Brian Murphy, Head of Lending from Mortgage Advice Bureau comments on the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to retain the base rate of interest at 0.5% for the 50th month. “Last month we were waiting the first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) results for the UK economy and the outcome was positive with, as expected, the UK posting a 0.3% rise in GDP following the fourth quarter 2012 ...

Mosaic tiles have been around since the third millennia BC, and have maintained a fashionable edge right up to the present day – indeed, they're very much on trend now. Mosaics come in a wide range of materials including glass, natural stone, wood and metal. They create the perfect finish to any kitchen or bathroom, and thanks to the variety of beautiful and innovative tiles available, there is a style to s ...

Equity release is by no means a new concept; but thanks to competitive rates, tighter regulation and some timely product innovations, it is one of the few financial markets currently enjoying a healthy period of growth in the UK. The focus of the product hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s there to help homeowners generate cash from the value of their home – either as a tax-free lump sum or by drawing ...

Orangeries are making a comeback and are the luxurious must-have for your home, but what is an orangery and why are we aspiring to have one? Orangeries first started popping up in central Europe around the 16th century, when glass-making technology had advanced. Their main purpose was to winter citrus fruits and exotic plants, hence the name! With the trade of these fruits and plants increasing, wealthy peo ...

Looking for a unique property? Check out these unusual abodes 1. Victorian water tower This 130-year-old Grade II-listed Victorian stone water tower has recently been renovated by one of Britain’s leading architects to create a 5,500ft multi-award-winning contemporary home. The wrap-around extension follows the shape of the octagonal tower. Various spaces are arranged relating to their function; to follow t ...

When was the last time you checked your roof for cracks, broken tiles or gutter damage? With April showers inevitable, be prepared. Maintenance is key to ensuring that nothing goes wrong with your roof when the weather gets a bit lively. And it’s not just protection your roof provides – it can help save you money on those energy bills, too. Get to know it If this is the first time you’ve even thought about ...

If space is an issue in your home, look above your head. A loft conversion can add value as well as a new room. Converting your loft will give you another functional room under your roof to play with – whether that is an office, a den for the kids, another bedroom or even an extra bathroom – and free up space downstairs, too. It will almost always add value to your property. According to the 2012 HSBC Home ...

Your garden can be more than just a place that grows flowers. Transform it with a unique addition that adds Outdoor space is an extra area, a room with no walls which you can really put your stamp of personality on, but that has one of its own, too. Once established, it can be left to do its own thing or controlled, trimmed and hoed every hour – it depends on how you want it to look and feel. Once you’ve re ...

Reduce your carbon footprint by recycling and being energy smart. Small changes will help you make big savings… Save energy 1. Say bye to standby Eight per cent of domestic energy in the UK is used by items left on standby. If they were all switched off, you’d save enough energy to decommission an entire power station! Take a good look at all your appliances and gadgets, and start turning them off at night ...

From industrial warehouse to stunning home, this was one renovation project with a huge difference… For internationally acclaimed sculptor Jeff Lowe, renovating a house is more than a plaster-and-paint job – it’s an artistic project in its own right. When Jeff bought a disused industrial building in Forest Hill, south east London, his plan was to transform it into a unique space to live and work in – but th ...