House and Home
British Gas profits not just a rip off
Filed under: Economiser, House and Home
While we were all freezing during the coldest winter for 30 years, Centrica bosses were rubbing their hands together, not to keep warm, but in glee as their company's profits soared.Centrica is the parent of British Gas which posted a surplus of £585 million – 98% ahead of last year – as shivering households cranked up the heating and gas usage rose 8%.
House prices peak at Shakira's hip level
Filed under: Property, House and Home
Pint-sized Colombian warbler Shakira, partnered by Wyclef Jean, dominated the charts in summer of 2006 with Hips Don't Lie as she topped the pops for five non-consecutive weeks.If you can remember back that far, which even I can, then that is when average house prices last achieved the same level at which they currently sit. And while that slice of Latino rubbish plays on a loop in your head, I can also tell you that June's Land Registry data revealed the average price of a property in England and Wales stood at £166,072 in June, which is 8.4% higher than a year ago.
Stop: when not to buy a house
Filed under: Mortgages, Property, House and Home, Insurance
If you've ever purchased property, you'll know that it is an incredibly emotional experience. We tend to get attached to houses for aesthetic reasons like a beautiful period features or a cool kitchen, and it's easy to overlook the really important issues like the structure and condition of the house.But the are some warning signs to look out for when viewing a property, that signal you should walk away or put your haggling hat on for some serious negotiation.
Fuel bills will rise £277
Filed under: House and Home
You could be forgiven for thinking that you pay enough for your home energy. You might consider that over £1,000 a year to heat and light your home is more than enough to be going on with, but the government disagrees. It says bills are going to have to increase by as much as £277.So just where is the extra cost coming from, and how can you avoid it?
How one family followed their dreams and got out of the city
Filed under: Property, House and Home, Families
Many city-based families dream of quitting the rat race for the wide open spaces, better schools and slower pace of life found in the British countryside.
But while you may be able to get more home for your money further afield, some aspects of life outside the city – such as commuting costs - may prove more expensive. We spoke to one family who followed their rural dreams to find out what impact moving has had on their finances.
Renters more vulnerable to money problems
Filed under: Property, House and Home
The new Financial Services Authority proposals announced last week provide support for borrowers, but what about tenants?Renters are equally at risk of over-stretching themselves financially, according to payment protection provider, British Insurance, but are far less likely to get help.
Hardly anyone gets advertised broadboand speed, says Ofcom
Filed under: House and Home, Technology and Online
Hardly any customers are getting the broadband speed they have been sold, says Ofcom, the watchdog, in a damning verdict on the industry. Virtually no one is getting the 'up to' speed advertised.Ofcom's analysis of broadband speeds in the UK shows that for some services 97% of consumers do not get the advertised speed. Most homes receive less than half the speed they are paying for. So which internet providers are best for download speed, and what can you do to improve your connection?
Neighbours are strangers - a costly mistake
Filed under: House and Home
The only Neighbours we're likely to be familiar with are the ones on Channel Five on a weekday lunchtime. Because while Paul Robinson is a recognised face in many homes (and Kylie built her career on her Neighbours fame), the people actually living near us are more likely to be a complete mystery.And this is a costly mistake.
Half of broadband complaints left hanging
Filed under: House and Home, Technology and Online
Almost half of all people who complain about their broadband connection are left hanging, new research shows. And many others are so disillusioned that they don't even bother complaining when things go wrong with their broadband.A survey of over 2,500 UK broadband customers by Broadbandchoices.co.uk reveals that consumers continue to face major difficulties in having their complaints resolved. Almost half of respondents (46%) who made a complaint said they were not happy with the outcome. How do you make a successful complaint?
Rogue traders are planning a summer of scams
Filed under: Fraud , House and Home
Rogue traders (you know, like the ones off the telly) are coming after you. According to the Office of Fair Trading, they know where you like and they will be knocking on your door some time this summer.The OFT says that dodgy builders, plumbers and electricians come out in the warm weather, a bit like ants, because they can claim that the reason they are approaching you unsolicited is that things are a bit slack right now and they can do you a good price.
