X
Contact Us

News

Home improvements: An insight into loft, garage and cellar conversions

Garage, loft, and cellar conversions are popular home improvement projects that can significantly enhance a property’s value. These transformations not only maximise the existing space but also satisfy the ever-growing demand for multi-purpose living areas.

Increased Living Space

One of the most apparent benefits of these conversions is the addition of valuable living space. With property prices high, making the most of every square foot is essential. Converting garages, lofts, or cellars into usable spaces, such as bedrooms, home offices, or entertainment areas, can significantly boost a property’s appeal and value.

Adaptability to Changing Needs

As families grow or lifestyles change, the demand for adaptable living space becomes crucial. Conversions
offer flexibility to create rooms tailored to the homeowner’s specific requirements. A loft turned into an extra bedroom, or a cellar transform

Energy Efficiency

Many garage, loft, and cellar conversions involve upgrading insulation and implementing energy-efficient features, aligning with the increasing focus on sustainable housing.
Homebuyers are often drawn to properties with lower running costs, making energy-efficient conversions more appealing and potentially increasing the property’s overall value, as well as improving the EPC rating.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Functionality

Conversions offer the opportunity to create bespoke spaces with unique designs and features. A well-designed conversion can elevate a property’s aesthetics and functionality, making it stand out in the competitive housing market.

In prime urban areas, where space is at a premium, a well-executed conversion can be a key selling point, leading to higher demand and increased house value. There are a variety of ways you can fund these projects, with remortgaging being just one of these options.

How to set about funding the project

There are a few ways to use the capital within your home, but each option has its specific pro’s and con’s. A lot will depend on how long you have had your current mortgage deal, and how close you are to renewing your fixed rate, but we look at all options when we discuss cases for home improvements.

If you’d like to discuss the options available to you, contact us today!

Smoking: Why you need Critical Illness Cover

Throughout the years there have been multiple facts and figures published, highlighting the impact of smoking on your health. It’s no secret that your smoking status will significantly influence your chances of suffering from certain conditions, which is why critical illness cover (CIC) is so important.

Is CIC worth it?

Smoking can increase the risk of suffering from cancers, heart attacks, strokes, heart diseases and more. Critical Illness Cover is designed to pay a lump sum if you get a serious illness, injury or can’t work.
Many CIC policies are partnered with life insurance, however you are able to get separate cover allowing you to decide how much cover you need and for how long.


Consider getting CIC if you and your family heavily depend on your income, you don’t have enough savings to cover you should you become seriously ill or disabled, or you don’t have an employee package to cover time off work. You may not need CIC if you have no financial commitments or have a partner who can cover living costs and commitments, should you become seriously ill.

How does it work?

You will typically be asked to complete a health questionnaire during the application process, alongside a review of your medical records.

It’s essential to state all existing health conditions when you apply. These details will then be considered to determine how much you need to pay.

Once active, you can make one claim if you’re diagnosed with a specific illness. This tax-free lump sum can be used for anything you like, whether you want to pay off the mortgage, cover lost income or health-related costs.

What should I watch out for?

There are scenarios where a policy won’t pay out at all. Most policies will exclude claims where an illness is a result of self-harm, alcohol and/or drug abuse or taking part in extreme sports.


Time limits may also be in place, such as not being able to claim within the first 90 days or if you die within a month of being diagnosed with a critical illness.


If you want to know more or find the best deal, contact us to take you through the details of the policies available and help you choose the right one.

Could falling fixed rates help prospective buyers?

In July, both two and five-year fixed-rate deals dropped by 0.02% for the first time since May. Although the forecast for further changes is uncertain, the initial drop in rates is promising and could lead to a more favourable environment to help prospective buyers if rates continue to fall in 2023.

How does this impact me?

Despite a small fall in rates, it’s a promising sign for the future with further rates potentially falling. With reduced borrowing costs, the barriers to homeownership diminish, allowing aspiring buyers to afford a home loan and lock in lower monthly mortgage payments.


Falling rates can also be advantageous for existing homeowners looking to upgrade to a more desirable property. Current homeowners are able to sell their homes more easily, as potential buyers look to enter the market with affordable financing.


The main benefit of lower rates is the opportunity to refinance existing mortgages. If you’re on a fixed-rate mortgage, you may choose to refinance your loan and secure a cheaper rate to reduce monthly payments or shorten the term. Despite the current rates falling by only a small amount, the results can be significant with an increase to long-term savings and financial flexibility.


However, it is important to speak with your adviser before making any decision, as it may be that to exit your current fixed rate product incurs Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) which would make switching not worth it.

Approach with caution

Being cautious around interest rates, even if they come down further, is crucial. If interest rates are on a downward trend they can shoot back up again without warning, especially during a period of economic instability.

Homeowners could continue to face higher monthly repayments until we see a significant decline in interest rates, continuing to limit the ability to save or invest in other areas.

Fluctuations in rates could lead to uncertainty for both current and potential mortgage holders. To navigate the complexities of the mortgage market, you should remain cautious, seeking professional financial advice. A thorough understanding of how the interest rates impact mortgages will allow you to make informed decisions during changing economic conditions.

For more information, contact us and we can support you and discuss the options available to you.

Using life insurance to keep you healthy.

New research highlights an ‘alarming link’ between the rising costs of living and declining health across the UK population. The protection industry can have a positive influence, providing the tools to help you manage your health in 2023.

Cost-of-living pressure

The cost-of-living pressure could trigger a global health crisis, with the current economic environment having a considerable impact on the health and wellbeing of the nation. Reports found that 45% of UK adults believe it has become too expensive to stay healthy, with 12% experiencing increased medical expenses. Research also found that 73% of 16–24-year-olds are stressed about the rising cost of staying healthy.

Protection: How it can keep you healthy

Most comprehensive protection plans can help you and your family stay healthy, despite cost-of-living pressure. Most insurance providers throughout the UK offer a variety of services, from nutrition to fitness and everything in between, helping to achieve a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of illness.

Additional added-value benefits, such as second medical opinions, health checks and gym membership
discounts, can keep you healthy throughout the current economic crisis.


Protection plans can also improve your mental health, so it’s crucial to make the most of the support available to you. Many people don’t utilise their cover, so it’s worth checking the added-value benefits available to you whether you already have a plan or if you are looking for one.

Time to take action

It’s never too late to protect you and your family. The earlier you start looking at the options available to you, the sooner you can work towards building a healthy lifestyle and fight back against the cost-of-living. There’s nothing more important than your physical and mental health, so what are you waiting for?

For more information, contact us so we can support you and discuss the options available to you.

Let’s Get Your Mortgage Journey Started

Our highly skilled and helpful advisers are ready to help

Lets Get To It