The return of the piggybank?
We are all having to cope with rising costs and at a time when every penny seems to be accounted for to pay for food, fuel and other living costs, it would seem that building an emergency fund would be a little down the list of priorities.
Heatproofing your home
In the current economic conditions, it makes sense to look at the actions we can take to improve our homes’ heatproofing. …..
The Bank of England Raises Interest Rates to 3.00%
Today, the Bank of England has announced that they are increasing the base rate to 3.00%, which represents the largest single interest rate rise in 33 years (1), with a possibility that this may increase further in the coming months.
Are your elderly relatives receiving all their winter benefits?
Predictions of a tough winter with rising fuel costs are at the front of many people’s minds, but especially the elderly. Energy bills are due to go up again in October which means that warming up the house will be much more expensive than it was last year1. However, the Government is offering a number of winter benefits to those who are eligible.
Why are house prices so high and property so scarce?
One of the key questions that is frequently asked by many, is why are UK house prices reaching such high levels, with soaring increases seen each year?
Autumn Mini Budget Details
In today’s mini-budget, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has announced a series of measures designed to stimulate economic growth. Among these are tax breaks for businesses and increased government spending on infrastructure projects. The Chancellor is confident that these steps will lead to a more prosperous future for the country. We have outlined a summary of the outcomes of today’s budget.
Bank of England Raises Interest Rates to 2.25%
Today, the Bank of England has announced that they are increasing the base rate to 2.25% and it is likely that they may be increased further again this year….
Budgeting and insuring your new university student
If you have a freshly-minted university undergraduate in the family who is probably leaving home for the first time, there is much to look forward to, but also much to organise to ensure a smooth transition into their university life. Most parents have passed on the key basics of money management to their children, but […]
Is it time to switch your mortgage?
At the beginning of August, the mortgage industry regulator, The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), published a statement estimating that there are approximately 370,000 borrowers who could save money by switching their mortgage.1 The FCA also gave insight into the savings that can be made across the nation – amongst the 370,000 homeowners highlighted that over […]
Big Hoot Auction – St Elizabeth Hospice
Thursday, 15 September 2022 Ipswich Town Hall, Cornhill, Ipswich, IP1 1DH Join us for hoot of an evening! The Big Hoot auction is the final event for the Big Hoot following the trail and will see the 50 Big Hoot sculptures go under the hammer to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice. It is your […]
Will removing the ‘stress test’ make homebuying more affordable?
We have all witnessed the rise in house prices in recent times, affecting so many people, not only those currently renting and first-time buyers, but existing homeowners seeking to move up the property ladder to allow for growing families or those looking to find a property that will suit them in old age. Property price […]
New build property – a better choice?
Should aspiring homeowners or next time buyers choose to buy an existing property, or opt for a new build? …Read our Pros and Cons….
Cutting costs without Compromising Security
If you’re seeking to prioritise your monthly expenditure and have concerns or queries about your existing insurance payments, we encourage you to book an appointment with us to review your circumstances. We’ll take the time to give bespoke advice to help ensure that the policies you hold will continue to fit your individual needs and can provide sufficient cover for when you may rely on them the most.
Renovate, or Buy Already-Modernised?
If you were looking for a property to purchase today, would you be more interested in something you could do up or a dwelling that had already been modernised and did not need anything spent on it?
Meet Our Hoot!
Captain Peacock stands out in the flock of owls with his iridescent colours….
Interest rates – How will they affect you?
Interest rates have not been a real topic of conversation for over twelve years. A generation has grown up not having to think that the cost of their mortgages or loans might rise. ….
Welcome to The Big Hoot!
From 19 June to 3 September 2022, St Elizabeth Hospice is bringing the next Wild in Art Trail to Ipswich, and we hope you are excited as we are!
Three things you can do to help to protect everything that matters
Could your family pay the mortgage should the worst happen or if you are sick and unable to work?
Garden improvements to add value to your home
The Covid-19 lockdowns reminded us of why open space is so important to our sense of well-being and it is noteworthy that as lockdowns were eased, the main requirement for people looking to move home was the need for open space
Considering a remortgage to fund home improvements?
As we move deeper into Spring, the weather is becoming more pleasant and many of us will be thinking about making improvements to our homes.
Barsham Vale, Beccles, Suffolk
CGI of the Barsham Vale development – Image: Hopkins Homes Bluebell Mortgages Can Help You to Secure a Mortgage For The House of Your Dreams We have recently completed two mortgages at the Barsham Vale Development, built by Hopkins Homes and the next could be yours! At Bluebell Mortgages, we help many couples, families and […]
Mortgage Advisor Based in Ipswich
Are you a First Time Buyer, looking for Shared Ownership Properties, or simply looking to Remortgage your home in Ipswich? Ipswich town is situated within the county of Suffolk in the east of England. The River Orwell runs through the town and Ipswich is in fact known for being one of England’s oldest towns. There […]
Buyer demand continues to outstrip available Property supply
No one can have failed to notice the rise in house prices and the rush to buy property, particularly since the lockdown eased. Reports from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) tell us that…
The Big Hoot – Ipswich Art Trail 2022
We are proud to once again be supporting the hospice with the delightful Big Hoot Art Trail to take place in the summer of 2022. What a wonderful & exciting event to bring people back to visiting our town while raising much needed funds for the essential work that the St Elizabeth Hospice does for […]
Escape to the country?
…there has been a growing trend, particularly among city dwellers with restricted access to open space, to look at moving to the country….
Self-Build Home Support
New plans supported by over £150 million in new government funding will make it easier and more affordable for people to build their own homes, the Government announced this week. The ‘Help to Build’ scheme will ensure that self and custom home building can become a realistic option to get onto the housing ladder through […]
Spring Budget Announcement – Stamp Duty Holiday Extended
The UK chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended a stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland in his 2021 Budget, as well as unveiling new mortgages with just 5% deposits. The upper threshold for stamp duty, which is a tax on property transactions in England and Northern Ireland, will remain at £500,000 until 30 June […]
Help to Buy Legal Extension
The current Help to Buy scheme (2013-2021) will end on 31 March 2021, but homebuyers using the current scheme will have more time to complete their purchase. The Government has extended the legal completion to 31 May 2021 due to delays caused by Coronavirus. This allows an extra 2 months for home builders to complete the build and […]
How long would you be able to continue paying your bills if you lose an income?
Legal and General (L&G) recently published their Deadline to Breadline 2020 research, it revealed that the average household is just 24 days from the breadline…. read on to find links to calculate..
The Return of the 10% Deposit
More of the biggest UK Mortgage lenders have indicated that they will be returning to 90 per cent Loan To Value mortgages from next week which is a huge help for first time buyers struggling to save a deposit. Many lenders withdrew mortgage deals allowing a low deposit during the first lockdown as worries […]
New Team Member – Welcome to Bluebell…
We would like to introduce you to our newest member of our team. We are delighted to welcome on board Edward Stephenson, who has joined Bluebell as our Business Development Manager.
Moving Home during Lockdown
Further to the Prime minister’s announcement of a national lockdown in England, you may be wondering if home moving plans are able to go ahead. People are still able to move home. However, those outside of the household or support bubble should not help with moving to a new house unless absolutely necessary. Estate and […]
Extraordinary times call for more Self-Care
In these difficult and uncertain times it’s important, more than ever, to look after yourself.
When you think about it, if you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for illness.
Equity Loan scheme open to first-time buyers
A new Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme opens to first-time buyers and will be available for two-years from 1 April 2021…..click to read full article…
How to keep your home move going
If you’re in the middle of selling your home at the moment, or you’re thinking of putting your house up for sale, you’re might be wondering what the effect of the latest lockdown is having on your move………
Gazumping. What does it really mean and how can you avoid it?
After months of property searching and finding the perfect home, getting an offer accepted can be just the start……what is gazumping and how to avoid it.
St Elizabeth Hospice Virtual Midnight Walk
Just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has signed up or transferred their place over to the St Elizabeth’s Hospice Virtual Midnight walk from all of us here at Bluebell Mortgages.
Fast track Approval to Extend your Home
Anyone who has tried to expand a family home will know that trying to obtain planning permission can be a minefield. Now, due to planning laws that came into force last month, adding a bedroom or conservatory will be much easier. From the end of August, a new law offers homeowners the ability to supersize […]
Time to Buy?
Summer is usually a quieter time for house sales, but following the COVID-19 pandemic July saw a massive £37 billion worth of property transaction as sales &…….
New Team Member – Welcome to Bluebell…
We would like to introduce you to our newest Mortgage and protection adviser…….
Ready to Sell?
Following the stamp duty holiday, many homeowners are racing ahead with plans to move to a new property. If that’s you, you might be wondering how you…….
Financial Protection
Many people overestimate their financial security, the average UK employee only has enough savings to last them 32 days if their current income stopped……
Keep Calm & Carry On
Research by Simplyhealth has revealed Britain’s “keep calm and carry on” culture, coupled with lengthy wait times for treatment and lack of access to healthcare, could be having a detrimental impact on the nation’s health, with mental wellbeing in particular a key area of concern.
Cash in the Attic
Homeowners looking to convert their loft can expect to add an average of £11,000 to the price of their home, a new study has revealed. The latest research from Halifax found that on average people who have recently carried out home improvements report an average……..
Home-Movers Spring into Action
Rightmove has announced its busiest ever month with visits to its website surpassing 150 million for the first time in January, making it the busiest month ever recorded as home-hunters looked to take advantage of a more certain political outlook.
Credit Control
New research from Barclays has revealed that 63 per cent of Brits admit they struggle to stay in control of their spending, with 39 per cent spending on unnecessary items simply out of boredom….in a bid to keep temptation at bay………….
Insurance for Renters
A recent study from Sainsbury’s Bank reveals that renters are significantly less likely to have life insurance or critical illness cover, with just 26% of renters taking out a policy in comparison to 41% of homeowners…….
People who Care
Owning a home is a common life milestone and something many British people prepare for. But figures released for Carers Rights Day reveal the stark reality that the average person can just as likely expect to become an unpaid carer for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill – something that few people are prepared for.
Calling Dr. Google
How does the ease of using Google influence many of us in diagnosing illness? That’s a question Kolabtree posed in a survey to consumers to measure the impact of Google and new developments such as the NHS integration in Amazon’s Alexa.
Budget Night Out
The latest Deltic Night Index, a quarterly report published by nightclub operator The Deltic Group, looking at the changing consumer habits in the UK’s evening and late-night leisure sector details the habits of 2,300 people and reveals that they are spending a significant sum on a good night out. Respondents to the survey spend……..