Home & property news

Tips For Ensuring The Cold Doesn’t Affect Your Home

During the current February cold snap, many Britons may be wondering how best to protect their homes and their bodies from the consequences of dipping temperatures, snow and ice. With temperatures set to fall as low as -5 degrees in the coming weeks, we’ve outlined the below precautions you can take in order to minimise the effects of the wintery conditions around the house:

Tips For Ensuring The Cold Doesn’t Affect Your Home →

Millions Complain There's No Community Spirit Where They Live

Millions of Brits don’t consider their neighbours to be friends - and wouldn’t dream of popping in to say hello as there is 'no sense of community spirit' where they live.

Millions Complain There's No Community Spirit Where They Live →

Four Steps to Moving Home

Moving home is an exciting time, and we want to help you to ensure that it is also a seamless process. Here, we talk you through the 4 steps that you will need to go through in order to make a move to your next home.

Four Steps to Moving Home →

The Average First Time Buyer: 1960s Compared to 2019

Despite being dubbed ‘Generation Rent’, there are still millions of people gearing up to buy their first home in the UK.

The Average First Time Buyer: 1960s Compared to 2019 →

Six MONTHS Is The Time It Takes to Buy A Home

It’s official – it takes six months and 24 days to buy a home, according to research.

Six MONTHS Is The Time It Takes to Buy A Home →

3 Things To Consider When Moving Long Distance

Moving house is always going to be a stressful time, even if you’re only moving around the corner. But if you’re moving long distance, there are a lot more things that you have to consider. You can’t just do a few trips back and forth in the car to get all of your stuff to the new house. Ideally, you only want to do one trip so you need to get everything organized in advance and move it all in one, and that’s a lot harder than you might think.

3 Things To Consider When Moving Long Distance →

Home Shame: 1 In 4 Britons Feel Uncomfortable Inviting Others Into Their Properties Out Of Embarrassment

A new study has found that almost one quarter of Britons feel nervous at the prospect of inviting friends, family or visitors into their home for fear of being judged for their interiors, with almost 1 in 11 admitting that no one has visited their home in the past year.

Home Shame: 1 In 4 Britons Feel Uncomfortable Inviting Others Into Their Properties Out Of Embarrassment →

UK Has 15 Million 'Smart' Homes

There are now 15 million ‘smart homes’ in Britain, it has emerged.

UK Has 15 Million 'Smart' Homes →

Shared Living Households Could Reach 1.2m By 2027

Since 1992, Single White Female has made the thought of a room share a little terrifying on the off chance you might accidentally end up with your own Hedy. However, in 1996 there were some 900,000 people living in shared accommodation either as unrelated adults or multi-family households and this went on to break the one million mark by 2007, increasing by another 100,000 by 2017.

Shared Living Households Could Reach 1.2m By 2027 →

Scourge of Festive Veg Causing Spike in Christmas Call-outs for Tradespeople

From Brussel Sprouts blocking sinks to red-wine stained carpets and furniture, tradesmen at www.hamuch.com have revealed the most common reasons they’re contacted by panicking homeowners over the festive period.

Scourge of Festive Veg Causing Spike in Christmas Call-outs for Tradespeople →

Consumers Being Left in the Dark Over EU Light Switch Off

Many consumers are being left in the dark weeks after the phasing out of halogen lightbulbs...

Consumers Being Left in the Dark Over EU Light Switch Off →

Solar Panel Feed-in Tariff Deadline Looms

Homeowners considering switching to solar panel systems should do it now before a cut-off point next year that could strip the opportunity for large financial incentives.

Solar Panel Feed-in Tariff Deadline Looms →

Is Your House Secretly Killing You?

Most people feel safe in their own home, but did you know that your bedroom and kitchen could actually be killing you? A new guide reveals the hidden dangers that lurk in our homes, looking at common bacteria and their startling side-effects...

Is Your House Secretly Killing You? →

Is There A Backlash Against New Builds?

It's out with the new, and in with the old, as the Great British public reveal their true feelings about new homes and commercial buildings that cast a shadow of neglect over the nation’s much-loved heritage buildings and historical houses.

Is There A Backlash Against New Builds? →

Get Your Chimney and Stove Winter-Ready

Get your home winter-ready this autumn with these handy cleaning and maintenance tips.

Get Your Chimney and Stove Winter-Ready →

Property Owners Are Wasting £107billion Worth of Space In Their Homes

Experts found homeowners are failing to make the most of space in their home due to bulky TV cabinets and stands taking up large chunks of the floor.

Property Owners Are Wasting £107billion Worth of Space In Their Homes →

Six Features Your House Needs if You Work From Home

New research has revealed that UK workers spend a third of the working week, working from home, with one in five (21%) claiming they feel it makes them more productive.

Six Features Your House Needs if You Work From Home →

Celebrities Back Campaign on Safety Products

Singer Midge Ure and West End actress Carley Stenson are backing a campaign to abolish VAT on safety products in the home.

Celebrities Back Campaign on Safety Products →

What Will the UK’s Homes Look like in 5, 10 and 20 years’ time?

With the government pledging to build 300,000 new homes a year[1], AXA Insurance has asked the public what they think homes will look like in 5, 10 and 20 years’ time. As part of its campaign, AXA is also sponsoring the Grand Room Sets feature at Grand Designs Live in London, May 5 - 13, where five designers will transform their spaces with inspiring and ambitious ideas to help people reimagine their homes.

What Will the UK’s Homes Look like in 5, 10 and 20 years’ time? →

Most People Consider Childhood Residence to be Their ‘True’ Home

Home is where the heart is, but for many of us, it’s the house we grew up in – not where we live now, according to a study.

Most People Consider Childhood Residence to be Their ‘True’ Home →

New Charity Partnership for Luxury Hotel Group

An international hotel group has signed an exclusivity deal with a UK-based not-for-profit organisation to manage its charitable donations.

New Charity Partnership for Luxury Hotel Group →

Not So Squeaky Clean!

Britain is a nation lacking in hygiene when it comes to their home appliances, according to new research.

Not So Squeaky Clean! →

It Takes Minutes for House-hunters to Know Whether a New Property is For Them

It takes just EIGHT minutes for house-hunters to know whether a new property is for them, according to a study.

It Takes Minutes for House-hunters to Know Whether a New Property is For Them →

The 'Weak Spots' Of Your Home That Need Protecting

It’s important to know exactly where the weak spots of your home are. Upon moving into a new property, we often hire the services of a professional inspector to ensure everything is as it’s being sold. This might mean searching for damp in the hard-to-see areas, ensuring that the electrical circuit is well structured, or simply that there is no evidence of subsidence.

The 'Weak Spots' Of Your Home That Need Protecting →

One In Seven Young Brits Would Buy a House With A Stranger

More than one in seven young Britons (14 per cent) would be willing to buy a house with a total stranger – in a desperate bid to get on the property ladder, according to nationwide research.

One In Seven Young Brits Would Buy a House With A Stranger →

Staffing Success - How To Choose The Right Support For Your Household

Choosing whether you need domestic staff or not is an important decision, and one should not be taken lightly. Whether the hiring of staff is a necessity or just a luxury is a question that only you and your family can answer along with your financial situation.

Staffing Success - How To Choose The Right Support For Your Household →

Having a Dog and Going to Local Pub Among Best Ways to Settle into New Community

Taking a parcel in for a neighbour, inviting next door round for dinner and having a pint in the local pub are among the best ways to settle into a new community, according to a study.

Having a Dog and Going to Local Pub Among Best Ways to Settle into New Community →

Top Tips For A Stress-Free Move

Moving house is an incredibly exciting experience, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s also one of the most stressful things that a person can put themselves through. There is so much to organise, pack, book, and get rid of, and it can get pretty overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Top Tips For A Stress-Free Move →

Burglar-Proofing Your Home

For as long as there have been homes, there have been burglars trying to break in and ransack them. And burglars will continue to do these things, too, there are no two ways about it. But, just because burglars just won’t stop attempting their dastardly deeds, it doesn’t mean you can’t deter them in their quest. It doesn’t mean you can’t protect your home from them. For advice on how to do this, and how to do it well, make sure to read on.

Burglar-Proofing Your Home →

The Future In Living Spaces Is Here

Home is the one place you can rely on to be able to relax and truly be yourself, so it’s understandable that you want to make it as nice as possible so that you can enjoy the luxuries even more...

The Future In Living Spaces Is Here →

Your Home is Stealing Your Money: Here's How You Make it Stop...

You love your home and spend a sizeable portion of your precious free time keeping it clean, tidy, secure and looking beautiful. A little gratitude would be nice, but the unpleasant truth is that your home is repaying all your love and adoration by siphoning cash out of your wallet and literally throwing it out the window… And through the roof… And even through your electrical fixtures. It needs to be thwarted.

Your Home is Stealing Your Money: Here's How You Make it Stop... →

Home Owners Are 'Future-proofing' Properties

Homeowners are spending more than ever to increase the appeal of their homes by installing high spec technologies as part of their refurbishment projects.

Home Owners Are 'Future-proofing' Properties →

Sleeping in the Heat

Recent research from The Wool Room in partnership with Leeds University has revealed that you needn’t get hot and bothered under the covers this summer, as sleeping with wool bedding can help you get a better and less interrupted night’s sleep.

Sleeping in the Heat →

1 in 5 Ban Guests Due to Home Décor Shame

New research by the House & Garden Festival has found that almost three-quarters (71%) of people in the UK admit to being secretly embarrassed by their home décor and interiors.

1 in 5 Ban Guests Due to Home Décor Shame →

Your Front Door Might Not Be As Burglar-Proof As You Think It Is...

According to estimates, about 70 percent of home invasions come through the front door and not the windows, as many people imagine. Some front doors are very sturdy, but the majority can easily be overcome by experienced criminals. So what can you do to protect yourself and make your front door more secure? Here are some tips from the experts.

Your Front Door Might Not Be As Burglar-Proof As You Think It Is... →

Are Your Habits At Home Harming Your Health?

We like to think of our home as a safe and serene sanctuary where we can shut off, escape stress, and chill out. In an ideal world, all our homes would fit this bill, but what about if you’re living on a building site, or your home is harbouring hidden dangers? Sometimes, the way we live can affect our health. If you’re worried that your habits at home may be harming your health, this guide should come in handy.

Are Your Habits At Home Harming Your Health? →

Five Ways To Not Spend A Fortune On Furniture

When it comes to kitting out our homes, furniture is an unavoidable expense. However, you shouldn’t have to take out a loan just to provide your new home with a bed and sofa. Here are some ways to not get fleeced on furniture.

Five Ways To Not Spend A Fortune On Furniture →

Our Favourite Property Types

Fewer people than ever are buying homes in the UK but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been looking. New research has now revealed the properties that Brits desire the most - with some surprising results.

Our Favourite Property Types →

Common Energy Mistakes Costing Thousands A Year

Households could be wasting hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills through a lack of basic knowledge about energy efficiency.

Common Energy Mistakes Costing Thousands A Year →

DIY Burns Calories Too!

It's that time of year when people have already turned their minds to getting fit. Alongside walks and gym sessions, DIY can be a great way to keep in trim. New research has revealed how many calories we can burn doing typical household chores.

DIY Burns Calories Too! →

Empty Nesters More Likely To Have Games Rooms, Bars & Hot Tubs Than Twenty-Somethings

Research has revealed a new trend of empty nesters decking out their houses with rooms and features more commonly associated with younger people, including dedicated games rooms, bar areas and hot tubs. What’s more, empty nesters are more likely than twenty-somethings to throw ‘pool/hot tub parties’.

Empty Nesters More Likely To Have Games Rooms, Bars & Hot Tubs Than Twenty-Somethings →

How Does DIY Relieve Stress?

The New Year is traditionally the time when we tackle those DIY jobs that we put off last year and give our homes a seasonal clean. Online retailer ManoMano is encouraging its customers to disconnect from technology and connect with our tool boxes in 2017.

How Does DIY Relieve Stress? →

A Hug and the Smell of Freshly Baked Bread Make Us Happy

The secret to happiness in modern Britain is simple and free – give someone a hug or bake them a loaf of fresh bread.

A Hug and the Smell of Freshly Baked Bread Make Us Happy →

Top Architectural Tips When Planning Your New Home

The urge to do home improvements is entrenched in human nature, and with the emergence of television programmes following people as they attempt to build a home from scratch, more people are taking on these big projects.

Top Architectural Tips When Planning Your New Home →

5 MILLION Homes at Risk of Flea Infestation

More than five million homes in the UK are at risk of flea infestation due to dirty homes, new research reveals.

5 MILLION Homes at Risk of Flea Infestation →

Accessible In-Home Smart Meter Displays Lauched To Blind And Partially Sighted People

A joint initiative to bring the advantages of smart meter technology to the homes of blind or partially sighted people is being launched this week by Energy UK, the trade association for the UK energy industry, geo, the pioneering developer of smarter energy products and services for consumers, and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People.)

Accessible In-Home Smart Meter Displays Lauched To Blind And Partially Sighted People →

Top Features People Look For In A New Property

Having trouble selling your house? You could try painting the front door white. Research has revealed that’s the door colour that may help increase its chances of a quick sale. It also helps if you have four bedrooms, four front-facing windows and a front garden with a rose bush and a neatly mown lawn...

Top Features People Look For In A New Property →

The 50 House Rules Of Britain’s Homes

Shoes off the sofa, always use a coaster for cups and no food in the bedroom have been named among the 50 house rules for Britain’s homes, a new study reveals.

The 50 House Rules Of Britain’s Homes →

Antiques Are Back In Vogue

New research into the nation’s home styling habits has found that we are a country of antique lovers – with 62% of people saying they look good in their home, no matter how long they’ve been there – and the majority (72%) seeing antique furniture as always in fashion. More than half (58%) believe they make a fantastic long term investment but two thirds (62%) say they don’t own as many antiques as they would like.

Antiques Are Back In Vogue →

Copyright Changes & Affordable 'Icon-inspired' Furniture

The UK Government has announced the repeal of Section 52 of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act in 2014: the copyright on furniture designs would be extended from 25 to 70 years after a designer’s death.

Copyright Changes & Affordable 'Icon-inspired' Furniture →

Teesside Fine Furniture Businesses Sign Retail Partnership Agreement

Turnbull & Thomas, a fine furnishing retailer, launched by two Teesside entrepreneurs, is celebrating another business milestone after signing an exclusive partnership agreement with a locally-based supplier.

Teesside Fine Furniture Businesses Sign Retail Partnership Agreement →

Mod Cons Cut Time Doing Weekly Chores By 55 HOURS

Next time you sigh as you prepare to tackle the laundry, spare a thought for the housewife of the 1950s – who spent an astonishing 57 HOURS a week on chores.

Mod Cons Cut Time Doing Weekly Chores By 55 HOURS →

Furniture Retailer Provides Paid Work Placements For University Students

A fine furniture retailer on Teesside is providing paid placements for Teesside University students to allow them to immerse themselves in the world of work.

Furniture Retailer Provides Paid Work Placements For University Students →

70% of Brits Will Never Be Satisfied With Their Home

The average Brit needs to spend more than £18,000 and four-and-a-half years working on their home before they can consider it ‘perfect’, a study has found.

70% of Brits Will Never Be Satisfied With Their Home →

Redecoration Plans Are Top Of Agenda For Many

To beat the January blues, home owners are planning to redorate their homes while those who rent also plan to give their homes an early spring clean, according to research.

Redecoration Plans Are Top Of Agenda For Many →

Our Homes Are Getting Smarter

The future of technology means that we will be living in an increasingly ‘intelligent’ home environment or ‘smart home’ that operates without the need for human intervention.

Our Homes Are Getting Smarter →

Plumbing Firm's Warning To Homeowners This Winter

With winter on its way and news that the UK could be hit with record storms and freezing temperatures, leading Berkshire plumbing firm, Boiler Servicing 24-7, is warning homeowners to prepare for the adverse weather conditions.

Plumbing Firm's Warning To Homeowners This Winter →

Turnbull and Thomas Opens First Furniture Showroom

A fine furniture retailer on Teesside has been officially opened by Lt Col Matthew Murphy RHA marking the fact its Managing Director, a former serviceman, has decided it will support military personnel. Turnbull and Thomas, established by two Teesside entrepreneurs, has achieved a business milestone with the official opening of a showroom just months after it launched online.

Turnbull and Thomas Opens First Furniture Showroom →

Expert Warns Smart Energy Meters Can Cause Damp Homes

Smart energy devices installed into millions of homes could lead to an increase in damp and condensation, according to specialists in humidity.

Expert Warns Smart Energy Meters Can Cause Damp Homes →

Online Fine Home Furnishing Retailer Opens Showroom

A home furnishings online retailer, launched by two Teesside entrepreneurs, is celebrating a business milestone with the opening of a showroom.

Online Fine Home Furnishing Retailer Opens Showroom →

New Ombudsman Will Help Improve Trades, Says Plumbing Entrepreneur

The owner of fast-growing Berkshire plumbing firm, Boiler Servicing 24-7, has welcomed the findings of a new national poll and the introduction of a new Consumer Ombudsman as the dawn of a bright future for tradesmen.

New Ombudsman Will Help Improve Trades, Says Plumbing Entrepreneur →

Are You Pouring Money Down The Drain?

The average UK household with a water meter is at risk of pouring money down the drain, according to new research.

Are You Pouring Money Down The Drain? →

Why It's Time To Take 'A Broader View' On Heating The Home

Underfloor heating is hugely popular with home owners, but is it the answer to all a home owner’s problems when it comes to providing warmth? Alex Mayer looks at why it is often a good idea to mix and match when it comes to heating.

Why It's Time To Take 'A Broader View' On Heating The Home →

Andrea McLean’s Top Tips For Upcycling

Andrea McLean is the anchor for ITV lunchtime talk show Loose Women and formerly a presenter at GMTV. She is also a homes and interiors specialist and has recently become a brand ambassador for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Furniture and Electrical Stores. Here, Andrea shares with Home UK Magazine readers her top 'upcycling' tips.

Andrea McLean’s Top Tips For Upcycling →

DIY Skills In Short Supply

Women are starting to beat men in the home DIY stakes, according to new research, which reveals that over 30 per cent of people do not even know how to change a plug.

DIY Skills In Short Supply →

How Washing Machines Are Regularly Outsmarting Us

The average UK consumer is losing the battle of wits with their washing machine, according to new research.

How Washing Machines Are Regularly Outsmarting Us →

What to Expect When Moving into a New Home

Today’s new-build homes include many improvements and efficiencies, but like most new things, a newly-built property needs to be allowed to ‘settle’ to adjust to the rigours of occupation and the drying out period, which is normally nine to twelve months. NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty provider and standards setting body for new build homes, offers Home UK Magazine readers some practical advice about taking extra care with their new home during the first few months.

What to Expect When Moving into a New Home →

Check Heating Systems Before Jack Frost Reappears

As temperatures rise and people turn off their heating for the summer months, Alex Mayer, Managing Director of Boiler Servicing 24-7 looks at why now is the time to check heating systems.

Check Heating Systems Before Jack Frost Reappears →

Disabled shoppers driven from the high street by poor accessibility, charity survey finds

Wheelchair users are being deprived of the opportunity to sample the festive attractions of their local high streets due to access and security worries, a new survey released today by the disability charity Vitalise has found.

Disabled shoppers driven from the high street by poor accessibility, charity survey finds →

Concreate celebrates prestigious deal with Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Concreate, which is the first product of its kind available on the British flooring market, has completed its latest prestigious installation, this time for Gourmet Burger Kitchen in the Trafford Centre, Manchester.

Concreate celebrates prestigious deal with Gourmet Burger Kitchen →

Kitchen design needs to cater for older people

Kitchen manufacturers and suppliers need to be more aware of the needs of older people, according to research by academics at Loughborough University.

Kitchen design needs to cater for older people →

Keeping hens: how not to fall foul of the law

Increasing numbers of people are choosing to keep chickens in the UK with an estimated half a million of us now doing so, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association. While there are no laws in the UK preventing the keeping of small numbers of chickens, there are regulations which must be checked first.

Keeping hens: how not to fall foul of the law →

Coast & Country welcomes first shared ownership customer to its latest development

Alan Rudd was delighted to be able to get a foot back on the property ladder after a difficult time in his life. Alan is now the proud part-owner of a brand-new, modern and energy efficient two-bedded end townhouse and rents the remaining share of the property at Serenity at Havelock Park, Redcar.

Coast & Country welcomes first shared ownership customer to its latest development →