ABC Money

It’s that time of the year again, summer is almost upon us

Health

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26 May 2017

It’s that time of the year again, summer is almost upon us

2017 is the year where the health and wellbeing arena boomed, with millennials and older generations alike swapping Friday drinks for a lengthy BOOMCYCLE class and instagramming their ‘souping’ efforts as appose to their Bake off creations. So how can we ensure that breaking our unhealthy habit goes beyond getting bikini body ready for the summer? Ecigwizard is on hand to give their top 5 tips.

1. Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it.

First things first, stop focusing on what you can’t do! This is setting yourself a negative goal and the brains ‘habit learning’ system does not learn new things by ‘not doing’. Instead, set an agenda of what you are going to do with short term objectives. Rewarding these goals will encourage you to break the habit for good.

2. You’ve been fined!

Money is always a good motivator. Why not adopt the ‘swear jar’ method and pay yourself or your friends every time you commit the habit?

3. Get Social

Social media is well and truly integrated within our society. Take to your chosen social channel to declare the habit that you wish to break, this can be a simple Facebook status update or Tweet. Nobody likes to admit defeat so it can work as a great motivator to stay on track. Also, giving an update on your progress presents your following with the opportunity to offer words of encouragement.

4. Positivity is key

Sometimes, it is all about your mindset and you have to think positively when embarking on breaking a habit. If you commit the habit, do not dwell and punish yourself. Instead, figure out what led to committing the habit and decide what you will do differently next time. Most importantly of all, stay positive!

5. Join forces

Pair up with someone and break your habit together! Both parties can hold each other accountable and you can celebrate your victories together. Also, knowing that someone is relying on you is a powerful motivator!

UK property market set for major slump before stabilising in 2018

Property

ABC Staff

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25 May 2017

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UK property market set for major slump before stabilising in 2018

Activity levels on the UK property market are slowing down as the nation enters its prime buying season over spring and summer. Uncertainty in political matters have been lingering over potential buyers and sellers, and with the addition of the upcoming general election on 8th June, healthy activity levels are not likely to resume until after the outcome is revealed.

In 2016, Britain faced stamp duty increases of three percent in March, the EU referendum in June, and knock on effects to the market from the US general election in November. With these central issues leading to unpredictable shifts in the market, it is unsurprising that hesitation is rising around the next issue facing the nation.

Property values declined after the outcome of the EU referendum was announced, which resulted in a new average property value of £214,140. The number of new homes registered on the market also decreased, with a drop of 62 percent in London and 15 percent across the rest of the country. September looked promising for investors as house prices started to rise, and it was then that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICs) predicted that they would continue to grow for five years, at a rate of 3.3 percent.

The latest findings by RICs, however, has revealed remarkably poor numbers of new properties entering the market of late and blame this mostly on the increased stamp duty costs. Buyers looking to avoid the additional fees are investing funds into their existing properties, rather than buying new. This behaviour can also be said of landlords who have felt the strain of the extra costs excessively and have slowed their buying habits, in turn reducing investor demand on the market as a whole. Demand is likely to continue falling close to a halt until buyers can be sure of some predictability

Inflation is on the rise, while salary growth falls behind

Property values fell again in March and April, at a rate of 0.3 and 0.4 percent, respectively. It is not only political affairs that are affecting the market, but rising inflation and weak salary growth are also taking its toll. Inflation has been rising as the value of the pound falls and is expected to reach three percent in the coming months.

Weak salary growth is causing affordability pressures around the nation, with the current house price almost six times over the average household income and close to double that in London. This ratio is an enormous strain from the 4.5 times in 2016. Additional pressures are applied to both sellers and buyers alike as annual house price growth falls to 2.6, the lowest since June 2013, and is expected to continue falling until it reaches two percent.

Astonishingly, the more affluent end of the market appears to be holding its ground, with properties priced over £500,000 remaining relatively stable. Activity levels in this range have only dropped by 14 percent, and some prime neighbourhoods around London have seen some positive changes. Mayfair had 25 percent more properties added to the market in 2016, compared to 2015 and flats were 40 percent up. Property values did fall in 2016, but on completed sales, asking prices achieved were only down by three percent.

UK real estate will grow, even in the event of a hard brexit

Despite the current slump, the UK property market is predicted to stabilise come 2018. Not before London house prices fall a further 1.5 percent this year though. Due to costs of living and the additional stamp duty costs, London is anticipated to endure a more difficult recovery than other large cities in the UK.

Cities such as London and Cambridge, who usually grace the top of the house price growth list have recently reported growth rates of 4.9 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively; where other cities that do not usually experience such high growth have been moving up the list.

Although the cost of living has reached a 12-year high in some areas, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle have all recorded solid figures, with growth rates of 8.8, 8.1, and 5.6 percent, none of which have been seen since 2005.

Regardless of a hard Brexit, house prices are likely to grow from 2018 to 2022 at a rate of nine percent, and London is expected to make a full recovery, and remain a place for buyers to trust and expect delivery on their investment.

Stag and Hen dos on a budget

Elliot

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24 May 2017

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Want a hen or stag do without spending a fortune? Head off the beaten track and you could find the perfect spot to celebrate your last days of being single without breaking the bank.

The thrifty savers at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have compiled some of the best budget destinations for stags and hens who want one final celebration with friends before settling down with their future husband or wife.

The list includes top cities and resorts soon to be spouses flock to looking for the perfect send-off, as well as cheaper but equally spectacular alternatives.

Some of the cheaper recommendations include partying in sunny Croatia, skiing in Bulgaria, and shopping in Lisbon.

Many of the locations are ideal alterative holidays for stags looking to drink, party and gamble, whilst others provide plenty of shopping, spa breaks and beaches to keep the hens happy.

Darren Williams of PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “The stag and hen party has been an essential part of getting married for brides and grooms for decades.

“Recently more men and women have ventured abroad looking to enjoy being single one last time, and the cost of these holidays can quickly begin to skyrocket.

“You don’t have to spend big abroad to get a truly memorable stag or hen do, and you’ll find that if you shop around you can get some great deals.

“There are suggestions here for every kind of party that you could want, whether you’re looking to party in the sun or shop at reasonably priced stores.

“Everybody wants their stag and hen do to be memorable, but just because you want to see out single life in style doesn’t mean you should break the bank.”

Here are Promotionalcodes.org.uk’s best stag and hen dos, and their cheaper alternatives:

Ibiza

Ibiza remains the ultimate party destination in Europe and even though prices continue to rise groups of men and women still flock to the white isle every year.

An average ticket to a club can cost roughly €50-€70, whist extortionate drinks prices inside range can range from about €12-€18.

Alternative: Croatia

Croatia is filled with beautiful sunny coasts that are perfect for partying, not to mention its currently one of Europe’s best festival spots.

You can get a good exchange rate for Croatian Kuna compared to the Euro, making Croatia a perfect cheap drinking spot. Coastal towns like Dubrovnik are also perfect for hens looking for relaxation in the sun.

Las Vegas

The ultimate stag do location, the cities’ motto of ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ alone makes this the pinnacle of stag do weekends for some men.

However the costs of flights, hotels and the inevitable gambling losses soon add up to a pretty pricey stag weekend.

Alternative: Monaco

Monaco offers all the glitz and glamour of Vegas but without the cost of a long haul flight.

Flights to Nice near Monaco are a fraction of the price of a trip to Nevada, and if you book early you can find a pretty reasonably priced apartment on rental sites.

There are many swanky casinos that allow you to gamble without having to re-mortgage your house, but make sure you dress smartly when attending.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the perfect shopping trip for hen do’s looking to pick up cutting edge fashion and designer outfits, but unfortunately the costs of shopping, drinks and food in the city are some of the most expensive in Europe.

Alternative: Lisbon

Lisbon has become know for being one of the cheapest capital cities in western Europe, and like Barcelona offers a great mix of shops and beaches.

Tuscany

Tuscany rightly has a reputation as one of Europe’s premier spa break destinations thanks to its picturesque countryside, historical cities and countless spa resorts, but this reputation means a hen party there isn’t the cheapest.

Alternative: Budapest

If you are shrewd when booking flights to Budapest the cost can be relatively low, and once you arrive there you’ll find it to be the perfect budget hen spa break thanks to the cheap cost of living.

Budapest is famed for its thermal baths and springs, which can found all across the capital offering reasonably priced spa and massage experiences.

Dublin

Dublin is the perfect lads trip away for a stag do thanks to its cheap flights and great nightlife, but the cost of drinks and renting apartments isn’t always the best option when on a budget.

Alternative: Bratislava

Bratislava is quickly becoming a major European destination for stag do’s, thanks in no small part to the insanely cheap price of beer out there and a thriving party scene.

Flights over the summer may cost slightly more than a quick trip to Dublin, but you’ll make the money back on the cost of living in no time.

Serre Chevalier – France

Serre Chevalier is one of a number of popular ski resorts in the French Alps that people have travelled to in search of a something extra from a pre-wedding party.

Alternative: Bansko – Bulgaria

Ski resorts like Bankso in Bulgaria have become skiing hot spots thanks to a combination of good slopes, cheap food and drink and affordable ski passes, making it a fantastic value for money weekend away for stag and hen dos.

ENDS

The Financial cost of Addiction

Sam Allcock

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22 May 2017

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When we think of the consequences of addiction we often think of the emotional and mental health costs to the addict and to those whose lives are touched by them. As well as these costs, there is the very real financial cost of addiction, the addiction inflicted poverty that addicts and their families live in after the cost of the substance itself and the loss of employment and wages. Addiction has a ripple effect meaning that there is substantial financial cost to society as well as the individual, in terms of health care, drug treatment programs, drug related law enforcement, and the cost of holding addicts in prison for drug related crime. The overall cost of drug addiction is huge every year it costs society £15,400,000,000. The annual cost of drug-related crime is £13.9bn Every year drug misuse costs the NHS £488m.

‘The annual cost of addiction related crime is Drug addiction and crime £13,900,000,000. A typical heroin user spends around £1,400 per month on drugs: 21/2 times the average mortgage Many commit crime to pay for their drugs. Heroin, cocaine or crack users commit up to half of all acquisitive crimes – shoplifting, burglary, robbery, car crime, fraud, drug dealing.’ – http://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploads/whyinvest2final.pdf

Loss of Income and Productivity

Often addicts/alcoholics have problems with continuing with their normal lives in a manageable fashion – as the addiction takes over they lose the ability to
to function as valuable employees. They are often unreliable, and miss out on the career progression that they would enjoy if they were not in the grip of addiction. In addition to this there is a correlation between lower educational standards, poverty, urban areas and addiction. ‘Drug addiction is rare but concentrated – The level of heroin and crack use in urban Middlesbrough is six times that of rural Wiltshire 306,000 heroin and crack users in England 1,200,000 affected by drug addiction in their families – mostly in poor communities’ – http://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploads/whyinvest2final.pdf

Impact on Poor Families.

Addiction has a disproportionately high cost for those from low-income households, where budgets do not allow for any ‘lost income’. Even a one-pack-a-day cigarette habit can consume 10 percent of a family’s monthly budget and users of hardcore drugs can easily spend all their available income supporting their habits. Jason Shiers – A Psychotherapist with www.recovery.org.uk says, ‘While addiction is an equal opportunities illness, in that no section of society is immune, there are many intersecting issues that can be addressed when an addict accesses treatment, treatment providers are able to adapt and cater to the varying needs and cultures of clients.’

A Family Disease

Addiction is sometimes called a family disease, and certainly the consequences of having addicted parents can be hard to bear for the children, and those children of addicts can grow up to emulate their parents and so the cycle of poverty will continue. can also help trap future generations of a family in a cycle of poverty, addiction, and poor money management.

Funding Treatment Makes Sense

Funding treatment for addicts makes much financial sense, for the individuals concerned of course, but also for society Despite having our nationalized health system at present, the UK fares worse still, while an estimated 15% of the population suffer from alcohol dependence, only 1% of patients receive treatment. The consequences of the lack of appropriate interventions for addicts are far reaching, we know that the impact is not just suffered by the individual, instead it ripples out to family, and community, eventually the financial cost to society of alcohol-related harm is around £21 billion per year.

Disregarding these facts seems counterintuitive and lacking in foresight, in the U.K and what’s more, research has shown that for every £1 invested in the treatment of alcohol addiction £5 is saved on health, welfare and crime costs.

Why Now May Be the Ideal Time to Sell Your Home

ABC Staff

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20 May 2017

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Why Now May Be the Ideal Time to Sell Your Home

April delivered something of a shock to the UK’s property market, as house prices declined for the second consecutive month.

This would seem like bad news for property owners and aspiring vendors, as they appeared to have missed a unique window of opportunity to sell while optimising the value of their home.

This may not be the case, however, as the recent, marginal decline in prices could create a more competitive market in which to sell.

Image: Wall Street Journal

The State of the Market

In many ways, the recent decline in prices has been coming for some time. It started in March with a 0.3% drop, while Nationwide then recorded a further contraction of 0.4% the following month. This marked the first time that house prices had fallen for two consecutive months in nearly five years, while it drive the annual rate of growth down to its weakest level since June 2013 (2.6%).

This is the result of the prevailing macroeconomic climate, which has worsened as the spectre of Brexit has continued to loom large. Characterised by real wage stagnation, rising inflation and falling savings rate, citizens have far less disposable income to fund lavish house purchases. This trend is likely to continue for at least the foreseeable future, particularly with the Brexit negotiations and the upcoming general election likely to create further volatility.

Why Now May Be the Ideal Time for Vendors to Capitalise

Over a prolonged period of time, falling price points will make it impossible for home-owners to sell without sacrificing equity in their property. With values currently falling at a marginal rate, the next few months may see the market become slightly more competitive as potential buyers are enticed back to the sector. In fact, this period may create the perfect storm for vendors and present them with an opportunity to sell their home quickly and profitably.

For those with higher value homes in areas that have yet to see a noticeable decrease in prices, there may also be an opportunity to sell house fast with Property Rescue or a similar service provider. While this may require you to sacrifice some of the excess value in your home, you will still be able to sell the property for approximately 80% of its value while also reducing costs and completing a rapid transaction.

Making the Market Work for You

Ultimately, the price of houses and the decrease in values will vary between individual regions. The same principle applies to the price hikes that have characterised the market over the last 18 months, so the decision that you take regarding your property will largely be determined by your unique circumstances.

If you are going to sell, however, now may well be the ideal time to capitalise on a more competitive market before prices and demand fall too far.

If this is the case, you will need to act quickly, while being prepared to compromise on your asking price in order to drive interest while also achieving a profit.

How Beneficial R&D Tax Credits Can Give Your Business a Financial Boost

Sam Allcock

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19 May 2017

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How Beneficial R&D Tax Credits Can Give Your Business a Financial Boost

The business world can often have its challenges, especially if you’re a small business in which cash flow is vital.The R&D tax credits scheme is a beneficial tax relief which has been in place since 2000. However, many businesses are still not aware it exists, and many don’t realise they’re eligible to make a claim, which would give some of them the financial boost they need.

R&D Tax Relief Explained

The scheme was brought in by the government as an incentive for UK businesses to become more globally competitive in the fields of Science and Technology. It rewards businesses who invest in research and development (R&D) aimed towards technological advancements. This can be something as simple as an improved IT process or an enhanced product.

To qualify:

Businesses must prove their project’s outcomes were not predictable i.e. no competent professional in their field had the knowledge to derive the advancements being sought.
You must be liable for Corporation Tax and have a UK LTD company.
Claims must be made within the company’s last two financial years.

The Financial Boost You Need

How much can I claim?

How much you can claim depends on a variety of factors including the size of your company, your profitability and any grants or subsidies you’ve received. You’ll usually be able to claim anywhere from 8% to 33% back on qualifying projects. You can even calculatehow much you may be owed using an R&D tax credits calculator.

What costs can I claim for?

Qualifying expenditure includes direct costs for staff, external workers, software and materials involved in the R&D project. Capital expenditure is a more complex area, and advice should be sought if you think these costs should be included. Businesses across a wide range of sectors can qualify as long as the R&D project relates to advancements in Science and Technology.

What if I’m making a loss?

You can still claim. Although R&D tax relief is usually received via a reduction in Corporation Tax, those companies making a loss often receive a cash sum instead. You can also make a claim if yourproject was unsuccessful or it had to be abandoned, as long as you can demonstrate your investments were aimed towards making scientific or technological advancements at the time.

How long before I receive my repayment?

The turnaround time from submitting your claim to receiving your repayment should only take a few weeks.HMRC try to deal with 95% of claims within 28 days of receipt.

Making a Claim for R&D Tax Credits

Your R&D tax relief claim should be submitted to HMRC, but you can choose to use an R&D tax credits specialist to handle this on your behalf. A specialist will be up to date on the latest HMRC legislation and often have built great relationships with claims assessors already. They can provide you with support and assistance to make a claim, and can offer you more information on R&D tax credits. This will save you time and maximise your chances of success.

Don’t miss out on the financial rewards available for your hard work and investments.

How much is your startup wasting each year on the office?

Business

Sam Allcock

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19 May 2017

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How much is your startup wasting each year on the office?

High office rents are a major obstacle for startups trying to set up or expand their business in London. Permanent workspaces are supposed to be places of security and stability, but with economic uncertainty and new expenses, revealed in the Spring budget announcements , office spaces can become increasingly burdensome.

According to 2016 research, the average cost of an office in London’s King Cross area is £68 per sq ft, per annum. The average office size in the area is 13,000 sq ft, making the average rent a staggering £884,000 per year. Even an office that has 1,000 sq ft of floor space would cost around £68,000 a year, a cost that could cripple any young business.

For small businesses in particular, one of the most important announcements made by Philip Hammond involved the Business Rates Revaluation. As of April 2017, business rates are set to rise for many SMEs in London, stripping them of thousands of pounds each year that could be far better spent on business growth. In the face of such huge changes, what alternatives are open to startups and small businesses looking to save money on their office?

What money-saving alternatives are there?

Choose a virtual office for your business

Virtual offices are incredibly useful ways to cut the rents, bills, business rates and other costs associated with an expensive central London office, but maintain the prestigious address. There’s no question that certain address will offer an impression of a successful business.

You can use your city centre address to receive mail and phone calls too. In fact, i2 Office have their virtual offices in Canary Wharf, Kings Cross and Mayfair equipped with meeting rooms so that if you do need to work from an office space, you can do so without looking suspicious or unprofessional.

For small businesses and startups who can feasibly work from a home office, virtual offices can bridge the gap between home and work, saving on suffocating costs and giving off a professional image.

Think about where to save on location

London is undoubtedly a great place to do business, 82% of businesses in the capital rate it as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ when compared to other world cities. However, London isn’t the be all and end all for many startups, that could benefit from cheaper rents elsewhere.

The Start-up Cities Index 2015 listed the 25 best cities in the UK outside London to start a business. Edinburgh, Oxford, and Bristol are the top three cities that startups should consider instead of London—in all three rents are substantially cheaper.

Other places to make the list that are within close proximity to London include Milton Keynes and Brighton.This, coupled with a virtual office, could mean you save on the rent of a central London office but can still easily head into the capital for business when or if you need to.

Become more efficient with coworking spaces

Another option that may be ideal for startups and SMEs is coworking. A 2016 report by JLL titled ‘A New Era of Coworking’ found that although cost reduction was not a primary motivation for businesses that choose coworking spaces, the “more efficient utilisation of space helps companies to reduce costs without compromising on the quality of workspace.”

Coworking, which can involve leasing a space as small as a desk or substantially larger, is perfect for startups that don’t want to be burdened by an entire office that they don’t need or want. Coworking spaces often come fully equipped and only involve committing to a few months rather than years.

Invest in Grenada’s local economy to become a citizen of the world

Sam Allcock

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19 May 2017

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Invest in Grenada’s local economy to become a citizen of the world

For some entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals, the citizenship with which they were born somewhat restricts their ability to do business or invest globally. As a consequence, the last three decades have seen a growth in savvy high net worth individuals seeking alternative residence and citizenship options.

Far removed from traditional ideas of residency and immigration, the era of globalisation has created a new class of ‘citizen.’ Economic citizenship, otherwise called citizenship by investment, is an immigrant investment opportunity. Through economic citizenship programmes, an individual is granted citizenship after completing the legal process of naturalisation and having made a financial investment in a country’s economy.

While economic citizenship programmes (or ECPs) exist in countries all around the world, they are very popular in the island nations of the Caribbean, where citizenship comes with a range of benefits including increased international mobility.

Grenada Welcomes Investment in its Emerging Economy

In recent years, Grenada has been making conscious efforts to encourage national economic growth by way of its economic citizenship programme. The Government intends to secure a stable economic future using such investments to support the financing of growing sectors, such as tourism and construction as well as smart energy solutions.

One way this is made possible is through the island’s National Transformation Fund (NTF). The Government makes use of money from the NTF to transform the local economy. A donation to the NTF is one of two paths to Grenadian economic citizenship, and gives investors a true sense of having contributed to their new nation’s wellbeing.

Across the country, there’s also a tangible commitment to make Grenada an international business and investment hub, with non-restrictive trade. Economic citizenship-funded initiatives are in the rare position of being able to operate debt-free going forward, which is a major economic sustainability factor.

Economic citizenship is a valuable source of foreign direct investment. In St Kitts and Nevis, for example, the citizenship programme was projected to generate roughly EC$200 million Eastern Caribbean dollars in 2015, which equates to nearly a third of the Government’s revenue.

The Island’s Real Estate is Fertile Ground for Investment

Alternative routes to economic citizenship in Grenada include making an investment towards one of the island’s many approved real estate projects, including hotels, villas, and resorts. Investment in tourist infrastructure is incredibly popular, owing to the exponential growth of Grenada’s tourism industry in recent years.

Private investors are able to purchase real estate at such developments as the Point at Petite Calivigny, a boutique residential development on the island’s blissful southern coast, and the Mount Cinnamon luxury resort and beach club.

As Grenada’s tourism sector expands, so do the number of approved real estate development proposals, including, for example, the Kimpton Kwana Bay resort, a new 146-key resort that is expected to open in early 2019.

The economic citizenship programme is expected to continue to bring a considerable number of new real estate-based projects to Grenada, with a strong positive impact on the Grenadian economy and other positive spinoffs.

This makes for particularly fertile ground for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs in Grenada, and widens their scope to do business internationally. It’s no wonder the past few years have seen a fast-growing economy that today draws high-net-worth investors from around the globe.

The Trump and Brexit Effect Upon Global Foreign Exchange Markets

Sam Allcock

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17 May 2017

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The Trump and Brexit Effect Upon Global Foreign Exchange Markets

In terms of politics, it appears as if we have entered into a brave new world. The events which have taken place during the past 12 months solidify the fact that business as usual is no longer an applicable term. Two shining (and somewhat disconcerting) examples include the actions of the Trump administration and the inevitable Brexit from the European Union.

What have we learned so far in regards to how these situations have impacted the global foreign exchange market? This is an important question, for the actions of today will have an undeniable impact upon the investor sentiment of tomorrow.

The Brexit Conundrum: For Better or for Worse?

Although investors have been aware of the Brexit for some time, the activation of Article 50 cemented the fact that there is now no turning back. Politics within the United Kingdom have become strained and the calling for a snap election by Prime Minister May has certainly not helped to placate speculation.

The main issue here is that the markets are still concerned about the value of the pound in relation to other benchmark currencies such as the euro and the dollar. Indeed, this is no surprise and major institutions such as Deutsche Bank are predicting that a parity will eventually be reached. Although this may seem damning from a domestic point of view, we need to look at such a movement from a broader perspective.

Should the pound continue to fall, exports will naturally rise and this could actually benefit the United Kingdom. From a Forex perspective, many investors will be looking to take advantage of short-term movements that may be generated by this approach towards parity. Either way, it is a foregone conclusion that the pound will remain in the doldrums for some time.

The Trump Effect

Many have referred to Trump as the “elephant in the room” in regards to currency trading, and for good reason. Very few analysts are willing to speculate on what his next move may be and as he has already negated some of his campaign promises, we are beginning to wonder how far he is willing to take his “America First” slogan.

Still, it is critical to point out that Trump alone cannot decide upon fiscal policy and the United States Federal Reserve is well aware of this fact. The main takeaway point here is that uncertainty continues to dominate the global foreign exchange markets. This has caused many investors (particularly those who are politically opposed to Trump) to take a back seat for the time being. On the contrary, many international Forex traders are looking at the bigger picture and realising that there are plenty of opportunities to capitalise upon the movements of the dollar in relation to the pound.

This is particularly relevant due to the fact that the gap between these two currencies is narrowing to a nearly unprecedented level.

Different Trading Strategies

If there is one observation that analysts can agree upon, it is that traders are taking a much more risk-averse approach. They are now looking to supplicate one-off positions for more conservative stances. Investors are learning about spread betting and similar strategies in order to minimise potential losses while still remaining active within a liquid marketplace.

We can see that there are a number of variables that Forex investors are watching closely. What is arguably the most interesting takeaway point is that we have entered into entirely new territory and we are simply unsure of what may be looming around the next corner. It is likely that the global foreign exchange markets will reflect this fact for some time.

Little-known ways to save money on insurance for listed property

Sam Allcock

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17 May 2017

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Little-known ways to save money on insurance for listed property

A building doesn’t have to be a national landmark to achieve listed status. As more and more people are discovering, investment in listed buildings can be rewarding, whether you take up residence there yourself, or rent it out to others.

Perhaps surprisingly, the exact number of listed buildings in the UK is unknown. Historic England estimates there are around 500,000 in the country, but that doesn’t cover the many listed properties of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However many there are, one this is for certain—they can be very expensive to insure. But they don’t have to be: here are several ways to reduce the cost of your listed property insurance.

Get specialist advice

Some properties, such as those with historic significance or rare architecture, do not qualify for standard insurance. These listed buildings require highly specialist maintenance services and insurance cover. Many details of listed property construction, from the artisan design features to the unusual construction techniques and materials, make the buildings more vulnerable to damage and much more expensive to repair.

For these reasons, listed property owners must seek specialist advice on insuring their building to protect themselves from huge, and sometimes unexpected, maintenance and repair bills.

One of the most important factors, as highlighted by The Listed Property Owners Club, is calculating the correct cost of rebuilding your home. This is the cost against which your home is insured, so an accurate valuation will prevent you overpaying—or worse, underpaying and being left to face a huge construction bill. It’s also important to recalculate your rebuild cost with every listed building insurance renewal. Over time, material and work costs can fluctuate, impacting on the total rebuild cost of the property.

Invest in a keyholding service

Keyholding services are widely used among those with high value properties, but the practice is still considered fairly obscure. Keyholders are professional to hold a spare key to your home. It’s what keyholders can do with this key that makes their services so appealing to insurance providers.

Once keyholders have your spare key, they can respond to any alarms that are activated at your listed property, giving you an extra level of protection. Many residential and commercial security services offer to send mobile patrols to carry out routine visits of your property, ensuring it is safe and secure on a regular basis.

As Go Compare observes, property protection decreases the chances of needing to make insurance claims in the first place, thus reducing the costs of deductibles, etc. More importantly, some companies may offer you better deals on your insurance if you inform them of your stringent security practices, for the very same reason that your property is better secured and less likely to be damaged.

Increase your security as much as you can

Most insurance companies stipulate the use of strong door and window locks for full coverage. As stated on The Crime Prevention Website, insurers usually require the final exit door to be secured with a five-lever mortice lock. But for bigger insurance discounts, more security measures are needed.

Stronger doors and thicker windows are welcomed by insurers looking to offer lower prices, but as any listed property owner will know, there are often strict rules in place about modifying listed buildings in this fashion. Often, the outward appearance of a Grade I or Grade II listed building is statutorily protected, meaning owners have to apply for planning permission to alter then in any way.

For insurance-lowering and safety-increasing reasons, it is definitely worth looking into getting permission to replace your current doors and windows with more secure, reinforced alternatives. But if you can’t (and depending on the building and area, it is quite likely that you can’t), you can invest in other home security measures such as CCTV cameras and motion-activated burglar alarms. Inform an insurer of these measures and they are likely to work out a deal.

All of these things will bring your home insurance down and likely keep your home safer. If you really want to save money, it could also be worth lowering your deductible level. This in turn means that insurers will offer you a lower premium for coverage, because they know they will not lose as much in the event of a claim.

Homeowners rarely file claims on their insurance; by one estimate, the average homeowner makes a claim every ten years. This means that the odds are in your favour should you choose the financially riskier option of purchasing insurance with a higher deductible, but a lower premium.

Whichever of these methods you try, you are sure to get better value for money for your insurance.

1. Don’t do it, don’t do it, don’t do it.

2. You’ve been fined!

3. Get Social

4. Positivity is key

5. Join forces

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ABC Money 2025 - 1st Edition