Homes & Gardens

When the covid-19 pandemic began the UK government introduced the mortgage holiday scheme to give homeowners in financial difficulty some much needed respite. Almost 2 million applicants have received a complete or partial freeze on mortgage payments since the scheme began. With the end of the mortgage holiday, October 31st, now just a couple of weeks away, questions are being raised as to what happens next.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has stated that the scheme will not be extended beyond the current end date, although they have not yet ruled out the possibility and...

Over recent years, smart thermostats have become very popular. Their popularity can be attributed to the numerous benefits that they offer to homeowners. Smart homes apply the use of smart devices like alarm systems and smart thermostats. What are smart thermostats? Smart thermostats are digital, WiFi-connected devices used to control home AC and heat systems. They typically perform the same functions as traditional thermostats. However, they offer digital advantages like the fact that they can be controlled using a mobile phone app. Are smart thermostats worth the investment? Smart...

You’ve done it. You’ve found the perfect home at the cheapest price. You’ve done all the work, convinced your significant other, checked the local schools and crime rates. Everything seems great. Then you get a strange inkling that maybe there’s something wrong with the place. It’s so modestly priced. Could there be a strange history? You google the address and nothing comes up. On paper and search, everything seems perfect. Fast-forward 6 months, and you notice little bites missing from your toast. You leave the pies out to cool down on the counter and there are mysterious holes in the...

There is a good reason some 100,000 plus expatriates call Phuket home. Access to good education and hospitals is one drawcard, not to mention great entertainment options, fantastic nature, stunning beaches and easy international travel. If you are considering to buy a condo in Phuket , either as a home or investment, then this article is for you! In it, we are going to break down the top four residential areas you might want to consider. We are going to discuss these hot spots and what the living environment, infrastructure and pricing are like. So, without further ado, let’s jump in and...