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Off the Plan and Back on the Cards

We love our idioms in English. Still, this certainly describes the development at Inglis Green Gait, Edinburgh. Over 10 years ago there were plans to use this site and develop it but various other applications changed that and slowed down the development process. Then of course there was the global financial meltdown and a multitude of other factors that spelt doom for this development.

Now however, DuB Architects have progressed with their plan to use this site for a series of duplex and single level apartments. The building will be no more than 4 stories high and will include parking for 3 cars and to the rear the site will be planted and turfed for a pleasant communal area. The outside of the building will be faced with timber cladding and glass and steel balustrades. With this look it is no wonder the architects describe it as contemporary design using modern materials.

DuB…Who?

Maybe you have never heard of DuB but they are worth knowing since they are behind the most recent plans for the Inglis Green Gait site in Edinburgh. This development is another stroke of good news for the residents of the city as it affords another opportunity for new housing and will play its own part in easing the burden on housing in the capital. Originally DuB was Duffy and Batt established in 1993. From that beginning has come Studio DuB (www.studiodub.co.uk/practice/profile) which was formed in 2006. They are an award winning architect with an emphasis on excellence and sustainability. This is seen in the Inglis Green Gait site as the roof of the building will have integrated solar panels.

If you are reading about this property and you want to get onto the property ladder you will need expert help with the mortgage application process. Please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

The Battle of the Sexes

A car insurance comparison website has shown that typically men pay approximately £100 more for their insurance than woman. The final quarter of last year indicated men pay just over £800 for their premium insurance on average compared with just over £700 for woman. Since insurers are prohibited from using sex as a marker for price, it seems the insurers have become smarter at spotting the risk characteristics in drivers. For example, the more miles you drive the greater the risk. Also the more advanced the vehicle the greater the risk. Also driving to work increases your risk level. It seems generally speaking men tend to drive more miles, drive more advanced vehicles and usually drive to work. Still the premiums remain quite expensive. This is caused by a ‘claims’ culture and also an industry where vehicles themselves are getting more complicated and more expensive to repair.

Don’t Penalise Yourself!

The good news for men and woman is that it doesn’t matter what your sex is you can access the same financial advantages any mortgage may offer. It is encouraging to know that if you are for example female, you will not automatically be penalised. That said if you do not complete your mortgage application ‘smartly’ then you will penalise yourself no matter what sex you are. There is no doubt that you will increase your likelihood for success if you use an expert mortgage advisor like Jason Beacham based in the city of Edinburgh. The mortgage process can be a time consuming and lengthy process. That is definitely not the case with Jason Beacham. He will do all the work for you and take the pain out of the process. Please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

Trump and Our Global Economic Future?

Are you interested in how the global economy will respond to Donald Trump in the Whitehouse? The World Bank predicts 2.7% growth. That may not mean much unless you are a global economist. However, even at a basic level it is an increase on last year’s growth of 2.3%. This is good news. Still there is a natural degree of uncertainty following the elections in the States. It seems the growth is predicted to come mainly from developing economies and emerging markets rather than the mainstream economy. In these developed markets the growth is forecast at 1.8%. This may seem meagre but is at least better than last year which shows a movement in the right direction. What does all of this mean for the humble mortgage applicant?

Take a Mortgage Pain Killer

International trade, world economic predictions, Donald Trump in the Whitehouse and Britain out of the European Union all seem overwhelming and that combined with a mountain of paperwork to plough through just to get yourself on the property ladder is enough to put anyone off doing anything about it. Is that you? Sometimes it just seems too complicated and too impossible.

This is where Jason Beacham can help you. He is an expert in financial advice and specialises in helping people like you connect with the mortgage they need. He can call you anywhere, even at your work and after asking you some important questions he will take care of everything else. You will not even have to fill in a single form! He often is able to get you a mortgage decision on the same day! So if it seems like a mountain to climb then please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

First Time Home Buyers Peak in 2016

Research from the Halifax brings us some very interesting data to consider. For example, the highest number of first time buyers was in 2007 with 359,900 people. That figure has not been beaten. However, the highest figure since then was 335,750 from last year. Amazingly, even though the number of first time buyers has increased to this peak in 2016 (since 2007) the average price of a first home has crashed through the £200,000 barrier. This may in part explain why the average deposit has also increased to £32,000. Halifax economist Martin Ellis believes this is connected to a strong employment market and continuing low interest rates. Of course the market is also being supported by a number of Government schemes designed to help first time buyers get onto the property ladder.

In it for the Long Term

The Halifax also released some interesting data on the length of mortgage terms. Over 10 years ago there were approximately a third of people borrowing for longer than 25 years. However, last year saw 60% of first time buyers borrowing for more than 25 years. In addition, 28% of people took out a mortgage for between 30 and 35 years. With the increased cost of property it is understandable the term of the mortgage is following a trend to be longer than the past. This data is very helpful if you are planning your financial future. You need to be considering your source of income over a much longer period of time than in the past. Getting a mortgage continues to be a challenge for many but your success rapidly improves if you use a mortgage broker like Jason Beacham. Please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh. He can even get you a decision on the same day!

New Transport Hub Brings Economic Opportunities

The new transport hub is based on the outskirts of Edinburgh near Gogar roundabout on the A8. It is being called The Edinburgh Gateway Interchange. It has been designed to bring together a convenient way of travelling into the city from the North. This means passengers coming into the city will be able to easily link with the tram network and Edinburgh Airport. There is even a combined train and tram ticket to help make transfer even easier and quicker.

This is good news for the people of Scotland on many levels. The improved mobility of people in and out of the economic centre of the country will create employment opportunities and access to talent that before did not come into the city for work. The new station will also link to the Gyle Shopping Centre. These improved connections in and around the city will surely stimulate the local economy. These are really positive developments for Scotland.

Better Value for Money Arriving on the First Train

The benefit of this new interchange just outside the city does not only hold promise for improved work opportunities. It will also open up access to property for sale outside the city. Usually, property for sale outside Edinburgh is cheaper and your pound will go further. If you live within the city but want to move out to the countryside but still need access to the city for employment and social activities, this new transport hub is exciting indeed. In fact this project is part of larger scheme to improve the transport arrangements across central Scotland.

If these developments have stimulated you to think about your housing options then you need expert advice. Please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

Bad News for RBS But Some Good News for You

The struggle continues at the Royal Bank of Scotland as cost cutting now hits many branches throughout Edinburgh. Next year nine branches are scheduled to close. They are at Edinburgh University, Blenheim Palace, Portobello, Juniper Green, Castle Street, Gilmerton, Davidson Mains and Comiston. This reduction will only leave 8 branches to serve customers. Sadly around 45 jobs will be lost and over a 100 staff will be affected. Communities and union representatives feel greatly saddened by the news and let down by RBS.

However, the way people bank is changing. This is reflected in the number of transactions at these branches. RBS indicated that these branches have shown a decline in numbers. This most likely reflects a trend across many providers where customers are happy to manage many transactions online using their computer or even their mobile phone. In fact RBS said mobile transactions have increased by 1350 per cent.

Now for the Good News…

Just because RBS plan to close branches does not mean that you cannot get a mortgage with them. Many people are using independent mortgage advisors to help them make the right decision about their mortgage package and provider. Unlike high street banks, many independent advisors do not need to maintain a high profile high street presence. Instead they can be flexible and available to suit the needs of their customers, which ultimately is at the heart of good customer service. This means you can access expert advice from the comfort of your own home. If needed you don’t even have to get out of bed. You can use the internet, your mobile phone or tablet to speak with an advisor.

If you are considering taking the exciting plunge into the housing market you need an expert at your side. Please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

New Year, New Job, New Home

Does that sound good? If you are unemployed and homeless it is a dream come true. However, you don’t have to be homeless to benefit from a new housing project planned for the west of Edinburgh. The Council has agreed to a contract for building new homes to help regenerate the area. The contract value is £35m. The homes are designed to be energy efficient. That means they will be everyday homes for normal people with an eye on the utilities. Construction is expected to begin during 2017 and be completed within 2 years. The total number of new homes associated with this project is 316. Many of which will be available to rent. This is good news for Edinburgh which has struggled for so long with a housing shortage.

Edinburgh Council Stay on Track with New Homes

This new project is part of a wider scheme working with Housing Associations and Construction Groups to provide Edinburgh with 16,000 affordable and low cost homes over the next 10 years. This particular project involves a company called Keepmoat Ltd. This is a company that specialise in building homes and community regeneration. It offers extra care services such as planned and responsive repairs and sustainability solutions. It seems Edinburgh Council have awarded this contract to a company with a long term perspective on housing solutions. It certainly is encouraging to see Edinburgh City Council make good on their commitment to improve the availability of affordable housing in the city whilst also creating further job opportunities.

If you want to take advantage of these developments or have other ideas about buying a home or investing in property but need an expert to guide you through the mortgage process, please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

Important Questions about Your Financial Future

Are you planning sufficiently for the future? This is an important question and one we do well to consider as early on in life as possible. The earlier you start to organise your finances the better the long term outcome. That said many people plan their pension and think about their retirement age and expected income but do not always give full consideration to how this interacts with their mortgage. Pension schemes often start as soon as we are in full time work but mortgages often come later. It is important to think through and plan when your mortgage will be paid off. Developments within the pension market give rise to some thought provoking questions about your mortgage in the future.

Direct Benefit Pensions Versus Cash Buyout

So what is a Direct Benefit Pension? Basically it is a fixed income when you retire. Some of these pensions also come with a combination of a fixed income and a cash lump sum. The value of the fixed income is usually based on your average earnings or your final salary. This type of pension has no limit to the length of time on which you can draw it. If you live to 100 it doesn’t matter, you will always have a certain income. However, you can sell your pension for money.

This is called your Direct Benefit Pension Transfer Value. In the past year the actual monetary value of such a buyout has soared. For some people the value has been up to 30 times the value of their yearly income (pension). So for example if your yearly pension was £20,000 that would give you a buyout of £600,000! That may sound great but there are disadvantages too. Whether you should or shouldn’t sell is also dependent on the current position of your mortgage. What you really need is expert help to think this through from a mortgage based perspective. Please get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

Economic Warnings Signal a Closing Window of Opportunity

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that the present economic position of the country will not last. After Brexit there were many concerns for how the British economy would fare. However, it seems that many businesses have taken an approach that says ‘let’s simply get on with it.’ This has actually helped to stabilise the economy. Better still it has led to quiet optimism. The BCC now report that although there are some positive developments in the short term, the medium term position is less optimistic. Uncertainties around Britain’s relationship with the EU going forward combined with a weak pound will stifle growth.

What does this mean for home owners with a mortgage? Low interest rates are still holding and so there continues to be a window of opportunity to review your mortgage and change to a more competitive provider. The key here is to take action whilst you still can. You need to get in touch with Jason Beacham for objective professional mortgage advice based in Edinburgh.

What is the British Chambers of Commerce?

The British Chambers of Commerce or BCC is basically an enormous network of businesses. The BCC operates through accredited chambers throughout the country and in key markets throughout the world. This allows businesses to come together and support each other through practical advice and help. This is designed to help businesses grow and thrive. The BCC also helps businesses trading all over the world with advice.

Further, the BCC represents the interests of British businesses and acts as a voice for British Business and serves as an important commentator on the British economy. The BCC is plugged into British Business and is astutely aware of the challenges British businesses are facing. The BCC is also working to help businesses find the talent they need for the future workforce.