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Home Insurance and Emergency Cover: Are You Protected for Summer Risks?
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  • June 10, 2025
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Home Insurance and Emergency Cover: Are You Protected for Summer Risks?

Summer should be a season of rest, sunshine and barbecues rather than worry about your home. Yet the warm months can bring specific risks that many homeowners overlook. Leaving windows open, hosting garden parties, holiday travel and the strain of burst pipes from evening temperature drops all bring hazards. Now is the time to check that your home insurance and emergency cover are fit for purpose. Summer Risk Checklist It is important to consider the main summer threats your home might face and whether your policy provides adequate protection: Accidental damageThis includes mishaps like breaking a window or damaging internal walls during DIY. Most standard policies exclude this unless the option is added separately1. FireBBQs, patio heaters and outdoor fires may seem harmless but pose serious risks. Check that your policy covers fire damage from such activities, especially close to the house. TheftGardening tools, outdoor furniture or bicycles can be attractive targets when left outside, especially when homes are unoccupied on holidays. Water leaks or burst pipesSummer showers or heater malfunctions can cause sudden water damage. Most buildings policies include sudden leaks but may not cover the cost of locating the leak unless that option is added2. Storm or weather damageExtreme weather and storms remain a threat even in summer. Structural damage from fallen branches or flooding is normally covered, but you should confirm the level of excess and limits of your policy. Policy Add-Ons to Consider Many homeowners are unaware of additional options that could prove vital: Why You Should Review Annually An annual checkin on your buildings and contents cover is advisable, particularly ahead of the summer season: How Your Mortgage Adviser Can Help We can help you review your protection alongside your mortgage to ensure everything is in place. This can save you from unwelcome surprises and allow you to act swiftly if the unexpected happens. When you discuss the summer risks and your cover, we can: Final Word Summer should be about enjoyment, not worry. Take a few moments during June or July to tick off your protection checklist. Do you have accidental damage cover, burglary protection, water leak cover, storm damage safeguard and emergency callout insurance? And are your home insurer and mortgage adviser both fully aware of what you need? If you are unsure or would like reassurance, speak to your mortgage adviser today. Ensuring your protection is aligned with your mortgage can give you peace of mind and keep both your home and your finances secure. Sources: All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 3rd July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

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What First-Time Buyers Need to Know This Summer And How to Be Prepared
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  • June 10, 2025
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What First-Time Buyers Need to Know This Summer And How to Be Prepared

Summer 2025 presents a rare opportunity for first-time buyers. Lenders are reintroducing 100 % mortgages, increasing income multiples, and easing affordability tests. While this may help those struggling to save for a deposit, thorough preparation is essential. If you are considering buying your first home this summer, here is what to know and how to get ready. Understand the New Mortgage Landscape Several lenders, including April Mortgages and Gable Mortgages, have launched 100 %, meaning buyers can borrow the full value of a property without any deposit if they meet strict criteria. Gable Mortgages offers a fiveyear fixed rate of approximately 5.95%  for standard properties and 5.65% for newbuild homes. Other lenders, including Skipton, Barclays and Halifax, are launching or reintroducing similar nodeposit products. Get Your Finances in Order Before applying, you need to present a strong financial profile. Lenders will assess the following carefully: Your mortgage adviser can guide you in cleaning up your financial records, advising on what is acceptable and what could harm your application. Secure a Mortgage in Principle A mortgage in principle is a preliminary agreement from a lender based on your income and credit profile. It provides clarity on how much you might be able to borrow and shows estate agents and vendors that you are a serious buyer. Crucially, a mortgage in principle arranged by your adviser will not affect your credit rating. Consider the Total Costs Buying your first home involves more costs than just the purchase price. You should budget for: Your mortgage adviser can help plan these costs to avoid financial surprises later on. Understand the Risks Zerodeposit mortgages come with higher interest rates and a greater risk of negative equity should house prices fall. Ask your adviser to stresstest your budget against repayment rates increasing by 1% or 2%. This helps ensure you can comfortably meet repayments, even if economic conditions change. Speak to Your Mortgage Adviser Early Preparation is key. Your mortgage adviser can: With 100% mortgages and flexible lending returning this summer, the time to act is now. Speaking to a mortgage adviser early will ensure you approach the process with clarity and confidence. Sources: ‌Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 3rd July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

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Simple Summer Projects That Could Add Thousands to Your Home’s Value
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  • June 10, 2025
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Simple Summer Projects That Could Add Thousands to Your Home’s Value

Summer is the perfect time to tackle those home improvements you have been putting off. But instead of just ticking off a list of repairs, why not focus on the projects that can actually add value to your property? Whether you are planning to sell soon or simply want to enhance your living space, these simple updates could increase your home’s appeal and potentially boost its value by thousands of pounds. Freshen Up the Exterior with a Coat of Paint The outside of your home is the first thing anyone sees, and a tidy, well-maintained exterior makes a lasting impression. Painting your front door, window frames or external woodwork can dramatically improve kerb appeal. According to several property experts, a smart and clean-looking exterior could add £15,000 to a home’s value, depending on the scale of the work and the existing condition of the property1. These types of jobs are ideal for summer, as dry, warm days help paint and treatments to set properly. They are also low-cost, often requiring little more than a weekend of effort and a few cans of quality paint. If you are repainting near open walls, fences or doors, remember to check that fire alarms remain active and that you are not doing anything that might affect your home insurance without informing your provider. Tidy Up Your Patio or Decking Area Outdoor spaces are a big selling point, especially during the summer. Cleaning up your patio or refreshing your decking can make your garden far more usable and attractive. Tasks like replacing broken slabs, power-washing surfaces, sanding and re-staining decking, or adding simple lighting features can transform a tired space into a relaxing retreat. Well-maintained gardens can contribute as much as 5% to a property’s sale value1. For a home valued at £300,000, that could mean a potential boost of £15,000 . Before carrying out any electrical work outdoors, always use a qualified professional and check that your home insurance policy covers outdoor fixtures. Add Loft Insulation for Year-Round Savings Loft insulation might not be the most glamorous summer project, but it is one of the most cost-effective. Adding or upgrading insulation can help reduce heat loss during winter and keep your home cooler in the summer. Studies suggest that homeowners can save up to £790 a year on their energy bills after insulating a poorly insulated loft2. Although the cost of professional insulation varies depending on the size and accessibility of the space, it is an investment that can pay for itself within a few years. Summer is an ideal time to get this work done because loft spaces are dry and easier to access when temperatures are higher. Install a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to manage their heating more efficiently. These devices allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely and can adjust automatically to your habits. Some models can even detect when windows are left open and respond accordingly. The cost of a smart thermostat device typically ranges from £110 to £300, and installation may cost a further £70 to £150 depending on the complexity of your heating system. Homeowners often save between 10%-15% a year on energy bills, and smart technology can add up to 2% to 5% of the property’s value3. If you are considering installing a smart thermostat, make sure your boiler is compatible and use a certified engineer. You should also let your home insurer know about the upgrade, as it may affect your policy. Before You Begin: Safety and Financial Considerations Before starting any improvement project, test your smoke alarms and check that you are not invalidating your insurance policy. This is particularly important if you are doing DIY or using external tradespeople. If you are planning structural work, installing new wiring or making major upgrades, you may also need to notify your local authority or mortgage provider. This is where your mortgage adviser can help. If you are making significant changes to your home, it is always best to check whether this will affect your mortgage terms, your insurance cover or your overall protection. An adviser can guide you on whether you need additional cover, whether a valuation will be affected, or whether now might be a good time to review your mortgage deal in light of your investment in the property. The Bottom Line July is a great time to invest in your home. From painting and patios to insulation and smart tech, there are projects that suit every budget and can boost the comfort, energy efficiency and value of your property. Just remember to plan carefully, stay safe, and always speak to your mortgage adviser before making any big decisions that could affect your finances or your cover. Sources: All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 3rd July 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Please be aware that by clicking on to any of the above links you are leaving our website. Please note that neither we nor HL Partnership Limited are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

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Why Speaking to a Mortgage Broker Before Your Mortgage Deal Ends Could Save You Thousands and Protect Your Future

Why Speaking to a Mortgage Broker Before Your Mortgage Deal Ends Could Save You Thousands and Protect Your Future

Taking out a mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. While securing your initial deal can feel like a major milestone, it is only the beginning. With most UK mortgages offering two or five-year fixed rates, many homeowners will need to remortgage sooner than they realise. Failing to plan ahead can result in paying far more than necessary and leaving your home at risk if life takes an unexpected turn. The Cost of Doing Nothing When your fixed-rate deal ends, your mortgage will usually move to your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR). Even if interest rates are higher than when you first took out your mortgage, remortgaging almost always costs less than staying on an SVR. Doing nothing could mean paying thousands of pounds more each year. Why Speak to a Mortgage Broker 1. Access to a Comprehensive Panel of Lenders A mortgage broker works with a comprehensive panel of lenders. This means they can review a wide range of mortgage products rather than being restricted to the deals offered by your current bank or building society. This gives you a much better chance of finding the most competitive option for your circumstances. 2. Matching You With the Right Lender Every lender has its own criteria for approving applications. These include how they assess income, the type of property being purchased, and even whether they accept applicants who have recently changed jobs or are self-employed. 3. Planning for the Unexpected A mortgage is not just about buying a home. It is also about protecting your ability to stay in it. This additional level of planning gives you peace of mind and helps protect your family’s future. 4. Avoiding Mistakes Applications can be complicated, especially if you have a unique situation such as self-employment, multiple income sources, or a property of non-standard construction. A broker’s expertise helps avoid errors and delays, reducing the risk of a failed application. Timing Is Crucial You can apply for a new mortgage up to six months before your current deal ends. Waiting too long increases the risk of slipping onto an expensive SVR while your application is being processed. Other Benefits of Remortgaging Steps to Take Now Why It Pays to Get Advice Going directly to your lender limits you to their products alone. A mortgage broker with access to a comprehensive panel of lenders can help you secure the most competitive deal while also advising on protection to keep your home safe. By acting early and seeking professional advice, you can save money, avoid unnecessary stress, and ensure that your family and your home are secure, no matter what the future brings. Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. All the information in this article is correct as of the publish date 25th September 2025. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. The information provided in this article, including text, graphics and images does not, and is not intended to, substitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

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