February 10th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

February 10th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Buying a house is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to overlook the extra costs involved in the process. While many people focus on the property’s purchase price, numerous additional expenses can quickly add up, making the overall cost much higher than expected. Understanding these costs before you start can help you budget more effectively and avoid surprises. Let’s break down the key costs you’ll need to consider when buying a home.

Legal and Professional Fees

When buying a house, you’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to manage the legal side of the transaction. These professionals ensure the contract is in order, help with paperwork, and ensure the property is legally transferred into your name. Legal fees can range from £500 to £2,000, depending on the complexity of the sale.

If you’re buying in a busy market or a high-demand area like London, working with experienced conveyancing solicitors in London is a smart idea – they’ll offer expert advice and ensure a smooth process. Additionally, you may need to pay for a property survey, which can cost between £300 and £1,500, depending on how thorough the inspection is.

Property Taxes and Statutory Charges

You’ll need to pay a tax on the property’s purchase price; this is called Stamp Duty. The rate varies depending on the price of the house, with higher rates for more expensive properties. For example, if you’re buying a home in England worth £300,000, you could pay 5% Stamp Duty, which equals £15,000.

Other statutory charges include the cost of registering the property with the Land Registry (usually £150 to £300) and, if you’re buying a leasehold property, additional charges like ground rent and service fees. These costs are often ongoing, so it’s important to consider them when budgeting.

Other Moving and Ongoing Costs

Once the sale is complete, you’ll need to hire a removals company, which can cost between £300 and £1,500, depending on how far you’re moving and how much you need to move. Once you’ve settled in, there are ongoing costs such as council tax, home insurance, utility bills, and maintenance fees. If your new house requires repairs or improvements, it’s a good idea to set aside a budget for that as well.

Plan for a Smooth Home Buying Experience

Buying a house is a significant investment, but it’s not just the price tag that you need to prepare for. The hidden costs can quickly add up and catch you off guard if you don’t do your research. By understanding the full scope of expenses from the beginning, you can budget more effectively and ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. Keep these costs in mind, plan accordingly, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home without the burden of surprise.

February 4th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Selling a home is no easy task. Fortunately, you’re not expected to do it all yourself. While you can save money through DIY marketing or by hiring a van to move your possessions, it’s often much more practical to hire professionals who have all the right resources and experience. But just who should you hire? Below are 5 professionals that are worth teaming up with when putting your home on the market. 

Estate agents

Estate agents can help you to find buyers by helping you with all the advertising. This could include taking photos of your property, creating online listings and potentially advertising properties within their store window (if it’s a high street estate agent). Estate agents can also give you a more accurate valuation, as well as arranging and hosting viewings on your behalf. Research shows that using the right estate agent can boost viewings by 48% and offers by 68%. However, you will have to pay the agent commission if they help you get a sale.

Home stagers

Home stagers are professionals who can help make your property look more attractive by depersonalizing it and decluttering it, as well as adding new temporary furniture and art. Staged homes tend to attract more offers and can often be advertised at a higher price. Some home stagers are able to provide storage units for your possessions during the sale process. Just make sure to compare costs – spend too much on staging and it won’t be worth the added value. 

Conveyancers

Hiring a conveyancing solicitor is a must. These legal professionals handle all the paperwork – including drafting contracts of sale, supplying title documents, co-ordinating with buyer representatives and making sure legal transfer of ownership is carried out smoothly. Most people do not have the knowledge and resources to carry out this paperwork themselves, and mistakes could be very costly, so you need a seasoned pro. 

Movers

Moving out all of your possessions from your home could be very labour intensive. You need to make sure fragile items aren’t broken and that heavy items are carried correctly to avoid injury. Unless you have a lorry at your disposal, you could also have to make several trips back and forth between your old home and new home. Professional movers can make everything a lot easier by doing all the carrying and lifting for you, while also supplying a lorry and driving it to and from your old home. You may also be able to find movers that supply packaging such as boxes and tape. 

Cleaners

It’s courteous to clean your property before the new owner moves in. You may have the time to do this yourself, however hiring a cleaning company could still be more convenient. Cleaning could be something you do during the staging process so that the property is more attractive for photos and viewings. Some companies may be able to carry out services like carpet cleaning – helping to remove stubborn stains from flooring. Take your time to compare prices of cleaning services in your local area. 

February 3rd, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

UK business owner confidence has dropped to a three-year low, continuing to fall further each quarter, according to a survey In this climate, selecting the right location is crucial for entrepreneurs. So, where in the UK offers the best opportunities for business growth?

To find out, The Co-operative Bank has created a Business Growth Index, ranking 30 major UK cities based on key factors such as the number of high growth enterprises, five-year business survival rates, job openings, salary growth, unemployment rates and energy costs.

Leeds is the UK’s best city for business growth, with a five-year business survival rate of 38.5%

Leeds tops the list, offering a robust environment for business growth. The city recorded an impressive 205 high-growth enterprises in most recent data, the highest in the region, and currently has around 20,000 new job openings (4,510 per 100,000 people), indicating workforce demand and strong economic activity.

With a fairly low unemployment rate of just 3.8%, competitive energy costs at 23.86p per kWh, and ample room for growth, Leeds is emerging as a prime destination for business growth in the UK.

Edinburgh takes second place, with the lowest unemployment rate of 2.6%, the highest salary growth at 9.7%, and a 38.6% business survival rate. The Scottish capital also has 13,093 new job openings, offering an abundance of opportunities for talent, and boasts competitive energy costs at 24.31p per kWh.

Sheffield follows in third with an impressive 44.6% five-year business survival rate. Yorkshire, its region, also has competitive energy prices at 23.86p per kWh and 7.3% salary growth, appealing to entrepreneurs seeking stability and growth.

Lisa Galley, Head of Business Banking Products, said:

“With the Budget now delivered, entrepreneurs in places like Liverpool and Birmingham – where it remains more challenging for new businesses to flourish – will be reflecting on how it will impact them. While some measures, like a permanent reduction in business rates across the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors, will offer some welcome relief. However, the Budget also brought with it some challenging updates, including the increase to the national minimum wage which will inevitably have a direct impact on payroll costs.

“Many business owners will now be assessing how the changes balance out in practice, particularly in regions needing a boost to their growth and competitiveness.”

For more insights on the best cities for business growth and additional ways to help scale your business, explore the full research here.

February 3rd, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

More than one in four (28%) travel insurance claims are for holiday cancellation, according to travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com, meaning something went wrong before the holiday even began.

Cancellation reasons are not always related to your own health or situation. In fact, almost two-fifths (39%) of cancellation claims were due to the illness or injury of a travelling companion and almost one in five (18%) resulted from the illness or death of a non-travelling relative.

Multitrip.com is urging holidaymakers to purchase their travel insurance as soon as they book, also known as ‘ASAB’, to ensure they are covered from the outset. “Travel insurance is too important to be an afterthought,” said Christian Bennett from Multitrip. “Always buy it as soon as you book your holiday.”

Not having travel insurance exposes travellers to potential financial loss if the holiday does have to be cancelled, yet according to Multitrip.com 2025 data more than half (53%)  of those who buy single trip travel insurance policies buy them less than seven days prior to departure. This delay means they lose out on this critical coverage.

Christian Bennett said: “If you leave travel insurance until close to departure and then something unexpected happens, you could find yourself unable to travel and out of pocket. That might be because you, a travelling companion or even a close relative becomes seriously ill. Buying cover as soon as you book means you are protected from the very start.”

Multitrip.com offers a range of policies to suit different needs and budgets. Annual European travel insurance policies start from £19.99.  Annual Worldwide incl. USA/Canada travel insurance start from £44.68. Prices exclude £3.95 handling fee. To get an instant quote, visit www.multitrip.com

January 26th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

7 Self Assessment Tax Mistakes To Avoid

Sophie Graham, a Personal Finance Expert at Sunny, says: “Self-assessment can feel overwhelming, especially if you only deal with it once a year. Most mistakes aren’t about doing anything wrong on purpose, but about missing details or leaving things too late. Taking a bit of time to prepare and double-check your return can make the whole process far less stressful.”

1. Leaving your tax return until the last minute

“Procrastination is one of the biggest causes of self-assessment stress. Leaving everything until January increases the risk of errors, missing information or technical issues. Filing earlier gives you time to gather documents, ask questions and make corrections if needed. It also means the task isn’t hanging over you for weeks. Submitting early can also bring peace of mind, knowing your return is already taken care of.”

2. Forgetting to declare all sources of income

“It’s easy to focus on your main income and forget smaller or irregular amounts. Side hustles, freelance work, or rental income all need to be declared. Missing income can lead to unexpected tax bills or penalties later on. Keeping a simple record throughout the year can help avoid this. Having everything in one place makes completing your return much more straightforward.”

3. Missing out on allowable expenses

“Many people pay more tax than necessary by not claiming legitimate expenses. Costs such as professional fees, office supplies or a portion of household bills for those working from home may be allowable. Understanding what you can and can’t claim makes a real difference. If you’re unsure, checking HMRC guidance or seeking advice can be worthwhile. Claiming correctly ensures you’re not paying more tax than you need to.”

4. Making simple calculations or data entry errors

“Small mistakes like entering the wrong figures, using incorrect dates or mixing up gross and net amounts are surprisingly common. These errors can delay processing or trigger follow-up queries from HMRC. Taking time to review your return carefully before submitting can prevent avoidable problems. A second look is often all it takes. Using accounting software or HMRC’s online checks can also help reduce mistakes.”

5. Forgetting to budget for the tax bill

“Submitting your return doesn’t mean the cost is taken care of. Many people underestimate how much they’ll need to pay or forget to set the money aside. Planning for the bill in advance helps avoid a last-minute scramble. Spreading savings across the year can make payments far more manageable. This approach can also prevent the need to rely on credit to cover the cost.”

6. Overlooking payments on account

“Payments on account often catch people out, especially if it’s their first time dealing with them. These advance payments towards the next tax year can significantly increase what’s due in January. Understanding whether they apply to you helps prevent surprises. Factoring them into your planning makes cash flow easier to manage. Reviewing previous tax bills can help you anticipate whether payments on account are likely.”

7. Missing the deadline altogether

“Failing to submit your return or pay your tax on time can lead to automatic penalties. Even if you can’t pay the full amount straight away, submitting your return by the deadline is crucial. HMRC offers payment plans for those who need them. Acting early gives you more options and peace of mind. Communicating with HMRC sooner rather than later can help limit additional charges.”

For more personal finance tips, visit Sunny’s website here.

January 23rd, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a cut to the Cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to £12,000 from April 2027, to drive more investment into the UK economy. This is spiking an interest in Stocks and Shares ISAs, but what should you consider before opening an account?

What is a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) let you grow your money free from tax. They’re open to UK residents aged 18 or over (you must be under 40 to open a Lifetime ISA). There are several different types of ISAs, including Cash ISAs, Junior ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs.

As the name suggests, a Stocks and Shares ISA is an investment account, giving you the potential to get higher returns than a Cash ISA over time.

Things to consider before getting a Stocks and Shares ISA

1. Assessing your personal finances

Like any investment project, you risk losing rather than growing your money with a Stocks and Shares ISA. For this reason, it should be opened with a view to supporting mid- or long-term goals rather than funding immediate needs, and you should only put in what you could afford to lose.

Analyse your personal finances to get an accurate view of your current expenses and short-term savings demands, like sustaining an emergency fund versus your earnings. This will give you an idea of how much you’re able to invest safely. You may wish to split your savings across different accounts, keeping some funds in a standard savings account for security.

2. Choosing a provider and account

Before opening a Stocks and Shares ISA, explore the different options available. Consider potential provider costs such as platform fees, their customer satisfaction ratings, trading fees and fund charges, and check rules around withdrawing and investing funds, including the minimum deposit amount required.

Some Stocks and Shares ISAs are ‘DIY’, giving you the freedom and flexibility to select stocks, shares and funds that match your values and goals. You can usually access your investment portfolio via a secure digital platform, so you can easily adjust your choices in line with how they’re performing. If this sounds daunting, look into the option of managed portfolios. These are ‘ready-made’ ISAs expertly put together and managed for you by your provider.

3. Managing investment risk

Should you wish to invest through a Stocks and Shares ISA but don’t feel confident choosing and maintaining your own investments, a managed portfolio is likely the best route to take. Rather than assessing your own risk tolerance and choosing individual funds and sectors, investment professionals will take on the task on your behalf.

You’ll be matched with a portfolio suited to your risk profile and goals, which will be monitored and adjusted to keep you on track. As a result, you won’t need to research any markets yourself, and your investments remain diversified.

Aiming to save little and often with regular payments can help smooth volatility. It’s advisable to keep money in a Stocks and Shares ISA for 5+ years to increase your chances of positive returns compared to cash savings.

4. Understanding ISA rules

The main benefit of ISAs is that they let you save tax-free – but only up to a point. There is a limit on how much you’re able to save or invest into ISAs each year. The maximum annual ISA allowance for 2025/26 is £20,000. This can be split between multiple Stocks and Shares ISAs or different types of ISAs, but cannot be carried over into 2026/27.

Any profit from assets earned through your Stocks and Shares ISA is free from UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

January 19th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

New research commissioned by Pay.UK, the owner and operator of The Current Account Switch Service, reveals that Gen Z define what makes a ‘good bank’ differently from previous generations, with nearly three-quarters

 (72%) saying they value banks that reward everyday spending rather than financial milestones.

The study of 1,004 UK adults aged 16 – 28 shows over half say everyday perks such as free coffees, food discounts and cashback matter more than traditional benefits like interest rates (51%) or traditional loyalty programmes (53%).

 Nearly two-thirds (64%) expect their bank to offer rewards that fit their lifestyle, while a similar proportion (65%) say “little treats” make them feel they are getting extra value. For more than seven in ten (72%), finding deals on small indulgences motivates better money management, and over three-fifths (60%) associate these small perks with improved wellbeing.

The appeal of everyday rewards also influences loyalty: in Greater London, over half (53%) say they would switch banks for better perks, compared to 48% in the East Midlands. Age also shapes engagement, with older Gen Z (25–28) showing the highest intent to switch, while younger Gen Z (16–24) demonstrate the strongest emotional response to rewards.

Digital convenience plays a central role in these expectations. Two thirds (66%) of Gen Z say it is important that rewards are accessible directly through their banking app, while more than half (56%) say they prioritise digital-first banking experiences above all else.

John Dentry, Product Owner at Pay.UK, owner and operator of the Current Account Switch Service, said: “Gen Z aren’t looking for complex financial products or rewards to target in the future – they want to see value day to day. For many younger people, the big milestones such as stepping onto the property ladder, getting married or starting a family feel further away than they did for previous generations, especially in the context of cost-of-living pressures.

“Small practical perks that fit naturally into everyday spending make people feel rewarded and supported, and with the Current Account Switch Service making it easier than ever to move providers, banks and building societies that fail to deliver relevant, everyday value risk losing younger customers to those that do.”

January 16th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

In a year that marks the 25^th anniversary of the British Airways American Express Cards, American Express and British Airways have launched new limited-time sign-up offers on all British Airways American Express ^® Cards for eligible new Cardmembers, alongside an enhanced ‘invite a friend’ offer for existing Cardmembers. All offers are available until 24 February 2026, with up to 50,000 Avios available when eligible Cardmembers meet minimum spend requirements.

British Airways American Express^® Premium Plus Card offer

Eligible new Cardmembers who apply and are approved for the British Airways American Express^® Premium Plus Card via ba.com on or before 24 February 2026 and spend £6,000 in their first three months can now receive 50,000 Avios. This offer is only available to members of the British Airways Club.

Once approved, Cardmembers can collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases, and 3 Avios on purchases made with British Airways or British Airways Holidays, which can be redeemed against flights, hotels, car hire and more. A return flight for two people in off-peak Euro Traveller to destinations including Nice, Amsterdam or Geneva is 40,000 Avios plus £4 per person.

When Cardmembers spend £15,000 in a Cardmembership year they also receive a Companion Voucher. This allows them to take a friend on the same flight – including World Traveller Plus, Club (Business) and First – for no additional Avios. If travelling solo, they will receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for their Reward Flight. Cardmembers will also have access to additional Reward Flight seats in Club World when booking with a Companion Voucher.

The British Airways American Express^® Premium Plus Card has an annual fee of £300, and a representative APR of 136.4% variable. Terms and conditions apply.

British Airways American Express^® Credit Card offer

Eligible new Cardmembers who apply and are approved for the British Airways American Express^® Credit Card via ba.com on or before 24 February 2026 and spend £2,000 in their first three months can now receive 10,000 Avios – double the usual bonus available. This offer is only available to BA Club members.10,000 Avios plus £1 per person are enough for a one-way off-peak Euro Traveller flight from London to Paris, Amsterdam, Nice or Geneva.

Once approved, Cardmembers can collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases, with no annual fee. When Cardmembers spend £15,000 in a Cardmembership year they can also receive a Companion Voucher. This allows them to take a friend on the same flight in Euro Traveller or World Traveller (Economy), or if travelling solo, they will receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for their Reward Flight.

The British Airways American Express^® Credit Card has a representative APR of 29.4% variable. Terms and conditions apply.

Enhanced ‘invite a friend’ offer for Cardmembers

In addition to these limited-time offers for consumers, American Express has launched an enhanced ‘invite a friend’ offer, giving existing British Airways American Express^® Cardmembers the chance to earn additional Avios, if the person they recommend applies and is approved for an account on or before 24 February 2026.

British Airways American Express^® Premium Plus Cardmembers can earn a referral bonus of 12,000 Avios when they successfully refer a friend directly from ba.com, and British Airways American Express^® Credit Cardmembers can earn 8,000 Avios by doing the same. Terms and conditions apply.

British Airways American Express^® Accelerating Business Card offer

Eligible new Business Cardmembers who apply and are approved for the British Airways American Express^® Accelerating Business Card via ba.com on or before 24 February 2026 and spend £5,000 in their first three months can receive 40,000 Avios.  This offer is only available to BA Club members.

Once approved, Cardmembers can collect both 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on business purchases and, for every £20,000 they spend, they can get 10,000 bonus Avios (up to three times per calendar year).

Alongside collecting Avios, Cardmembers also earn 2 On Business Points for every eligible £1 spent on qualifying British Airways flights. On Business Points can be used to book any available flight that matches their business schedule across British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines, or to upgrade their seat on British Airways and Iberia routes, making business travel more convenient.

The British Airways American Express^® Accelerating Business Card has an annual fee of £250 and a representative APR of 105.5% variable. Terms and conditional apply.

January 16th, 2026 | Andrew Hagger | News

A sudden injury at work often brings an immediate wave of uncertainty that stretches far beyond physical pain. You might find yourself worrying about the stack of bills on the kitchen table or how a period of leave will affect your long-term career prospects.

Navigating the weeks following an incident requires a calm approach to your finances and a clear understanding of your legal standing. While the UK provides a safety net for workers, the complexity of the system can feel overwhelming when you are trying to focus on recovery.

Taking control of your situation early helps protect your household’s stability and ensures you receive the support you deserve.

Securing your immediate rights

Your first priority involves creating an official record of the event to protect your future interests.

Ensure your manager records the incident in the company accident book, as this serves as vital evidence if you need to claim benefits or pay later. You should also seek a medical assessment from a GP or hospital immediately, as medical records link your injuries directly to the workplace event.

Under UK health and safety laws, your employer must report serious accidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Verifying that they have followed this procedure confirms that the company acknowledges the incident occurred during your working hours.

Navigating sick pay and income drops

If your injury prevents you from working, you should check your employment contract to see if you qualify for occupational sick pay. Many employers offer enhanced schemes that provide full pay for a set period, which offers more security than the legal minimum.

If your contract doesn’t include this, you likely qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). You must give your employer a ‘fit note’ from your doctor if you miss more than seven days of work. This documentation allows the payroll department to process your payments without unnecessary delays.

Weighing compensation and legal routes

When an employer’s negligence causes an injury, you might decide to investigate an accident at work compensation claim to cover your lost earnings and rehabilitation costs. You should gather contact details from any colleagues who witnessed the event and take photographs of the faulty equipment or hazard that caused the harm.

If you speak to settlement agreement solicitors this can also help you understand your options for negotiating compensation outside of court. A legal expert allows you to understand the strength of your case before you commit to any formal action.

Speaking with a legal expert allows you to understand the strength of your case before you commit to any formal action. Most specialists offer a free initial consultation to help you weigh the potential benefits against the time involved in a legal process.

Sustaining long-term financial health

For injuries that require a lengthy recovery period, you should look into additional government support, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit. These benefits provide a supplementary income that helps cover the extra costs associated with a long-term health condition.

Creating a strict monthly budget helps you prioritise essential spending like rent and utilities while your income remains lower than usual. You can also contact organisations like Citizens Advice to receive free, confidential guidance on managing debts or restructuring your financial commitments.