Equity Release

Property owners in the UK, who are considering taking out an equity release plan to boost their finances, could be among those to be encouraged by the results of a recent survey.Figures from the latest housing market study from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have revealed that house ... read more

Property prices in the UK continued to rise last month, according to a new report.Figures from the latest House Price Index from banking firm the Halifax, have revealed that house prices increased by 0.6 per cent last month.The figure represents an annual growth of 3.6 per cent and sees the ... read more

Equity release schemes have a future in helping the UK to combat the challenges surrounding its pension and longevity issues.This is the view of former home secretary David Blunkett, who said providers of equity release could play an important role in helping the UK's property owners to realise the potential ... read more

The effects of the recession have lead to an increase in the levels of stress felt by UK residents, according to one health insurer.Research from Aviva UK Health has revealed that stress is one of the most common causes for prolonged work absences.According to the organisation, stress levels have increased ... read more

The average price of UK property is showing "strong signs" of growth in the early part of 2010, according to a new report.Figures from Nationwide's latest house price report have revealed that the average UK property is now worth £163,481.Using official figures from the Land Registry's December data, this represents ... read more

Official Land Registry figures, published earlier this week, have revealed that the upward trajectory of house prices continued in December.According to the latest House Price Index figures, the average UK property was worth £161,783 in the final month of 2009.This could come as encouraging news for those who are considering ... read more

Homeowners looking to ease their financial struggles by realising the potential of the funds tied up in their property assets can access double the amount they were able to ten years ago, new research has suggested.A new report from the Halifax, based on figures from the bank's monthly House Price ... read more

People looking to cash in on the "gold rush" are having their jewels consistently undervalued by TV gold buyers, consumer guide Which? has claimed.The independent service conducted a test which found companies advertising on TV to buy gold are offering "shockingly bad value" to sellers.According to Which?, CashMyGold offered £38.57 ... read more

The credit card industry is to make an effort to assist consumers in controlling their finances, the UK Payments Administration (UKPA) has announced.According to a statement from the organisation, the industry is to contact credit card customers who regularly pay only the minimum required amount to inform them that this ... read more

Employers across the UK are trying to distance themselves from pension scheme liabilities and put the onus onto individuals, one expert has suggested.Phil Perry, director of Ark Financial Planning, told Thomson Online Benefits that many of the issues currently surrounding pensions can be traced back to a lack of commitment, ... read more