If you’re planning to sell your house in 2025, the right improvements can make all the difference. Today’s buyers are more discerning than ever, looking for energy efficiency, flexible living spaces, and modern finishes. Fortunately, you don’t need a huge budget to increase your home’s value dramatically. From small cosmetic touches to larger structural changes, this guide outlines the most effective ways to prepare your home for a profitable sale.

Small Changes, Big Impact

First impressions are everything in the property market. Before buyers even step inside, they’re forming opinions about your home’s condition, upkeep, and style. Luckily, a few simple updates can go a long way.

Focus on the following:

Exterior kerb appeal: Paint the front door, clean the driveway, trim hedges, and add potted plants.

Entrance hall refresh: Brighten the hallway with a neutral colour, new light fixture, and tidy storage.

Declutter and depersonalise: Clean, open spaces help buyers envision their own lives in the property.

Modern fixtures: Swap outdated light fittings, door handles, and taps for contemporary alternatives.

These quick fixes help your home stand out online and in person, generating more viewings and potentially higher offers.

 

Extensions: Big Additions That Bring Bigger Value

One of the most reliable ways to increase a home’s value is by adding square footage. Well-planned extensions can not only create more space but also significantly raise your property’s sale price.

Popular types of extensions include:

Rear extensions: Ideal for creating large kitchen-diners or open-plan living areas.

Wrap-around extensions: Maximise corner plots and add serious space downstairs.

Side-return extensions: Common in Victorian terraces; make narrow kitchens feel more spacious.

Double-storey extensions: Add space upstairs and down—best for growing families needing bedrooms and bathrooms.

 

Which extensions add the most value?

Kitchen and dining extensions remain one of the most desirable features for modern buyers.

Adding a bedroom with an en suite can increase value by up to 20%, especially in family homes.

Top tip: Always check local planning permissions and tailor your extension to what’s in demand in your neighbourhood.

 

Conversions: Fast-Track Value Gains

Conversions are often quicker and more cost-effective than extensions. They’re handy for unlocking hidden or underused potential in your home.

High-impact conversion options:

Loft conversions: Ideal for creating extra bedrooms, home offices, or playrooms.

Garage conversions: Convert an unused garage into a guest room, studio, or second lounge.

Basement conversions: Popular in city centres where space is limited.

Bedroom splits: In some cases, dividing a large bedroom into two smaller ones (with planning consideration) can boost value, especially in rental-heavy areas.

Important note: Always ensure the converted space is well-lit, properly insulated, and compliant with building regulations. A poorly executed conversion can devalue your property rather than enhance it.

 

Energy Efficiency: Move Up the EPC Scale, Move Up the Market

In 2025, energy efficiency is no longer optional. Buyers are actively looking for homes with strong EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings—not only to reduce running costs, but also to future-proof their investment.

Simple upgrades to boost your EPC rating:

Loft and cavity wall insulation: Affordable, low-disruption upgrades with big efficiency gains.

Smart thermostats and heating controls: Improve heating performance and appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

Replace old boilers: Modern condensing boilers are much more efficient.

Double or triple-glazed windows: Cut energy loss and improve comfort.

LED lighting throughout: An easy, low-cost switch with long-term benefits.

Advanced options:

Solar panels: Great for EPC scores, but only worth the investment if installed well before sale.

Air source heat pumps: Eco-friendly and eligible for grants but more suitable for long-term plans.

Homes that move from EPC Band D to C or higher are more likely to command higher prices, attract more buyers, and avoid price negotiations based on predicted running costs.

 

Repairs: Address Issues Before They Cost You

One of the biggest deal-breakers for potential buyers is the need for obvious repairs. Unaddressed issues—no matter how minor—can make your home appear neglected and cause buyers to lower their offer or walk away entirely.

Essential repairs to consider:

Damp and mould: Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and repaint affected areas.

Roof damage: Replace missing tiles, clean gutters, and inspect for leaks.

Cracks and subsidence: Have structural concerns assessed and documented professionally.

Plumbing issues: Leaking taps, low pressure, or water stains should be corrected before viewings.

Electrical fixes: Flickering lights or outdated fuse boxes should be upgraded for safety and peace of mind.

Cosmetic repairs matter too:

  • Touch up paintwork, fix scuffed skirting boards, and re-grout bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Replace cracked tiles and damaged flooring.

 

Tip: Book a pre-sale survey or snagging inspection. This gives you time to address issues before they appear in the buyer’s report—saving you from last-minute price drops.

 

Maximise Value with the Right Mix of Upgrades

Increasing your home’s value in 2025 is about smart, targeted improvements that align with buyer expectations. A mix of aesthetic upgrades, efficient energy use, and well-executed structural changes can transform how your home is perceived—and how much it’s worth.

Quick wins like decluttering, modernising fixtures, and fixing minor issues can have an immediate impact.

Mid-range investments like insulation, new windows, and heating upgrades appeal to today’s eco-conscious market.

Larger projects like extensions and conversions deliver high ROI when well-planned and relevant to the local area.

The key is to know your market, assess your budget, and focus on changes that deliver visible, measurable improvements. With the right strategy, you can boost both your home’s value and its speed of sale—helping you move on to your next chapter with confidence.

If you’re looking for a quick sale of your house but don’t have the time or resources to make enhancements before going on the market, standing out among other properties in the area can be challenging, potentially prolonging the selling process. If this is the case, the team at We Buy Any House can help you sell your house quickly, no matter what condition it’s in.

With only a matter of weeks until the six-week break, parents are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained without breaking the bank. 

Hodge reveals the potential costs of family outings and shares tips on having fun while staying in budget. 

Christie Cook, managing director of retail at Hodge said: 

“The six-week break is a great opportunity for families to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. 

However, with the current economic climate, it can be challenging to afford regular days out. Mixing more affordable home-based activities with occasional outings can help balance the costs.”

Cost breakdown of popular family activities over six-week holiday

Based on a family of four (2 adults, 2 children aged 2-15 years, except Go Karting for ages 8-12 children and 13+ adults)

Activities

Per family (£)

Cinema

£58

Zoo

£105 

Indoor trampoline park

£60 

Laser tag

£37

Theatre

£148

Aquarium

£126

Go karting

£222

Theme park

£106

Escape room

£40

Ice skating

£42

Mini golf

£48

Total

£992

 

Three budgeting tips from Hodge

  1. Board game nights: Spend time playing classic board games like Scrabble, Guess Who, or Kerplunk. These games not only entertain but also encourage family bonding at home without hefty costs.
  1. Budget-friendly movie nights: Skip the expensive cinema tickets and create your own movie night at home. Subscribe to streaming services like Disney+ or Netflix (monthly fees range from £7.99 to £10.99) or rent films on platforms like Rakuten. Enhance the experience by buying cinema-style snacks from the supermarket, such as popcorn, sweets and nachos. This not only saves money but also means you can enjoy a film in your pyjamas, in the comfort of your own home. 
  1. Local events: Use platforms like Facebook Events to discover free or low-cost local events. From community fairs to cultural festivals, these events often provide entertainment options that are budget-friendly and enjoyable for the whole family.

A new study has estimated that insurers have rejected £801.8 million worth of home insurance claims for damages caused by pets, as many Brits don’t realise it is often excluded from home cover.

As a result, thousands of policyholders could have seen a needless increase in their premiums, thanks to having to disclose a ‘rejected claim’ at renewal. Now, pet owners are being reminded to check what they’re covered for before claiming to prevent avoidable price hikes.

The numbers come from Go.Compare home insurance, which combined survey results with FCA figures on home insurance payouts. It says that UK pet owners have had over 480,000 claims for damages turned down – equal to roughly 2% of the country’s pet owners. Based on the average claim value, this means millions have been lost due to owners not knowing the limitations of their insurance policy.

The comparison site advises that damages caused by pets might only be covered by accidental damage protection, which is not included as standard on all policies. Yet, many pet owners are unaware of this. Almost half (45%) told Go.Compare that they didn’t know home insurance typically doesn’t cover damages caused by pets – equal to around 12.5 million pet owners unaware of this key stipulation.

The study also highlighted that younger residents are the least knowledgeable about this issue, as substantially more older pet owners said they knew about the rule than younger ones. Just under two-thirds (64%) of over-54s knew about this, a figure which dropped to 53% among those aged 35 to 54, and 46% of under-35s. This suggests that younger Brits need a better understanding of insurance practices.

Pet owners with multiple animals were also more likely to know about the rule. Around half of those with one or two pets said they were aware of it, but this increased to roughly two-thirds (68%) of owners of three pets and around 88% of those with four pets or more.

Go.Compare states that while cover for this type of damage is rare, owners can find it in some policies. Just over half (52%) of pet owners who claimed for pet damage were successful, according to the survey results. This is equal to around 519,000 accepted claims and £862.4 million paid out to owners by home insurers for property damage caused by pets.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “It’s clear from our survey that many pet owners don’t realise their home insurance probably won’t cover them if their pet causes damage to their property, which is leading to thousands of rejected claims. Having a claim rejected can also result in higher premiums, so it’s crucial to check that you’re definitely covered before making a claim.

“You can find protection for these damages from some providers if it’s something you feel you’ll need, but you might have to shop around. Before you buy a policy, you should always check what’s covered and what’s excluded. If pet damages aren’t included, see if the provider offers accidental damage cover as an add-on, and check whether this will protect you against cat or dog damage.

“Taking the time to investigate these details will prevent you from encountering any unwanted surprises and avoidable price hikes whenever your cuddly companion gets up to mischief. That’s why you should always compare policies to find a provider that offers the level of cover you need for a price you can afford.”

More information about the impact of pet ownership on home insurance can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

TotallyMoney has looked at improvements in balance transfer terms over the past 12 months and found:

  • On average, balance transfer lengths have improved by almost five months*, with most big banks now offering more than 30 months
  • With the average interest-bearing balance of £3,002, and with a typical 3.5% fee, this improvement in length represents a saving of £1,568†
  • One in two (48.6%) credit card customers are paying interest on their balance each month and could benefit from a balance transfer‡
  • Meanwhile, credit card debt continues to grow, with average interest-bearing balance increasing by £103 (from £2,899 to £3,002) in the past year§

Commentary and analysis is provided by TotallyMoney CEO, Alastair Douglas, and personal finance expert, Andrew Hagger of Moneycomms.

Balance transfers: the great debt reset 

For a small fee of 3-4%, a balance transfer lets you shift your credit card debt, and stop paying interest for a set amount of time. Longer balance transfer lengths usually mean longer periods without paying interest, and bigger savings.

New TotallyMoney research conducted by Moneycomms found that in the past year, average balance transfer lengths have improved by almost five months, with NatWest improving theirs by 11.

Bank

24.06.2024

23.06.2025

12-month increase

Barclaycard

28

33

5 months

Halifax

27

29

2 months

HSBC

27

33

6 months

Lloyds Bank

27

31

4 months

M&S Bank

26

30

4 months

MBNA

27

33

6 months

NatWest

23

34

11 months

Santander

26

31

5 months

Tesco Bank

29

33

4 months

TSB

24

24

0 months

Virgin Money

28

32

4 months

Average

26.55

31.18

4.63 months

Research by Moneycomms 24/06/25

 

This comes as average interest-bearing credit card balances continue to rise, with TotallyMoney data showing an increase of £103 (from £2,899 to £3,002) in the past year. Research also shows that one in two (48.6%) credit card customers are paying interest on their balances each month, and could benefit from a balance transfer.

A customer shifting the average interest-bearing balance to the leading NatWest 34-month offer could save £1,720. If they shifted the same £3,002 balance to the average 31-month card with a typical 3.5% fee, they could save £1,568.

Alastair Douglas, CEO of TotallyMoney comments:

“Balance transfers have been getting better, with most big banks now offering more than 30 months interest free. And with half of credit card customers paying interest each month, and the amount owed continuing to grow, now’s the time to check your eligibility, and save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds.”

Andrew Hagger, personal finance expert at Moneycomms adds:

“Credit Card lenders are fighting tooth and nail to win balances from their rivals, and as a result 0% deals just keep getting longer. Which is great news for consumers who wish to shift an existing card balance and save some significant interest costs into the bargain.

“The way the competition is hotting up I wouldn’t be surprised to see a 3-year 0% deal on offer before the end of 2025.”

 Alastair Douglas with four tips for balance transfer success:

1. Get the guarantees

“By law, credit card customers only need to give 51% of applicants the advertised product. And that’s why it’s important to look out for offers which give you pre-approval, guarantee offer lengths, limits, and APRs. Otherwise, you might end up with something worse than what you thought you were going to get.”

 

2.  Don’t spend

“Unless the same card comes with a purchase offer, then avoid spending with your balance transfer. That’s because the rates are usually high, and you might make it more difficult to clear your balance in the long run.”

 

3.  Make a plan

“While avoiding interest is great, your long-term goal should be to clear the balance and get debt free. So, it’s important to make a repayment plan and to stick to it. The easiest way might be to just divide the total amount you owe, by the number of interest free months you get, and to set up a Direct Debit making the same repayment each month.”

 

4.  Know the score

“The best offers are usually only available for those with the best credit scores — so download a free personal finance app to check yours. It should also give you the chance to fix anything that’s holding you back, and provide you with a personalised plan to help you to start moving forward.”

 

A new study has estimated that 11 million users could have access to full fibre broadband without realising, meaning some customers might be eligible for a free upgrade.

Around one in four (26%) broadband users said they didn’t know whether or not their home has a full fibre connection when surveyed by Go.Compare broadband. The comparison site says this is equal to around 13.8 million users. Go.Compare also found that around 80% of homes have access to a full fibre connection. It combined this data with ONS figures to estimate that 11 million people in the UK could be unknowingly missing out on faster internet speeds.

Roughly eight in ten homes in the UK have access to full fibre, the technology with the potential for the very fastest speeds. The nationwide fibre rollout is happening fast, and many customers still on slower hybrid fibre connections are eligible for a free upgrade.

In addition, some users could be on a full fibre connection already without realising, and might be able to get faster speeds for their money by switching to a better deal.

The Go.Compare survey also found that those who receive the worst service are the least likely to know their connection type. Of those who said they receive a very unreliable service, 40% did not know if their property has access to full fibre, compared to 23% of those who said their broadband is very reliable. This means those who most need a free upgrade are the least aware that they could have access to it.

The broadband comparison site added that many customers could be unknowingly receiving a below-standard service, simply because they don’t know what speeds they’re paying for. Almost half (48%) said they don’t know their broadband speeds, meaning they could be receiving slower speeds than promised without realising.

As a result, Go.Compare is reminding users to check the speeds they were promised and to test what speeds they are actually receiving, as providers have a legal obligation to deliver what was advertised.

Matt Sanders, broadband expert at Go.Compare, said: “Many broadband providers offer free upgrades from hybrid to full fibre, so it’s well worth finding out what connection type you currently have and whether you have access to an upgrade. You could get a better connection for no extra cost. Even if you’re already on fibre, you could find faster speeds for the same price by comparing deals, so it’s worth looking into.

“Note down the key details of your current broadband deal, such as the connection type, speeds you’ve been promised and what you’re paying. This will make it easier to check if you’re getting the service you were sold, and whether you could find a better deal by comparing packages when your contract is up.

“You can easily check the speeds you’re actually getting by using a free broadband speed checker online, like the one on our website. Remember to contact your provider if the speeds are slower than what you were sold, as they’re obliged to deliver what they advertised.

“If you’re getting the advertised speeds but your connection still feels slow, you might want to upgrade to a package offering more bandwidth. Comparing deals can help you find the speeds you’re looking for at a lower price.”

Broadband users can test their connection using the free speed checker on Go.Compare’s website.

SIM-only mobile network spusu is celebrating two years of operation in the UK by giving customers 5GB of free data for the remainder of June. To claim the free data, customers must reply to the text from spusu by the end of June 22, 2025.

Since entering the UK market, spusu has offered highly competitive mobile plans, with their cheapest plan launching in April 2025 at just £4.90. With a focus on fairness, transparency and outstanding customer support, spusu has quickly carved out a reputation as a reliable and people-first provider.

This promotion is designed to thank customers and help them stay connected without worrying about extra charges. Whether streaming, browsing or video calling, the extra 5GB gives users more freedom to enjoy their mobile experience — just one of the many ways spusu continues to prioritise its customers.

Customers will receive an automated text message with instructions on how to claim their 5GB of complimentary data as part of the anniversary celebration. This promotion applies to all customers, besides those on an unlimited plan.

To secure their 5GB of free data, customers must reply to the text from spusu by the end of the day on June 22, 2025.

“Over the past two years, we’ve been proud to deliver on our promise of simple, fair and accessible mobile services,” said Christian Banhans, spusu’s UK managing director. “Since launching in the UK in 2023, we’ve grown our customer base and stayed true to our values of offering transparent, affordable mobile plans with first-class support. 

“This 5GB giveaway is our way of saying thank you to the customers who’ve joined us on this journey,” continued Banhans. “Looking ahead at the next two years, we’ll continue offering more value and benefits to our customers, ensuring they always feel supported and connected.”

To discover spusu’s SIM-only plans starting from £4.90, visit spusu.co.uk/plans

 

In a world where financial decisions are often driven by emotion or impulse, mastering your mindset around money can become substantial to lasting wealth and stability. It’s almost like a rewiring your brain to put your financial goals above the split-second coffee purchase or fast fashion you’ve just seen an influencer show off. Building a better connection with money can help you succeed in the long run, from saving and investing to spending habits.

Recognise the Psychology Behind Your Spending

Our financial habits are influenced by psychology. Fancy some retail therapy after a tough day in the office or maybe it’s the thrill of finding a 50% off sticker at the supermarkets. Emotional triggers often dictate our spending choices. To break this cycle, start by tracking your monthly expenses (These are your needs, not wants). Can you identify patterns? If you’re feeling a certain way does this, make you feel the need to spend? Mindful spending begins when you understand these triggers and replace them with healthier coping mechanisms.

Build a Sustainable Saving Routine

Rethinking your financial behaviours means putting saving at the heart of your money habits, not leaving it as an afterthought. A simple yet powerful way to do this is by adopting the “pay yourself first” approach — set up an automatic transfer to your savings account the moment your income lands. Even if you start with small amounts, what matters most is consistency. Over time, those modest contributions can quietly grow into a meaningful safety net, ready to support you when life’s unexpected expenses arise!

Create Healthy Investing Habits

Building wealth is not just about saving. It is also about making your money work for you. Healthy investing habits begin with education. Understand the basics of risk and long-term planning. Consider starting low cost to spread risk. It’s also important to stay disciplined during market fluctuations and resisting the urge to panic sell. For younger investors especially, developing these good habits early can set the foundation for lifelong financial growth.

Practice Financial Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t something to leave behind in meditation sessions or on a yoga mat — it can be one of your most powerful allies in shaping a healthier relationship with money. Before you reach for your wallet or hit “buy now”, take a moment. Breathe. Ask yourself: Does this truly serve my goals? These brief pauses can work quietly but powerfully, helping you rise above impulse spending and stay true to the path you’ve set for your financial future. It helps to check in with yourself regularly too. Carve out a little time, perhaps once a week or at the end of the month, to look over where your money has gone. Notice what is working, where you might want to adjust and where you can give yourself credit for good choices. Mindfulness invites you to stay present with your finances, so small problems do not have the chance to grow into bigger ones.

Set Clear Financial Goals

Without a clear sense of purpose, money can slip away almost without you noticing (or tap away!), spent on things that do little to bring lasting joy. But when you have a vision, something that excites you and feels worth striving for, every decision starts to carry more meaning. Maybe it’s the dream of a place to call your own, the freedom that comes with clearing debts, or the promise of adventures in far-off places. That vision becomes the thread that ties your financial choices together.

Surround yourself with small reminders of what you are working towards. Let those glimpses of the future keep you motivated, and when you reach a milestone, take a moment to enjoy it. After all, progress is not just measured in numbers. It’s in the growing confidence that you are building the life you truly want

Final Thoughts

Rewiring your financial habits is a journey of self-awareness, discipline and continuous learning. By understanding the emotions that drive spending, prioritising saving and cultivating smart investing behaviours, you can build a healthier, more resilient financial future.

This is a guest post from freelance blogger Rosie Buckley rosie.buckley@contentncoffee.com

 

Separation and divorce often bring unexpected financial challenges that extend far beyond the obvious legal fees. Many couples find themselves caught off guard by additional expenses that emerge during this difficult transition. From establishing separate households to dividing assets and managing new tax implications, the financial ripple effects can be substantial and long-lasting.

The process of untangling shared finances after years together presents numerous practical hurdles. Joint accounts need closing, mortgages require restructuring, and pension arrangements demand careful consideration. Even seemingly small details like updating insurance policies or revising wills can have a major financial impact if overlooked during this emotionally charged time.

Knowing about these costs early in the separation process can help individuals make better decisions. With proper planning and professional guidance, it’s possible to address these financial challenges while protecting your long-term economic wellbeing.

Financial shocks that accompany relationship breakdown

When couples separate, the immediate financial impact can be severe. Living standards often drop because the same income that once supported one household must now stretch to cover two. According to recent Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2023) data, the overall cost of separation has risen sharply in recent years.

Early legal advice can help people learn about and prepare for these financial changes. While legal fees are an obvious expense, many other costs catch people by surprise.

Setting up a new home requires significant spending. From rental deposits to basic furniture and household items, these expenses add up quickly. For parents, there are often additional travel costs for child arrangements.

Financial recovery after separation can take several years and varies for each person. The typical time to settle finances is often close to a year, but for some, the process can take much longer.

 

Protecting your credit score during separation

Joint financial products become particularly risky during relationship breakdown. When couples share credit cards, loans, or mortgages, both parties remain legally responsible for the debt regardless of who spends the money or keeps the asset.

Maintaining a credit score during separation involves several specific steps. First, request a copy of your credit report to identify all linked joint accounts. Next, establish a clear plan for separating financial ties carefully.

Prompt action helps reduce the chance of unwanted negative marks on credit files. This can make future borrowing or mortgage applications easier. When confusion arises, consulting a legal expert can provide guidance on avoiding common pitfalls.

Managing joint mortgages and property finances

For the family home, couples typically have three main options. They can sell the property and divide the proceeds, transfer ownership to one person with appropriate compensation, or maintain joint ownership temporarily. 

Mortgage applications often present additional difficulties after separation. Lenders assess affordability based on a single income and may examine the presence of ongoing maintenance payments. Assistance from Nottingham divorce lawyers ensures financial agreements receive proper documentation.

Looking after your interest in property assets requires that all arrangements be formally recorded in a consent order approved by the court. This legal step secures continued protection well into the future and prevents the risk of future claims against property.

Creating a separation financial survival plan

Strict budgeting becomes necessary during separation. A detailed record of all income sources and essential expenses provides a clear view of the new financial situation. Temporary reductions in discretionary spending can often help maintain stability.

Gathering important financial documentation at the outset supports smoother legal proceedings. Key documents often include bank statements, records for pensions, investment summaries, and property paperwork.

Handling financial ties during separation works best when dealing with joint debts first, since these have the greatest impact on credit scores. Once joint debts are resolved, attention often shifts to covering essential household bills.

Long-term financial recovery strategies

Setting realistic timelines for financial recovery relies on regularly reviewing progress and adjusting goals as circumstances change. Having a written plan helps track each step, including repaying priority debts and rebuilding credit.

After paying for essential expenses, the focus often shifts toward rebuilding savings. Many people establish an emergency fund that covers at least one month of living costs before gradually increasing their savings for extra protection.

Pension planning needs careful management following divorce settlements. Individuals benefit from reviewing projected retirement income and identifying any gaps caused by pension sharing orders. Increasing contributions, where possible, can help address shortfalls.

Insurance requirements frequently change after a separation. Life insurance policies should be reviewed to determine if they remain suitable, particularly where dependants or children are involved. Income protection insurance may be worth considering if others rely on your earnings.

Certain financial matters, such as complicated investment or pension issues, often call for specialist advice. Financial advisers usually help clients through investment decisions, while legal professionals oversee property transfers and formal settlements.

Joint finances decision tree

For positive communication: Gradually separate finances using documented agreements. Create payment schedules for joint debts and maintain regular financial discussions.

For high-conflict situations: Seek immediate legal advice from a specialist family lawyer. Consider freezing joint accounts if necessary to prevent financial loss. Prioritise formal documentation of all agreements.

Where children are involved: Maintain stable housing arrangements. Prioritise financial support centered on children’s needs. Consider using a neutral third party to manage shared expenses.

Managing joint finances during separation requires a method that matches your specific situation. Early organisation during separation sets a base for improved financial wellbeing in future years.

 

Your Financial Future After Separation

The hidden costs of separation can feel overwhelming, but taking clear, informed steps makes a significant difference. Early planning, organised record-keeping, and professional guidance all play a part in stabilising your financial situation and rebuilding long-term security.

Explore support services, speak with professionals, and take proactive steps to secure the financial clarity you need. With the right strategy in place, you can move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind

A new study has found that home insurance premiums jump by 10% for pet owners – an extra expense that could be overlooked by residents who are budgeting for a new addition to their family. The research reveals that the median cost of joint buildings and contents home insurance is £219 for those who don’t have a dog or cat, while the median for homeowners with a pet costs £240 on average.

The numbers come from Go.Compare home insurance, which reviewed its internal sales figures to uncover the impact of pet ownership on insurance prices. It’s now reminding policyholders to consider this additional cost when deciding whether they can afford a pet.

The insurance comparison site warns that separate buildings and contents insurance policies can have the sharpest rises for pet owners. They will pay a median price of £215 for buildings only cover on average, which is £23 more than the price for those who don’t have a pet – equal to a 12% increase. For contents insurance, the median cost is £72 on average – a 15% increase compared to those without pets.

The figures also suggest that getting multiple pets will result in higher premiums. For joint buildings and contents cover, the median cost for owners of both a cat and a dog is £21 more than those with only one or the other – equal to 9% higher. This is also £35 more than those with no pets at all.

In addition, buildings only cover is £21 more expensive for owners of both pets compared to those with just one, according to the study, rising from a median of £208 to £229 – equal to a 10% rise.

The cost of cover appears relatively unaffected by the type of pet owned. Joint buildings and contents policies are only £3 more expensive for dog owners than cat owners, while the median for separate buildings and contents policies is the same for cat and dog owners. The average premium for both of these sits at £208 for buildings only cover and £71 for contents cover.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Getting a pet is always an exciting experience, so it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about the financial aspect. Remember to consider your budget when deciding whether to get a pet, as there are lots of costs you might need to consider, including one or two you might not think about, like home insurance.

“The median home insurance premium can be up to £35 higher for pet owners in some instances. Be sure to take this into account so that you don’t find yourself scrambling to make up for the extra cost.

“If you do take the exciting step to get a pet, you will need to tell your home insurance provider, as failure to do so could invalidate your policy. If prices become a problem, try comparing policies to see if you could get the cover you need for a lower price elsewhere. Regularly doing this will make sure you’re getting the best deal you can, so it’s always worthwhile checking what policies are available.”

More information about the impact of pet ownership on home insurance can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

Sky has emerged as the provider offering some of the cheapest broadband deals out of the major companies, according to a new customer survey.

Among Sky users receiving speeds between 100 and 249 megabits per second (Mbps), a quarter reported paying less than £21 per month – the highest proportion of the providers listed.[1] A fraction of these users (2%) even said they’re charged between £11 and £15.

The figures come from Go.Compare broadband, which surveyed users on how much they’re paying for their packages. It found that the major providers generally charge between £21 and £30 per month for broadband speeds in the 100 to 249Mbps range – the most commonly bought speeds. However, Sky appears most likely to undercut this price.

Virgin Media and Vodafone tied for second place in the survey, with 13% of both providers’ users paying £20 or less for these speeds. The vast majority pay between £16 and £20, although 4% of Vodafone’s users are charged less, and 1% of Virgin Media’s users pay £10 or under.

Around one in 10 (12%) BT customers said they pay below the £21 mark. But, impressively, 4% said they pay just £10 per month or less. Similarly, 11% of EE’s users pay prices under £21, and 6% are in the lowest price bracket of £11 or less – the most of the providers listed.

Virgin Media is the most popular broadband provider

Although Sky leads the way in competitive pricing, it’s not the most popular. Many users preferred Virgin Media, with a fifth of those in the study getting their broadband through this provider.

Sky came a narrow second, with 18% stating that they use this company for their broadband. BT was third with 16%, while EE and Vodafone were joint fourth with 8% of respondents each saying they use them.

Virgin Media also proved the most popular with younger users. A fifth of under-35s said they are with this provider, 5% more than Sky, this group’s next most used company. Over-55s slightly prefer BT over Virgin Media, although the difference is minor – 20% are with BT and 19% are with Virgin Media.

Matt Sanders, broadband expert at Go.Compare, said: “Broadband users will always want a deal with the fastest speeds for the lowest price possible. Our statistics suggest that Sky are providing a high proportion of users with below-average prices for decent speeds, highlighting them as a strong choice for cost-conscious customers.

“But price isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding on the right broadband deal for you. Reliability and good quality customer service are also important. Plus, many broadband deals include extras like TV packages, so while one might be low-cost, another might be better value for money when all the additions are taken into account.

“For this reason, before committing to a package, it’s always a good idea to compare providers to find out which offers the best deal for your needs. Doing so regularly will make sure you’re still getting the best offer possible.”

More figures on the best broadband providers can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

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