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Get a free EPC rating with Skipton Building Society
Are you a homeowner or landlord looking to improve your property’s energy efficiency? Skipton Building Society’s free EPC Plus offer is a great opportunity. Available to members, this service provides a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment conducted by Vibrant, a professional energy assessor. An EPC is essential for anyone renting or selling a property, providing a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), alongside actionable recommendations to lower energy costs.
For landlords, having a good EPC rating is especially important as UK regulations now require rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’. Skipton’s EPC Plus can help landlords meet these legal requirements while also improving the property’s overall appeal to potential tenants. The service includes a personalized report outlining practical improvements that could save you money in the long …
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Act now: understanding crucial tax changes for UK Airbnb owners before April 2025
As April 2025 approaches, UK Airbnb owners are facing significant tax changes that could impact their rental income. One of the pivotal updates is the restriction on claiming mortgage interest as a deductible expense. With the introduction of new legislation, I have been helping out a friend who has an Airbnb to understand and use furnished holiday let (FHL) capital allowances. Tax consultancy firms – like Zeal or HMA Tax – are invaluable, offering expert guidance to ensure Airbnb owners maximise their tax efficiency.
What are FHL capital allowances?
FHL capital allowances allow UK Airbnb owners to deduct the costs of certain items purchased for their holiday lets from their pre-tax profits. This includes expenditures on furniture, equipment, and fixtures necessary for the rental operation. To qualify, properties must be available for let for at …
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How I have made over £15,000 from renting out my parking space
In July 2014, I wrote about how I earn money from JustPark, to rent out a space that lies empty on my drive. Back then I had earned £712 over a year, but that has increased and this is where I am today at £15,770 since I started in 2013.
The parking space has done so well that I decided to pave the tiny bit of overgrown weed-filled “lawn” next to it, put in proper drainage, and now also rent that out, so increasing my earning potential.
The paving over was expensive – £3,200 – but I will earn that back in under two years, so the investment is worth it.
If you are considering renting out your space, great locations are near stations, tube stops, town centres, airports, stadia and business parks. Parking …
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Which energy-efficient home improvements are the most cost-effective?
As energy costs having been rising, reaching an astounding 59% above their winter 2021/22 levels, and online searches regarding energy bills see an 80% uptick, many homeowners are looking for ways to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes, aiming to cut costs.
The question that looms is: which home enhancements genuinely yield the highest energy bill savings? Furthermore, what’s the timeframe for recouping the initial investment?
The experts at chartered surveyors Stokemont have analysed the initial costs and average energy bill savings of energy-efficient home upgrades for households across the UK and this is what they found:
Based on the findings, opting for LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent ones stands out as a highly economical and swift energy-efficient enhancement for your home.
With a modest initial cost averaging just £5, making …
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How I got £200 by switching to E.ON Next
My gas and electric bills are scary! Finding ways to cut down on energy costs is a top priority for many households, so my recent transition to E.ON Next have given me £200 so far and hopefully will help me to save more too on my energy. Here are three ways this energy provider is keeping more money in my pocket.
- A generous £100 smart meter incentive:
One of the standout features that drew me to E.ON Next was their enticing £100 incentive for installing a smart meter. Beyond the environmental benefits of smart meters, E.ON Next’s commitment to rewarding customers for embracing this technology showcases a dedication to both sustainability and customer satisfaction.
Not only does the smart meter provide real-time insights into my energy consumption, but it also came with a significant financial …
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How to reduce or pay no council tax bill
It feels like council tax is going up and services going down. From weekly bin collections disappearing to lacking social care :-(.
Last year my family were subject to two possible exemptions and discounts but someone may easily miss these – one was full exemption for a home undergoing major works and the other was a student-occupied property.
While you cannot directly negotiate or reduce your council tax rate, there are some strategies you can consider to manage your council tax payments more effectively:
- Check your council tax band: Make sure your property is placed in the correct council tax band. You can find information about your property’s band on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website in England and Wales, the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) website in Scotland, or the Land and Property Services (LPS)
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Furnish your home without spending loads
Furnishing a home using platforms like Gumtree, Freecycle, and Facebook free stuff groups can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to acquire furniture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of these resources:
- Assess your needs:
- Before you start looking for free furniture, make a list of the essential items you need for each room in your home.
- Prioritise the items based on urgency and importance.
- Join local groups:
- Join local Freecycle groups, Facebook free stuff groups, and check out listings on Gumtree for your area. I’ve got sofas, beds, desks, lamps and so much more from these groups. Keeping it local means that you don’t have far to pick up. Sometimes you may need to get a man with a van…I got two leather sofas for nothing and paid
- Assess your needs:
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Energy price cap increase – how to save money
Saving money on energy costs in the UK, especially with the energy price cap has increased, requires a combination of smart habits and making informed choices. Here are some tips to help you save money on your energy bills:
Switch providers:
Regularly compare energy prices and consider switching to a cheaper provider. The price cap sets a limit on how much a unit of energy can cost, but it doesn’t cap your total bill. Switching to a cheaper tariff can still save you money. I am with E.on and they are offering £50 under the price cap. Try to understand your energy tariff. Some tariffs offer lower rates during off-peak hours. If your lifestyle allows, consider shifting your energy usage to these times. Some energy providers offer free energy audits. Take advantage of these to …
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Temu – was it worth it?
I kept seeing ads for Temu and Shein and decided to check out Temu. I wanted some cushion covers and I guess my ad preferences on Facebook knew about that and threw up Temu.
Temu is an online marketplace that gained popularity for offering heavily discounted goods through aggressive social media advertising. Launched in April 2023, it has become the most downloaded shopping app in the UK. The platform provides a wide range of products at remarkably low prices, using a business model that involves vendors shipping directly from China to customers worldwide, cutting out middlemen.
I managed to get some free cushion inserts, that I cut in half and made into rectangular cushions, now I needed some covers and that’s where Temu came in. Looking at places on the high street…£8 was the …
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Exploring affordable home broadband options in the UK
When it comes to securing cost-effective home broadband in the UK, several key factors come into play. These factors include the type of broadband connection needed, the desired internet speed, and the preferred length of the contract. Below, we’ll delve into various options to consider, each linked with reputable providers.
ADSL broadband: ADSL broadband stands as the fundamental type of connection, utilizing pre-existing copper phone lines to deliver internet service. It’s an ideal choice for light internet use and is often the most budget-friendly alternative. Renowned providers such as Plusnet, TalkTalk, and the UKPostOffice present a range of ADSL broadband packages, with prices kicking off at approximately £20 per month.
Fibre broadband: For heightened speed compared to ADSL, fiber broadband takes the lead. This type employs fiber-optic cables to supply internet access. Depending …
