Sparks Mortgages

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

'Freshen-upper’ homes most popular
Almost half (49%) of prospective buyers are looking for a ‘freshen-upper’ property, according to research*.

A ‘freshen-upper’ – a home that only requires small scale improvements – was found to be the most desirable property type. Meanwhile, a move-in ready property is popular among 22% of home movers due to its energy efficiency. Only 16% of buyers expressed an interest in ‘fixer uppers’, marking a shift away from major renovation projects. A quarter (27%) of respondents said this is because they don’t have time to make significant improvements to a home, highlighting the impact of busy lifestyles on home preferences.

Whatever type of home you’re buying, professional mortgage advice is essential.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Contact us on 07500110396 or email [email protected]

21/08/2026

Having the right cover gives you the comfort of knowing your home can be repaired or rebuilt should something sudden or unexpected happen. We can help find you the most suitable policy.

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Contact us on 07500110396 or email [email protected]

17/08/2026

The rise in home insurance premiums

Homeowners in the UK may have noticed that their home insurance premiums have significantly increased. In Q3 2024, the average buildings and contents insurance policy cost £407*– up 16% on the previous year.

Regional differences
Some regions have been harder hit than others, with Londoners experiencing the biggest hike in their home insurance premiums**. For homeowners in the capital, the average home insurance increased in price by about 46 percentage points between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024. Meanwhile, the north west saw the smallest increase (nearly 38 percentage points).

Why the increase?
The rise in home insurance premiums is partly due to inflation, and rising labour and material costs. However, it is also in response to an increased number of claims. Between January - September 2024, insurers paid out a total of £4.1bn in claims* – the highest amount to ever be paid out in the first nine months of a year. This is due to adverse weather conditions caused by climate change. In Q3 2024, damage to homes from storms, heavy rain and frozen pipes cost £136m in claims – 6% higher than the same period in 2023.

Looking for comprehensive home insurance that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here to help.

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply

12/08/2026

Your home sweet home deserves the best protection! Our team can provide tailored home insurance advice to make sure you’re properly protected for whatever the future may hold.

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.

Contact us on 07500110396 or email [email protected]

10/08/2026

Are your contents covered?
Do you know what your belongings are really worth? It can be easy to underestimate their value, which could leave you underinsured.

Home contents insurance protects your possessions and furniture against theft, fire and other unfortunate events. When taking out cover, you are usually asked to estimate how much it would cost to replace all the contents in your home. But when was the last time you took stock and assessed this? If you’ve recently bought new gadgets or received an expensive Christmas gift, you may need a higher level of cover. Equally, if you have sold some items, you may be paying for more cover than you now need. A professional adviser can help ensure you have taken into account all your belongings.

Contact us on 07500110396 or email [email protected]

As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.