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Xact Mortgages, 6 The Square, First Floor, Solihull (2026)

10/03/2023

UK property market showing promising signs

Rics data for last month shows increase in new buyer enquiries and sales

According to surveyors, there are signs of improvement in the property market with new buyer enquiries and sales improving last month. Many surveyors have told the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) that a return of optimism, and lower than expected interest rates, had given the housing market a boost coming into the busiest time of the year.
“Increasing numbers of properties are coming to the market, providing buyers with more choice for the first time in over two years,” said Kenneth Bird, a chartered surveyor at Renton & Parr in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
This welcome news comes after mortgage lender Halifax reported earlier this week that UK house prices rose in February, in a sign of resilience amid hopes that the broader economic downturn will not be as severe as feared.
The Rics monthly survey measures the proportion of surveyors who reported a rise in new buyer enquiries from those saying they fell. The score still showed a drop in demand, but it is the smallest decline since July. Likewise, the new sales indicator also improved in February.
March is often one of the busiest months in the property market, and the future is starting to look brighter for those looking to sell their property in the coming weeks and months.
For more expert advice, or to find out about valuations or anything else, please contact us today.

09/03/2023

Protein-rich foods you could introduce to your diet and the benefits it can bring
Ideal for anyone who is looking to increase their daily intake

Protein-rich recipes and ways of sneaking extra protein into your diet are currently a wide-spread trend on social media, with multiple channels awash with “hacks”.
However, wading through the multiple pages of information can be tricky and anyone attempting to get into fitness can end up feeling slightly overwhelmed with advice.
Here is what you need to know about protein in your diet and foods which you could consume to better your intake.

What are the benefits of protein?

Eating foods which are high in protein can have a number of fitness benefits.
According to the NHS, protein is essential for the body to grow and repair itself.
Eating foods with your recommended daily intake of protein can help to speed up recovery after exercise, reduce muscle loss and help to build lean muscle, while still maintaining a healthy weight.

How much protein do you need?

Most adults require around 0.75g of protein per kilo of their body weight, so for the average woman it would be 45g, or 55g for men, according to the British Heart Foundation.
While you may be confused by what these figures mean in terms of actual food you should eat, all foods have accurate health guidelines, which will help.
This equates to roughly two portions of meat, fish, nuts or tofu, each day.
In fact, people in the UK on average actually already consume double the protein we require.

What foods are particularly protein-rich?

As previously stated, fish is particularly high in protein and is ideal for anyone looking to up their intake.
Other foods you could consume are seafood, skinless poultry, lean beef, skim or low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese and eggs.
To better your health, try to get the majority of your protein intake from peas, beans and lentils, as well as fish, rather than consuming too much red and processed meats.

08/03/2023

UK house prices rise

Mortgage rate cuts lift confidence in the property market

Last month, UK house prices rose 1.1% compared to January, according to lender Halifax. It is a hopeful sign of resilience amid hopes that the downturn will not be as severe as previously feared. It has followed a smaller gain in house prices in January of 0.2% and puts the annual growth rate so far at 2.1%.
“Recent reductions in mortgage rates, improving consumer confidence, and a continuing resilience in the labour market are arguably helping to stabilise prices following the falls seen in November and December,” said Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax.
Overall, house prices remain almost £9,000 above the average prices from this time last year and are still above pre-pandemic levels. The average price is now £285,476, up by 1.1pc compared with the £282,360 recorded in January, mortgage lender Halifax reported.
The Liz Truss government’s mini-budget in September drove mortgage rates sharply higher above 6%, but they have since fallen back to between 4% and 5%. The Bank of England has raised interest rates 10 times since December 2021 to 4% but the governor, Andrew Bailey, recently indicated they may have peaked.
And with March generally being the busiest time of the year for the property market, this news couldn’t have come at a better time for those toying with the idea of selling to move forward with another property purchase.
For all your property needs, including financial advice, please contact us today.

07/03/2023

How you can transform your home’s staircase with a stunning facelift
Shaking up the look of your stairs can make a huge impact on the overall look of your home

Spring cleaning season is upon us and homes up and down the country will soon be looking sparkling and fresh.
Following your big clean, you may feel inspired to transform certain areas of your home by redecorating.
One section of the house that many of us may overlook when narrowing down our next project is the staircase.
While not regularly thought about, by giving your staircase a facelift, you can really improve the look of your home.
Here are a few suggestions which may inspire your next design step.

Lighting

Staircase lighting can be a simple and cost-effective way of transforming the overall look.
One example are motion-sensored battery lights which can be attached to alternating stairs at foot-level.
This will provide a classy look to your staircase and will be particularly effective at night.

Fresh lick of paint

Do not underestimate how impactful a fresh lick of paint can be to any DIY project.
A contrasting colour to your existing staircase can be incredibly effective.
For example, if your staircase is currently white, consider painting it black, or vice-versa.
This simple change can really make a world of difference.
You could also have a different colour on the top of each stair, as compared to the vertical ‘face’.

Create a picture wall

A stunning picture wall can be a fantastic way to turn your house into a home, by adding an extra personal touch.
Staircases typically have a large blank wall, just waiting to be decorated and can be a great space for a picture wall.
You could choose to hang a handful of same-sized photos in identical frames at an even spacing following the gradient of the stairs, or go for a mixed look by using different frames and dotting different sized photos randomly up the staircase.
Both of these methods can be very effective for your final look.

06/03/2023

Fantastic sports you can pick-up in the spring to become your new obsession
With the weather getting better, more of us will be spending time outdoors

With the spring season just on the horizon, many of us will be starting to spend a little bit more time in the great outdoors.
As cold and wet days are hopefully banished for at least a couple of months, this is the perfect time of the year to start thinking about picking up a brand new sport.
Not only is sport a great way of remaining active and getting some much needed exercise, but many sports are also incredibly social, whether played in a team or as part of a club.
Luckily, there are plenty of sports which you could try out throughout the spring months.

Swimming

When it comes to participating in a sport to improve your fitness, you cannot go wrong with swimming.
This is particularly fun to get involved with in the warmer months, as a dip in the pool can feel extremely refreshing.
Swimming uses so many muscles across your body, with your glutes, chest, shoulders and legs particularly being used, resulting in an excellent cardio workout.

Golf

Golf can seem like quite a daunting sport to get involved in, however it can be incredibly rewarding when you put the time in.
Starting with the basics and having a handful of lessons with a seasoned coach can be revolutionary to your game, which you can mix with spending time at a driving range or a putting green to really nail down the basics.

Cycling

When looking to explore the stunning green spaces and nature on your doorstep this spring and summer, why not consider heading out on a bike?
While taking a gentle stroll can feel rewarding, going on a bike will unlock so much more of the area to you as you are able to travel further in a shorter space of time.
Cycling also makes for an excellent cardio work-out, with the quadriceps and hamstrings in the upper leg and calf muscles all used.

03/03/2023

How you can get your home ready for spring and summer
There are plenty of changes you can make both inside and out

Test your detectors and switch ceiling fans

One of the first pieces of preparation you should do is to check all the detectors in your home are in good working order. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are literal lifesavers and ensuring they are in good working order should be a priority.
You should also make sure to switch the rotation of your ceiling fans if you have them. During the warmer months, ceiling fans should be set to spin counter-clockwise.
This will then see cool air blown downwards and throughout the room, while also drawing moisture out of the air to drop the overall temperature.

Shiny windows are the way forward

Windows go through a lot over the winter months. Rain, snow, sleet and wind would have all pelted your home’s windows. This means when it comes to the spring and summer time, your windows have been through a bit of a bashing, so it is time for a good clean.
Start by grabbing a microfibre or paper cloth to remove any dust. Then use warm water with washing-up liquid and a soft white cloth to wipe the windows down.
To leave your window looking that extra bit sparkly, you could spray one part distilled white vinegar to 10 parts warm water onto a cloth and rub down the window at the end. This is an easy way to give your property more kerb-appeal to potential buyers.

Get your garden looking fantastic

One of the best features of the summer is the stunning weather that will cover the country.
When people are viewing properties, gardens are always one of the first stops. So, whether planning big family barbecues or looking to just have a handful of friends round for some drinks, or viewings in the near future, you will want your garden to look welcoming.
To do this, give your lawn a bit of care and attention by removing any common weeds and give the area a good mow.
When cutting the grass, make sure the height is no lower than 1 cm as being too short will leave the area looking unhealthy.

02/03/2023

Fantastic novels for adults who struggle to get through a full book
Nestling down with a new book may not be everyone’s cup of tea - but it’s worth a go!

Whether playing ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe’ down the bestseller list or tearing through the Harry Potter series for the 17th time, reading can feel like a safety blanket to crawl back to for many of us.
However, some people do not have the same relationship with books and need a bit of inspiration to get reading.
Here are a handful of novels which you will not be able to put down, even if you are not the most avid reader.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams

It may seem quite mind boggling that there are some people still out there who have not read about and shared the adventures of Arthur Dent, but if you are yet to enjoy this classic tale then you are certainly in for a treat.
The easy-to-read comedy science series was originally a radio comedy, but was later turned into a number of books, as well as a 2005 feature film.

World War Z, Max Brooks

One theme that seems to retain popularity across a broad audience is zombies.
Whether watching an apocalyptic horror film where the world is overrun with the undead or battling them for yourself in a video game, many will get bitten by the metaphorical zombie bug at some point in their life.
World War Z is arguably the most famous novel regarding zombies and details an outbreak of a virus in China during the mid-2000s.

The Great Gatsby, F.Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is well-known for having content and themes which piques the interest of a varying audience.
Drama, romance, and a mysterious and wealthy man, there is a little bit of everything in this F.Scott Fitzgerald classic for all, which even inspired a 2013 film and an immersive West End production.

Animal Farm, George Orwell

Animal Farm is known as a witty political satire which many people struggle to put down once they start reading.
This revolves around a group of farm animals who one day decide to team together and rebel against a farmer to create a fair environment for themselves.

01/03/2023

How to get a higher EPC rating
Greener homes hold their value and can be more desirable
When selling a property an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required and includes a rating given to the property on a scale of A to G, with A being the highest rating. Based on average property prices in England, there is a correlation between a higher EPC rating and a higher house price. But how do you get a higher rating?
Smart lighting
Lighting is one feature that contributes towards a home’s EPC rating. Energy-efficient bulbs, such as LEDs generate less heat and last longer, thus reducing a property’s energy consumption. And with smart lighting systems, these can be controlled remotely to avoid further energy wastage. Your EPC will offer a current score and a potential score if certain improvements are carried out and smart lighting is one way this score can be reached.
Solar Panels
Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert these to energy. This energy is used to power your home and also an amount is collected by the energy company who will pay you for it, a process known as export payments. There is also a low level of maintenance once solar panels are installed. However, solar panels can be quite expensive and will take time for you to see a return on your money, but they will help your property’s EPC rating.
Triple Glazing
For years double glazing was deemed sufficient for a property, however, as we are all looking to be more energy efficient, triple glazing is now becoming increasingly popular. As you’d expect, homes with triple glazing lose less heat through their windows and at the same time further reduce noise from outside. Another benefit is increased house security as they are far harder to smash. When it comes to energy efficiency, triple glazed windows are 40%-50% more efficient.

28/02/2023

What are ‘overnight oats’ and how you can make your own version
Convenient, nutritious and delicious - what could be better?

It feels like everyday there is a brand new food trend popping up on social media.
Most of the time, it can be easy to forget about the ‘go-to’ mealtime solution that was suggested on your timeline the previous day, as it has already been replaced by another concoction.
One creation that you may have seen popping up here and there are overnight oats.
The idea is rather simple, you leave a bowl of oats to soak overnight in either milk or water, before adding a couple of extra ingredients in the morning to provide some extra flavour.
This is a really simple and delicious meal preparation solution you can do on a night to cut down on the number of things you have to consider during the morning rush.

How to prepare your own

Ingredients -
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
50g rolled porridge oats
2 tbsp natural yoghurt
50g mixed berries
A drizzle of honey
½ tbsp of nut butter

1) On the night before serving, stir the cinnamon and 100ml of water or milk into the oats with a pinch of salt, before covering and leaving in the fridge.

2) The next morning, simply loosen the mixture with a splash or water or milk, depending on what you used previously, before topping the oats with the yoghurt, berries, honey and the nut butter.

Of course the wonderful part about overnight oats is the versatility.
You can mix up the taste by replacing what you add to the oats in the morning.
One variation you could try is this carrot cake overnight oats.

Ingredients -
40g grated carrot
Mixed spice
¼ tsp cinnamon
50g rolled porridge oats
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sultanas
1 tbsp Greek yoghurt

1) Mix the carrot, mixed spice and cinnamon with the oats and 150ml of water, before covering and chilling in the fridge overnight.

2) In the morning, stir in the honey and sultanas, before topping the mixture with a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt.

27/02/2023

Space-saving home gym equipment that will get you active
You don’t have to live in a mansion to get in a good workout

Luckily, due to the broad variety available, there are some fantastic pieces of kit you can pick up to start your fitness journey.
If you are limited in the amount of space in your home, but want to get in a daily workout, there are plenty of options you could splash the cash on.

Under desk treadmill

The explosion in working from home has seen many people try to find crafty ways to get their daily exercise in while still completing their responsibilities.
One brilliant way you could achieve this is by combining a light weight, under desk treadmill with a standing desk.
Standing desks have a number of reported benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels, the risk of heart disease and reducing back pain, while adding a small treadmill underneath can create a fantastic environment where you can answer those important emails while completing your daily steps.
Once finished, the treadmill can be simply folded and stored either beneath the desk or in a cupboard.

Yoga and exercise mats

When getting into exercising daily, it can be very easy just to splash the cash on the newest, smartest and shiniest machine on the market, however this is not always necessary.
One of the most important items in your arsenal is a good exercise mat.
This can be rolled out to carry out daily yoga practice or for a full workout.
The benefits of using a mat, rather than exercising on a naked floor is that it reduces the impact on joints and creates a comfortable surface to kneel or lay on.

Fitness cube

When considering exercise equipment for your home, an item which is multi-functional can be a great way of ensuring you can complete a full workout, without tripping over too many items.
A fitness cube is a great option for those who want just a single piece of equipment.
These cubes have different surfaces on all six sides to allow the user to complete different workouts depending on which side they are using, including options to work on cardio, strength, flexibility, endurance and power.

Xact Mortgages

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