ITV’s Eat Shop Save challenges volunteers to change their life in just eight weeks. A group of experts helps them overhaul their health, wealth and wellbeing by upgrading their eating, shopping and exercise habits. I’ve watched all the Eat Shop Save series to see if there are any tips out there I haven’t heard before, […]
Are Fixer Uppers Worth The Savings To First-Time Buyers?
First-time buyers can make big savings with fixer uppers in snazzy locations. However, some projects might swallow any discount with the glam work needed. What is a fixer upper? Fixer uppers might need renovation, or refurbishment. These words are sometimes used interchangeably. However, when doing your research, expect renovation to refer to things like making […]
Grand Designs: The Street Recap
Grand Designs: The Street followed a group of pioneers trying to get better value for money in the biggest self-build neighbourhood in Britain. The participants included would-be first-time buyers who had decided to do things their own way, and some existing property owners who wanted to design their own forever home. The Grand Designs: The […]
Your Home Made Perfect Recap
Your Home Made Perfect is a BBC2 property show and another opportunity for first-time buyers to learn from existing homeowners. The programme’s premise is that two architects compete to redesign a house on budget, pitching their designs via virtual reality. The homeowners then bring the winning commissions to life. The first series of eight episodes […]
Cherry Healey’s Property Virgins Recap
Cherry Healey’s Property Virgins was a two-parter made for BBC Three to help wannabe first-time buyers. I watched this several times before buying my first house so that I could make head and tail of mortgages and the homebuying process. Maybe it’s a compliment to the producers, but I find both episodes still relevant today. […]
How I Saved Half My Wages For A Deposit While Renting In London
As the Fresh Prince might say, sit right there, I’ll tell you how I saved half my wages for a house deposit while renting in London without living on fresh air. While my personal finance skills are clearly better than my musical timing, I also wasn’t living for free with family and paid my own […]
How To Choose A Conveyancer Or Solicitor You Don’t Hate
As first-time buyers, we need to know how to choose a conveyancer or solicitor. They’re essential throughout the purchase process, from having our offer accepted to completion. Making the biggest financial decision of our lives can be stressful by itself. We want a conveyancer who will alleviate this rather than leave us in the dark, […]
Epic Ways To Save For A House
If you’re a first-time buyer looking for ways to save for a house, then I have been the guinea pig for you and found a host of ideas to make your deposit grow. I had to work out how to save for a house on a low income, and in spite of people telling me […]