the birds is a great DIY project to do with kids because it isn’t too large or overwhelming. Children love to engage with wildlife, so why not try making bird treats with them, so that you can all enjoy an aerial display of the birds flying in and out, and hanging from your chosen feeder? Making fat balls is extremely easy, all you need is solid vegetable oil, beef suet or lard, plus bird seed mix, at a ratio of 1:2. Use a fat that is solid when unrefrigerated to avoid it melting and making a mess.

Here’s what to do: 1. Mix one part suet to two parts seed in a saucepan and gently heat, stirring until the fat melts.

3. Space apart in a plastic container or on a tray and place in the freezer to set firm.

2. Use an ice cream scoop, or mould with your hands, into balls. If you want them to hang from a tree thread some string through them.

4. Once the fat balls are solid, put in the garden, on a bird feeder or in a fat-ball feeder. Voila!

If you don’t fancy making a fat ball, why not reuse empty yoghurt pots to make hanging feeders? Make a small hole in the bottom of each pot and thread some string or twine through the hole in the bottom and out through the top of the pot, leaving it long enough to tie the feeder to a branch. Put the fat and seeds in a saucepan and heat gently until the fat has melted. Pour the mixture into the yoghurt pots, stand in a tray and leave to set overnight in the fridge.

Carefully remove the empty pot from the fat and hang the feeder from a tree.

14

PROPERTY NEWS

INDOOR PROJECTS

We aren’t always blessed with good weather, so it’s a good idea to have some back-up options in case the Great British Weather lives up to its reputation.

One idea is to have a garage sale. Not only will this clean out the house, it will also hone in on your child’s project management skills. If you don’t want to slave away at an in-person garage sale all day, you could always try selling stuff online. One easy option to consider is Decluttr. This website allows you to just scan bar-codes of products and will instantly give you the price they pay for it.

Half term can seem a long week to entertain your children for but completing DIY tasks together will be fun for both of you and guarantees you some serious bonding time!

A fail-safe option that almost all kids love to do is bake. As they weigh and measure ingredients, children are developing maths skills without even realising. They’re also learning life skills like how to follow recipes and use utensils properly. So, baking is a perfect way to keep little ones entertained. To simplify things further, why not sign up for a baking subscription so you know al the ingredients will be delivered straight to your door?

Check out: www.bakedin.co.uk Half term can seem a long week to entertain your children for but completing DIY tasks together will be fun for both of you and guarantees you some serious bonding time!

This is a DIY project you can do together and make it as basic or intricate as you’d like.

You may even find you can reuse materials you already have.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

15

Winter 2021/22

Mortgage & Protection news

mortgages

The newsletter from Xact Mortgages Limited

With rising inflation, the interest rates on mortgage deals are also on the up...

»

Inflation rose to 4.2% in October (the highest level for almost 10 years), and is expected to peak at around 4.4% in 2022.

To counter this inflationary growth, there’s pressure on the Bank of England to consider increases to its interest rate.

(Sources: Office for National Statistics, Consumer Price Inflation; and Office for Budget Responsibility, Economic Outlook, Oct. 2021)

In fact, it has already had an impact on mortgage interest rates, with lenders factoring this into their pricing, resulting in rate rises for a number of deals on offer.

Whilst the direction of travel is upwards, these increases are coming from a record low base, which means that there are still excellent deals out there. But, for how long?

So, for a range of borrowers, perhaps now is the time to act to lock-in the current low rates: ■ those looking to secure their first loan deal.

■ those who have a mortgage deal that’s due for review in the next 6 months or so.

■ existing borrowers who simply want to obtain a decent interest rate now and/or raise more funds.

Planning how we live...

A further consideration, and a by-product

Xact Mortgages Limited 6 The Square, First Floor Solihull B91 3RB Tel: 0800 014 9962 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk

Time to Act? of the pandemic, is that many of us have given thought to the future set up of our home and the way we live.

This could encompass both where we live (with some leaving the cities), or the amount of space we need (as many will continue to work from home, full or part-time).

House Price growth Possibly surprising for some, in this period of economic uncertainty, the average UK house price has actually risen 9.9% annually.

(Source: Nationwide, House Price Index, October 2021)

It’s largely been driven by government tax incentives, and buyer demand for a different type of home, against a limited number of available properties.

Continued on the next page

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

Mortgage Deals Decent

rates on o ffer, but startin g to rise (Source: Mo neyfacts, 8 Nov. 2021 )

Remortgaging If you’re moving towards the end of your deal period, then you ought to be considering what’s on offer from your existing, or alternative lender(s).

To do nothing would mean you revert to your lender’s Standard Variable Rate, which may be in the realms of 4.41%.

The following are comparative average fixed rates across the board (to give you a general feel). For those that tick all the boxes, rates are on offer from around 1% for largely 60% LTV. ■ Coming off a 2-year fixed deal - Average rate 1 Nov. 2019 = 2.45% - Average rate 1 Nov. 2021 = 2.29% ■ Coming off a 5-year fixed deal - Average rate 1 Nov. 2016 = 2.98% - Average rate 1 Nov. 2021 = 2.59% (Source: Moneyfacts, 1 November 2021)

remortgage.

■ 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.

Time to Act? (contd) Continued from the previous page

Decent deals on offer Even in light of the current inflationary pressures, there are still a number of deals in the realms of 1%. These are primarily (but not exclusively) for those that need to borrow 60% or less Loan-to-Value (LTV) of the home’s value. However, even those needing 90% or 95% LTV could still be looking at the better deal rates of around the 2-3% mark.

(Source: Moneyfacts, 17 November 2021)

These deals may be particularly enticing, but it’s not just the headline rate that needs to be considered, it’s the associated fees, and lender requirements. That’s why it makes sense to take professional advice to identify the most suitable route for you.

The help we can offer...

For our part, we know where to look, as we are doing this every day for our clients.

Additionally, to help that process, and for you to be able to move swiftly, it makes sense to have all of your financial details to hand, such as bank statements and payslips.

This is because lenders continue to apply stringent controls on the ‘evidencing of income’ and ‘affordability’.

Find out your Credit Score This is also really useful information to have, as it would provide us with further background knowledge. A popular site you could use is checkmyfile.com, as that brings together findings from all the rating agencies.

And if your score’s not great, there may be ways to improve it.

Please get in touch to hear more...

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

Quick check Monthly payments for a mortgage per £1,000 borrowed over 30 years Interest rate %

0.25 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00

Interest-only* £

0.21 0.42 0.83 1.25 1.67 2.08 2.50 2.92 3.33 3.75 4.17

Repayment £

2.88 2.99 3.22 3.45 3.70 3.95 4.22 4.49 4.77 5.07 5.37

Here’s how to use the mortgage payments calculator: A £100,000 mortgage over 30 years, charged at a 2% interest rate would cost 100 x £3.70 (for Repayment) = £370 per month. * Excludes any payments to a separate savings scheme, to help pay off the capital amount borrowed.

This calculator only provides a guide to monthly payments and does not guarantee eligibility for a mortgage.

The actual amounts that you may have to pay may be more or less than the figures shown.

Please contact us for a personalised illustration.

■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

First-Time Buyers It’s a contradiction for many aspiring First-Time Buyers that what they’d pay in mortgage repayments is often less than their monthly rent, yet it remains difficult to get onto the property ladder.

It’s not as if the desire to own a property is not there. In fact, 49% of 18-34 year-olds surveyed said that homeownership is now more important to them as a result of the pandemic.* (Source: *Santander, Life after lockdown, June ‘21)

Raising the Deposit 52% of this age group also set out that the deposit was their biggest hurdle.* However, Government intervention with the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme has helped bring about more products (across the board) that only require a 5% deposit.

Others may be able to benefit from the Bank of Mum & Dad (plus Grandparents) to help deliver the deposit.

Rising House Prices

Type of Mortgage you opt for

The demand for more space afforded by larger properties has helped drive up prices. So, you may find that if you’re after a smaller home, it might be more achievable than you first thought to get a foothold on the property ladder.

Additionally, there’s the Government’s First Homes Scheme for new-build properties (in England, although other initiatives may exist elsewhere in the UK).

For eligible purchases, it’s designed to provide homes at a minimum discount of 30% against the market value, resulting in both a smaller deposit and mortgage loan.

However, the discount off the price remains with the property when you sell it on.

Another way of reducing the monthly mortgage payments is to take out a mortgage over a longer term, such as paying back over 35 years. Although, this means that you will be paying more money back, if extending the payback period.

However, over your lifetime of property ownership, you’re not committed to stay with the same deal - with homeowners often having a number of different mortgage deals across the years.

The process can be confusing and that’s why around nine out of ten First-Time Buyers are likely to use an Adviser.

(Source: Accord Mortgages, July 2021)

a standard 6m x 4m extension could cost in the region of £26-34,000.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

The last 18 months or so may have made you realise that you need more space for both you and your family, with some preferring to stay put, rather than move.

»

The upside of this is that your current property may have increased in value compared to when you took out your existing mortgage deal. If that’s the case, then it may be easier for you to borrow extra money (if needed) to help create the space you want.

Property price rise For example, if you’re coming to the end of a 5-year mortgage deal, the average house price in October 2016 was about £206,000,

by October 2021, it’s around £250,000.

(Source: Nationwide, House Price Index, October 2021)

If you borrowed 70% LTV in 2016, then by 2021, you’ll be under the 60% LTV threshold, which opens up the better deals.

Or, you can take a view that you are able to meet the borrowing criteria, and are comfortable with a 70% LTV deal - thereby releasing around £30k+ of extra funds.

Of course, taking on extra borrowing may not be the most suitable route for you.

Additionally, if you remortgage before the end of the deal period there may be financial penalties.

So, you have to weigh up all of this, along with the alternative costs attributable to moving home to secure the space you need.

Build up or build out?

This would be the most obvious way to secure the extra living space you need. And whilst it’s likely that there are planning and building regulations to consider, the planning aspect can be less onerous these days if you remain within an accepted footprint, and keep your neighbours onside.

Extension This could create an extra room for an office, or simply be an extension to the kitchen area to help create more space.

Rough costs: according to mybuilder.com,

Protection Insurance Rather than hunkering down following Covid claims, the Protection industry has responded positively and continues to pay out most claims, and deliver innovative products for today’s lifestyles...

With the ongoing impact of the pandemic,

repayments on your mortgage’ possibly

it’s important to consider ways of insuring

resonates with them. Those renting also

yourself against early death, or the inability

need to ensure they can stay in their home.

to earn an income due to a serious illness, mental health issue or injury.

In fact, according to Royal London, 15.9m people now feel more financially

So, don’t just view Protection Insurance as a small issue to consider when taking out a mortgage deal. Instead, get in touch with us to see if what you have

vulnerable than they did back in March

currently works well for you, or if there are

2020. (Source: Royal London, August 2021)

areas where you feel exposed.

The warning that ‘your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up

As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Loft conversion This can create a master bedroom with en suite, be used as an office, or simply deliver an extra room(s) to ensure everyone isn’t always on top of each other!

Rough costs: according to mybuilder.com, this costs on average £40,000.

Wide-ranging renovations Alternatively, you may want to do more, such as extend and update your kitchen, rewire, new heating system, new windows, and so on, to ensure the home layout works as best as possible for you.

Rough costs: according to Checkatrade, against a 3-bed property, this might cost in the realms of £38-74,000.

Does it add value?

Generally, it should. With an extension, or loft conversion, you are delivering more space, which should, understandably, make your home more marketable.

(Sources: mybuilder.com website & Checkatrade website, both September 2021)

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.

98% of all claims were paid out in 2020, equating to £17,000,000 a day!

Life Cover

n 99.5% of all claims were paid out. n Average payout of £79,304 (term),

£4,026 (whole of life).

Critical Illness

n 91.3% of all claims were paid out. n Average payout of £67,011.

Income Protection

n 86.5% of all claims were paid out. n Average payout of £22,170. n Average length of claim could

be around 6 years.* (Sources: Association of British Insurers, 2020 data, May 2021 release; *2020 claims data from LV and Aviva)

Make it

Work for Yourself The Self-Employed may feel hard done by in recent times. Some would have missed out on Government financial support, and mortgage lenders have been applying stricter lending criteria. So, it’s no wonder that many feel they’ll never own a home, or will face issues when seeking a new mortgage deal.

»

At the outset of the pandemic, much of this was true regarding the ability to secure a mortgage. More recently, 47% of self-employed workers still feel deterred from even applying for a mortgage because of their self-employed status.

(Source: The Mortgage Lender, August 2021)

But, let’s not forget that the self-employed sector comprises around 4.3m workers. Whilst that’s down on the 5m at the start of the pandemic, it’s still a sizeable part of the total workforce (around 13%). Of those remaining, many would have been nimble enough to adapt their offering in light of the economic climate.

(Source: Office for National Statistics, Labour market overview, September 2021 release)

Also, the resourcefulness and size of this marketplace is not who seem to be easing some of their criteria restrictions. For example, some lenders appear to be more accepting of variable income streams such as bonuses, commission, or overtime, than before.

Plus, there’s the revamp of IR35, which may impact upon affordability issues for some. If you find yourself in this situation, then it would be prudent to also have a chat with your accountant.

lost on lenders,

LIMITED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT ■ The majority of self-employed people (57%) said they

Rates on offer For those that can meet the affordability criteria required by lenders, they may benefit from the current competitive pricing.

There are headline-grabbing ‘circa 1%’ deals, largely for the 60% Loan-to-Value (LTV) borrowers. But the competition amongst lenders has meant that even at the low deposit deals for 90% and 95% LTVs, it’s still showing low average rates for 2-year fixed rate deals of 2.54% and 3.22%, respectively. With slightly higher rates for the 5-year deals. (Source: Moneyfacts, 1 November 2021)

Insuring your income stream In addition to having Life Cover insurance to help pay off the mortgage, and to support your family, you should protect your income stream too, if you were unable to work through an injury or serious illness. This could come in the form of a Critical Illness policy (as a stand-alone plan, or an add-on to life cover), and would pay out a tax-free lump sum on a successful claim.

Alternatively, there are Income Protection plans, which are designed to pay out a monthly income for a successful claim.

Yet, many self-employed and contract workers mistakenly believe that they’ll never qualify for this insurance protection.

That is generally not the case and, in fact, this insurance is possibly even more important for the self-employed, who are unlikely to have employee benefits, such as sick pay.

had no government support in the last 12 months.

■ Of those that did receive support, 28% received a grant,

with less taking up the various loans on offer.

■ A small percentage (9%) had used the furlough scheme

As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.

for their staff.

(Source: The Mortgage Lender, September 2021)

■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Rental returns Despite the difficult economic environment, many of the fundamentals for a positive Rental sector for Landlords still remain, when you consider the following three statements...

■ Enough new homes are being built: there aren’t.

■ A deposit for first-time buyers is easy to secure: it isn’t.

■ Mortgage interest rates are sky high: they aren’t.

Were those factors true, then the Private Rental Sector would be less appealing to Landlords. As it happens, demand remains high, and if Landlords want to remortgage, then property price increases over recent years (combined with low interest rates) are working in their favour.

A downside

should open up the better deals.

And, for others, it will present opportunities to raise further funds to renovate the existing property, or help to access money to purchase additional properties.

Buy-to-Let interest rates This information may be relevant should Landlords be nearing the end of their deal period, or are simply looking to remortgage.

The comparative ‘average’ rates across all LTVs are even lower than the 2 and 5-year ones that could be coming to an end, despite the recent upward trend in rates. And, if the Landlord falls into the lower LTV arena, then they could have access to even better deals: 1 November 2016 = 3.72% (historical 5-year deal rate)

Of course, it’s not all plain sailing, as Landlords still face sizeable regulatory and tax issues to navigate, and many will have suffered from the recent support afforded to defaulting renters.

1 November 2021 = 2.88% (2-year deal) / 3.18% (5-year deal)

Renter demand

Do talk to us to hear more.

As said, demand remains high, but the hotspots have changed throughout the UK compared to pre-pandemic times. Some renters (as with house purchasers) have moved away from the cities.

Overall, the UK average monthly rent figure is at £1,059, up 8.7% on the year prior. Regionally, the biggest annual growth has occurred in Wales (12.9%), Northern Ireland (11.6%), Greater London (9.7%) and the North West (8.9%).

(Source: Homelet Rental Index, October 2021 data, released November 2021)

1 November 2019 = 2.96% (historical 2-year deal rate) (Source: Moneyfacts, Buy-to-Let Average Fixed Rate deals, 1 November 2021)

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.

House Price growth

HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to

Over recent years, many Landlords will have benefited from house price rises. If this is the case, then it should deliver more options for those nearing, or coming off 2- and 5-year mortgage deals.

For example, in October 2016 the average residential house price was £205,904, five years on, it’s £250,311 - a jump of over 21.5%.

taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances

(Source: Nationwide, House Price Index, October 2021)

In some cases, that may mean access to lower LTV rates, which

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.

The continuing impact of the pandemic has reinforced the importance of protecting your income stream through insurance cover such as an Income Protection policy.

Protect your EARNINGS... »

Across a working lifetime, consider this: the average annual income of about £30,000 (discounting inflation), could equate to about £1,400,000. This amount is almost six times the current average value of a UK home - circa £250,000.

Yet many will willingly insure their home, plus sensibly take out life cover to help pay off the outstanding mortgage (as a minimum), but far fewer apply the same principles to their own income stream.

(Source: Office for National Statistics, Labour market overview, September 2021 release)

payouts from the Income Protection policy for that period of time, and face lower premiums as a result.

Income Protection will generally cover up to around 60-65% of your gross income, and dependent on the type of product you opt for, it could be a tax-free monthly payout until you’re well enough to return to work, retired or have died, whichever occurs first.

And, if you’re still working and paying premiums, you can claim against it more than once.

Alternatively, if a lower monthly premium is better for your pocket, then you could opt for a scheme that only pays out for a specific period of time, generally one to two years (although it can be up to five, in some instances).

Probability calculator

Funding your insurance cover

To get a feel for your own particular circumstances, why not use this probability calculator which sets out the ‘broad’ chances of you being off work for a period of time, along with suffering a critical illness, or dying. Simply enter your age, gender and smoker/nonsmoker information into - www.riskreality.co.uk. Of course, it’s only topline data, and personal circumstances will differ.

It shows, for example, that there’s a 33% chance for a 35 yearold, non-smoking, male to be off work for 2 months or more from now up to a retirement age of 68. For a female, the comparable figure is 41%. If viewed as a couple, then the risk of it occurring to just one of them rises to 60%! And, once you factor in that they are also smokers, the comparable figures are 41%, 51% and 71%, respectively. Whilst these results are merely a guide, it shows that bad things can happen.

You may be surprised that by simply cutting back on some of life’s small luxuries (odd takeaway, cab ride, cafe coffee, magazine, etc), you can swiftly set aside the premiums for an insurance plan that protects your income stream.

Even better if you are one of the two in five Brits that have actually saved money across the pandemic period - a combined £5.8bn per month in 2021.* Part of these savings could be sensibly directed to paying the premium for an Income Protection plan.

(Sources: Office for National Statistics, Labour market overview, September 2021 release; Nationwide, House Price Index, October 2021)

Are we Invincible?

Most of us will feel that being off work long-term, and unable to earn an income is unlikely. But it has happened to 2.15 million people in the UK, who are currently off work due to long-term sickness.

If it happens to you...

The upside (unless you’re a contractor or self-employed) is that you may, initially, benefit from ongoing financial support from your employer, if you were off work due to an illness, or injury. However, it’s only likely to be there for a defined period. Plus, there’s limited state support to try to access.

In which case you need to look at how you might cover any income shortfall, and this is where you could plan ahead and have an Income Protection policy in place.

If you benefit from employer support, then you could defer

(Source: *LifeSearch, Health, Wealth & Happiness, Q2 2021)

As with all insurance policies, terms, conditions and exclusions will apply.

■ Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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.

■ The contents of this newsletter are believed to be correct at the date of publication (November 2021).

■ Every care is taken that the information in the Mortgage & Protection News publication is accurate at the time of going to press. However, all information and figures are subject to change and you should always make enquiries and check details and, where necessary, seek legal advice before entering into any transaction.

■ The information in this newsletter is of a general nature. You should seek professional advice tailored to your needs and circumstances before making any decisions.

■ We do hope that the newsletter is of interest to you, however, please inform us if you no longer wish to receive it.

■ We cover mortgages, insurance and protection products along with a number of other financial areas, so do contact us if you’d like to discuss your financial needs: Tel: 0800 014 9962 Email: sales@xactmortgages.co.uk Web: www.xactmortgages.co.uk

mortgages Tel: 0800 014 9962 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

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

Alan Dalby HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? I have been back since August 2020, having worked for the firm for 5 years previously WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Love helping our clients achieve their goals and ambitions of home ownership and constantly offering the best customer experience possible SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I’m scared of heights, yet have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower FAVOURITE FOOD? Can’t beat my Nan & Grandad’s Sunday Lunches FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Give me a nice Pool in a hot country and I’m happy

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 (April 2021).

Present your house for sale by de-cluttering...

Maximise your home’s potential and create spacious rooms enticing potential buyers – simply by de-cluttering!

De-cluttering allows you to… maximise your space, emotionally prepare you to move, and will allow you to focus your buyers on what is important

I

f you are looking to sell your house, or have had your home on the market for a while now, then you probably want to get the maximum sale price in the quickest time. There are a few things you can’t control – but the one thing that is in your control, is the look and feel of the interior and exterior.

While it’s worth spending time fixing and cleaning your house before potential buyers come and view, it’s also important to de-clutter. This creates spacious rooms and also allows you to decrease and organise your personal items before you move yourself. Of course it’s understandable that you don’t to want spend money, time and energy on a home you are about to leave, however, a lot of people are looking for a house in which they can move straight into. Maintaining your

property might even save you thousands of pounds; it could even reduce added expenses of living in your home whilst waiting for a sale. And it might even help avoid possible reductions in the asking price.

The main reason in which people move house tends to be because they lack space in their current home. They want a home that is spacious and in which they can grow into.

If a potential viewer comes to your home and sees that there is lack of space, then this will turn them away.

De-cluttering allows you to remove any unnecessary items in an untidy or overcrowded place. It will help maximise your space, emotionally prepare you to move, and will allow you to focus your buyers on what is important.

So where should you start?

You need to create a great first impression and focus on the rooms themselves. You will notice that the first things you see in each room are personal items.

Where possible you want to create the look of a

them into things you want to keep and things you want to get rid of. You may even find that you have collected a cupboard full of paper work. Get yourself organised! Don’t just throw it all away, but file it and go through it thoroughly.

This will also make it easier when you move.

De-personalising can also be a great way to declutter. Too many personal effects can be distracting to buyers. They want to see a house in which they can make their own memories rather than seeing yours. Again, personal items can be stored away. Remember

Where possible you want to create the look of a lifestyle that the potential buyers want lifestyle that the potential buyer want. This usually has a ‘show home’ feel, rather than a ‘lived in’ feel.

Minimising your things is the quickest way to do this: you want to ensure that potential buyers can do simple things, like, open any doors easily, ensuring that there are no obstacles.

So, what do we mean by clutter? There are two types: genuine clutter, and items that you want to keep but don’t work for the sale of your property.

Genuine Clutter: You need to go through the space and sort out each item, categorising

You also want to focus on little things like DVDs, books and trinkets. These items may have some small value so sell them or donate them to charity.

Get rid of any old shoes and coats that are lying about in your porch or hallway. You might want to hide away the coats and shoes you do currently wear. Store them in your wardrobe, while you have viewings.

Items that you want to keep but don’t work for the sale of your property: You may want to consider putting some items in storage while you sell your home. Sometimes items are too large or even too small for some spaces and can make the room look odd. If you want to keep these particular items, then store them until you move into your new home.

that this is only a temporary way of living and hopefully it won’t be for long! If you find you are keeping more things than you are throwing out, then think about whether or not it’s in the right room or do you even need it now?

As previously mentioned, you can attempt to sell some of the things you have acquired over the years. Use sites like eBay, Gumtree and social networking sites to try and sell items. You may want to even hold a house sale for the remaining items that you can’t sell.

Failing that, why not donate to charity.

The end goal is still the same and it’s important to help potential buyers envision your house as theirs. So remember, decluttering will make your home more spacious and entice potential buyers!

Top Tips!

If you are throwing away paperwork, shred anything that is confidential

De-clutter before agents come and take photos of your property. This will help attract more potential viewers online and get that first good impression

Don’t spend too long on certain items and don’t get distracted.

Keep yourself motivated and race against the clock!

Make it fun! Play some music or watch TV while you de-clutter

Your step-by-step guide to the conveyancing process

O

nce a sale has been agreed and is in the hands of your solicitor, it will go through the following stages.

Sometimes additional work will be needed – for example, if the property is leasehold or is yet to be registered with the Land Registry.

It is also important for buyers to discuss the availability of their deposit with their solicitor early in the transaction, and we strongly recommend that you contact your solicitor regularly so that they can keep you fully up-to-date with the progress and the latest timescales.

Seller’s solicitor’s steps • O btain a copy of the Title Deeds (or office copies if the title is registered) • Obtain a copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (if applicable) • The seller(s) will return a completed Property Information Form and a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form to the solicitors • Copies of the above documents, plus a draft contract – this is known as an ‘Information Pack’ – will be sent to the buyer’s solicitor • Answer the buyer’s solicitor’s additional enquiries (for example, specific questions about fixtures and fittings) and obtain copies of any planning consent documents • Agree the contract and arrange for the sellers to sign it in readiness of the exchange (below) • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged

Between exchange and completion • O btain redemption figures from the mortgage lender and reply to requisitions on title • Approve the transfer and arrange for the seller(s) and buyer(s) to sign • Receive the agent’s fee account and seek the seller’s consent to settle this out of completion funds

Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards.

Upon completion • Receive completion funds and (only when this has been completed) instruct your estate agent to release the keys to buyers. Redeem mortgage and forward the financial statement. Forward any surplus funds (unless these are being used to fund an onward purchase). Ensure all outstanding bills are paid • Forward transfer documents and deeds to the buyer’s solicitors • Forward evidence of ‘discharge of mortgage’ to the buyer’s solicitors

Buyer’s solicitor’s steps • O btain the Information Pack, including a copy of the EPC (if applicable) from the sellers’ solicitor and raise any additional queries • Initiate any specialist searches (for example: a coal search). Submit local, environmental and water searches and a chancel check. This takes about 10 working days in total, and enquiries are then usually raised from the results • Approve the contract when all enquiries are satisfactory and complete. (At this stage, a mortgage transfer deed will need to be signed and witnessed) • Receive a mortgage offer and instructions from the lender and deal with any conditions set out by them. Make sure that life cover and buildings insurance is being arranged • Request the deposit, report back to the buyer, and arrange for the contract to be signed. Place buildings insurance and life cover in force • All parties agree completion dates and the contracts are exchanged

Between exchange and completion • Raise ‘requisitions on title’ and prepare the draft transfer deed • Report on title to mortgage lender and obtain funds for completion, including Stamp Duty (if appropriate) • Prepare accounts, obtain signature to mortgage deed and undertake final Land Registry and Land Charges searches

Completion date This is the date the ownership of the property passes from the seller to the buyer, and it follows the successful transfer of funds. It’s the date that the whole process works towards.

Upon Completion • F orward to the seller’s solicitors the balance of funds − it is only then that they can authorise the release of the keys. Receive from the seller’s solicitors, the transfer document deeds • Stamp the Transfer Deed, register the buyer’s ownership with the Land Registry and forward the deeds to the lender or client (where appropriate)

Contract - The agreement that sets out the main terms that have been agreed − for example: price, address, names, etc. Two copies are drawn up, and each party signs one in readiness for the exchange of contracts.

Deposit - The part of the purchase price (usually 10%) which the buyer pays on exchange of contracts.

Exchange of contracts - The swapping of signed contracts by the solicitors (together with the buyer’s deposit). After this, the contract is binding.

Energy Performance Certificate - This contains information on energy use, energy performance, carbon dioxide emissions, and fuel bills.

Land Registry - The Government department that records who owns what land, and under what conditions.

Local Authority Search - A list of questions that are specific to the property and intended, for example, to discover if there have been any planning applications on the property, if the road to the house is maintained by the council, etc.

Mortgage Redemption Figure - The amount required to repay the outstanding capital/ interest of a mortgage.

Property information form/fixtures, fittings and contents form - Standard forms about the property that the seller answers for their solicitor (for example: what will be left behind, details of guarantees, etc.)

Title Deeds - Legal documents that prove ownership of land/buildings, and the terms on which they are owned.

Transfer of Title - The document that passes the ownership from the seller to the buyer.

Stamp Duty for buy to let investors and second home owners - An additional tax, paid by the buyer purchasing an additional property that is not their main residence. It includes buy to let landlords and those buying second homes and holiday homes. The higher rates will be 3 percentage points above the current rates of duty shown below.

Requisition on title - An enquiry relating to the completion arrangements.

Seller’s Pack - This comprises a Property Information Form, a Fixtures, Fittings and Contents Form, a copy of the title deeds and the draft contract.

Stamp Duty - A tax paid by the buyer purchasing their main residence.

The current Stamp Duty Holiday runs until the 30th June and as such you won’t pay stamp duty on purchases up to £500,000.

After this date the nil-rate band will be set at £250k until the end of September.

Moving house?

From meter readings to removal companies, there’s so much to remember when moving house. Here’s our checklist of what to do and when

F

irst of all, congratulations on your new home! The excitement has probably now kicked in but moving home can also be one of the most stressful and emotionally draining things you can do. However, careful organisation and planning can help decrease the stress and anxiety of moving. This comprehensive and essential checklist will help you do just that.

Eight weeks – Research Ideally, you want to start packing away any non-essential items as early as possible.

This includes any items stored away in the loft, garage and shed. If you are not using it, pack it. Looking into your new area is also important, try to do this around eight weeks before you move. You might need to think about transferring your children to different schools and ordering new uniforms too. At this point, ensure you are also documenting all your important information away: that includes contact details, dates, contracts and information regarding your solicitor.

Six weeks – Removal companies or do it yourself?

Now would be the perfect time to decide on a local removal company. Or if you don’t have too much to move, you may want to do it yourself. You could even look into different van hire companies. At this point you’ve probably started packing away some bits, but if there is anything you decide not to take, then look into selling these items or donating them to charity. This will also give you an idea on the volume of items you have to move.

Four weeks – Notify utility companies This would be a good time for you to notify utility companies and inform them about your move to switch over. This includes gas and electricity, council tax, internet, phone rental and TV. You should also consider changing any car insurance, tax, memberships, phone contracts and inform your bank about the move. Now’s the time to also arrange a date to have your new house cleaned before you move

The buyers of our homes receive their very own property website to share via

Checklist Eight weeks Pack non-essential items Research your new area (transfer schools and order new uniform) Keep all important documents

Six weeks Decide on a local removal company Clear out any unwanted items Keep packing

Four weeks

It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! in, and start ordering any new furnishings for your new property. Start packing away more items, that being, out of season clothes, books, dvd’s and even bulky items, like TV’s that aren’t used often.

Two weeks – Confirm all details Confirm your move with your removal company or van hire, estate agents and schools. If possible, try to organise someone to look after your pets and children for the day of your move, as this can also be a stressful time for them too. If your removal company doesn’t disassemble any furniture or sort out the un-plumbing for the washing machine, then now would be the ideal time to organise these. Remember to also cancel any local services you receive: this could be window cleaners, gardeners and newspaper deliveries. You should now also think about re-registering to vote and getting your post re-directed after your moving date. Continue packing away more furnishings, kitchen appliances and crockery that you won’t be using for the next couple of weeks.

24 hours – Final check and walk round You now have only 24 hours before you move, so double check that everything is packed away and ready for transit. It will be worth packing a night bag each to help everyone settle in, which means you won’t have to rummage through everything to find your toothbrush! You may want to create an inventory of your boxes and

furniture to help you keep track of what you have and to help you ensure it doesn’t go missing.

Moving day Today is the day! You need to be ready for when your removal company comes.

Ensure that you let them know if there are any fragile boxes that need extra care when handling. If you’re moving yourself, then pack up your car or van and work out how many trips it may take. Before you leave, also take note of your final meter readings and send these off to your provider. Don’t forget to leave your keys for the new owners!

You have arrived at your new home!

Give your removal company instructions of which boxes go in which rooms and make sure you are happy with everything that has arrived. Ensure you check for any damage before the movers leave.

Read your new utility meters and send your readings of to your supplier. Taking photos of them will also ensure you have the correct reading if you need them again in the future. Unpack your essentials such as bed linen and clean towels. Don’t worry about the rest, it isn’t going anywhere!

Order a takeaway, have a cup of tea and enjoy your first night with your family.

Right, so now you’re all moved in, it’s time to settle down, unpack and enjoy your new place. Remember, planning is essential to ensure your move runs stress free.

social media with its address and personal message!

Notify utility companies Start preparation for your new house Keep packing

Two weeks Finalise all details Organise pet and child care Cancel local services Keep packing

24 hours Check every room and ensure everything is packed Pack a night bag so everything is to hand Collect your new keys Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can get in touch with the estate agents or removal company

Moving in Prepare for the arrival of the removal company and give them directions/ your contact details Ensure everything is ready to move Record meter readings

On arrival Give removal company instructions of what goes where Check for any damage before they leave Read your new utility meters and send them off to your supplier Check if the previous owners have left anything behind Unpack essentials Order a takeaway and sit back and relax!

Want to treat yourself to a proper removal company for your next move or are you prepared to do it yourself

Removal company or brave it yourself?

Y

ou’re excited about your new home and location but the process of packing, organising and actually moving all of your items is something no-one really ever looks forward to. Not only that but you also have to contact utility companies, maintain a job, keep your children happy and clean your entire house.

You do have super powers, right?

Removal companies You also won’t have to worry about the exhausting physical side of things, that being carrying boxes back and forth

Unless you live in a small property or flat, it could be worth hiring a professional removal company to help relieve some of the stress on the day.

They have many skills and experience and some of the services they can provide include packing and

unpacking, dismantling and assembling furniture, loading your belongings quickly and securely, including those fragile and specialist items. They can even supply you with packing materials.

Hiring a removal company will also allow you the time to collect the keys to your new home. You also won’t have to worry about the exhausting physical side of things, that being carrying boxes back and forth. Some services are great if you don’t have much time to plan and get these done yourself; however these do often come at a premium and may not be suitable for those on a budget.

When choosing a removal company

Top tips for packing When packing, ensure you don’t overload your boxes with heavy items, as these will be difficult to lift and could cause a back injury.

Fill any empty gaps using old newspaper, clothing, socks or even tea towels. This will help secure any items when they are being moved. its key to look at those which have good recommendations and reviews, as you need a company you can rely on. You can use comparison sites, such as comparemymove.com and reallymoving.com, to help find you the best deals.

items you have. You should also ask for the price to be broken down so you can see just how much you are paying for when it comes to certain aspects like insurance, packing, an hourly rate, mileage and any storage costs.

Getting quotes

Once you have found a removal company, it can be useful to send them a briefing sheet that includes information about any items which need to be specially packed, any difficult or large items, plus any carpets and curtains which need moving. Finally, it can also be helpful to send them a floor plan of the new property so they can unload efficiently.

You should aim to get at least three quotes from removal companies, preferably from firms which will come out to your property rather than those who just estimate the cost over the phone, as you don’t want any nasty charges later on. Plus it will give the company an accurate idea of any restricted areas in your home, if they can park a van or lorry, and how many

Create an inventory and label all your boxes and write the contents on each box with a marker. That way you will know which room each box is to go in.

And if you are super organised, you could even colour code each room!

Pack heavier boxes on the bottom. This might seem like common sense but it will ensure that any of your fragile items won’t break.

Pack a survival box. These are the things that you will need first and should include paper towels, bin bags, cutlery, the kettle, some mugs, tea, coffee, milk, sugar and finally, some toilet paper!

New Year, New Beginnings Let us use our magic in 2022 to get you moving. Our innovative marketing and world class service will enable you to relax and enjoy the New Year whilst we take care of the rest

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SOLIHULL

SHIRLEY

T: 0121 712 6222 E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 0121 712 6222 E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk

KNOWLE

BALSALL COMMON

T: 01564 777284 E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 01676 534411 E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk

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