The start of 2024 has brought with it a sense of stability in the housing market, with house prices on the rise and an increase in people enquiring about conveyancing solicitors and removal companies. With this stability, we are seeing a huge increase in people looking for house surveys.

Compare My Move has seen an 88.7% increase in people looking for all survey types between December of 2023 and January of 2024. 

Although all survey types saw a significant increase, the Level 3 Building Survey saw the largest increase, almost doubling in enquiries at the start of 2024.

Many factors go into what survey you’ll need for your specific property, and it can be difficult to know what factors will influence the survey you need. Compare My Move’s Ultimate Survey Flowchart is designed to help you figure out what survey you need or whether you’ll need a survey at all. 

Different types of surveys

There are 4 different types of surveys that you may need when buying a property, a snagging survey, a level 1 condition report, a level 2 homebuyer report, and a level 3 building survey. Each report will cover different issues that will be surveyed in different ways and at different depths. 

Snagging Survey

If you’re buying a new build house, a professional snagging survey will provide you with a list of any “snags” to be passed on to the property developer before you move in.

These snags can range from small defects to major faults. Typical smaller issues include cracked tiles or loose door hinges, while larger issues could be structural problems like external brickwork.

Although you can create a new build snagging list yourself, hiring a surveyor is recommended as they’ll have more knowledge of what to look for. The surveyor will provide a thorough report with all issues listed.

Level 1 Condition Report

Previously known as Condition Report, the Level 1 Survey is the most basic and therefore cheapest RICS survey. All nearly new flats and homes will be best suited to the Level 1 Survey.

It’ll provide an overview of the property’s condition, but not in great detail. No surveyor’s opinion, advice or valuation is given, only obvious defects and the condition of the services like gas and water supply will be flagged.

Level 2 Homebuyer Report

Also referred to as a Home Buyers Survey or Home Buyer Report, the Level 2 Survey is suited for conventional properties built less than 50 years ago. It highlights any major issues with the property such as subsidence or damp and will look at defects both internally and externally.

The Level 2 Survey only looks at issues that are surface level and won’t check under floorboards or behind walls. Your surveyor will mark any major issues as a ‘3’ in the report and minor ones as ‘1’.

The report will also include an insurance reinstatement figure and a market value.

Level 3 Building Survey

Previously known as a Building Survey, a Level 3 Survey is best suited to older homes or non-standard construction houses. This could include thatched cottages, steel frame houses or PRC properties. It’ll look at the condition of the roof, the integrity and structure of the walls and the state of the floors.

Your report will detail each aspect inspected and will include any recommendations your surveyor has on repair work. If requested the report may also contain cost considerations for the elements included.

Is It Worth Getting a House Survey?

A property survey can save you £5,750 on average in repair work, research by RICS discovered. As a survey will highlight any repair work, this allows you to negotiate your original offer and the final cost of the property. This can ultimately save you thousands of pounds in repairs.

How Long Does a House Survey Take?

A Level 1 Survey will take between 2 and 4 hours as it is the most basic survey type. The Level 2 will also take 2-4 hours, but if the surveyor needs to gain access to certain areas, this can take longer. The Level 3 survey will take the longest with an average timescale of 4-8 hours, depending on condition and size.

What Survey Would I Need in Scotland?

In Scotland, it’s the seller’s responsibility to order the Home Report. It must be carried out before a sale is complete to ensure that buyers are aware of the property’s condition. The Home Report is made up of a single survey, an energy performance certificate and a property questionnaire. The single survey provided will produce reports like that of a Level 2, with similar issues and defects being recorded.

The complex waters of securing a mortgage in the UK can often feel like a straightforward journey—at first glance. Prospective homeowners are typically well-versed in the basics: maintain a good credit score, have a steady income, and save a substantial deposit. 

However, beneath the surface of these well-trodden paths lie some rather unexpected, even weird pitfalls that could derail your application. ABC Finance’s Finance Expert, Gary Hemming reveals the surprising obstacles that impact your mortgage approvals.

Your Name’s Googleability

In an age where your digital footprint can be as important as your physical one, having a common name that yields thousands of search results—or worse, shares with a notorious figure—can actually cause issues. Lenders or their automated systems may perform basic online checks as part of their due diligence. If they find something concerning tied to your name, it might prompt further investigation, slowing down your application.

Frequent Cash Deposits

If your bank statements show regular cash deposits, lenders might raise an eyebrow. This could be interpreted as a lack of financial traceability, raising concerns about money laundering. Even if it’s just a habit of depositing cash tips from your job, it might warrant additional explanation to assure lenders of the money’s legitimate origin.

Pet Ownership

Believe it or not, owning certain types of exotic pets can impact your mortgage application. If the lender becomes aware that you own a pet that could potentially cause damage to the property (think large reptiles or certain breeds of dogs), they might see this as a risk to the property’s value.

Social Media Footprint

Your social media presence can sometimes play a role in your mortgage application process. Lenders won’t typically scour your profiles, but if a quick search brings up risky behaviors, such as boasting about evading taxes or engaging in illegal activities, it could undermine your application.

Subscription Services

An abundance of monthly subscriptions or memberships could be perceived negatively. If your bank statements are littered with payments to various entertainment platforms, gyms, clubs, and so on, it might suggest to lenders that your lifestyle expenses are high, potentially affecting your ability to make mortgage payments.

Historical Debt with the Same Lender

If you’re applying for a mortgage with a bank where you previously defaulted on a debt, even if it was years ago, this could come back to haunt your application. Some financial institutions have long memories and internal records that could influence their decision-making process.

Participation in Gambling Websites

Even if you’re not regularly withdrawing cash for gambling, participation in online gambling platforms can be a red flag. Subscriptions or frequent transactions with gambling sites, regardless of amounts won or lost, suggest a risk-taking behavior that might concern lenders.

Odd Spending Habits

Lenders reviewing your bank statements might be put off by unusual or erratic spending habits. This doesn’t just mean large, unexplained purchases—it could also refer to a pattern of impulsive buying or erratic financial behavior, indicating poor money management skills.

Unusual Occupation Types

If your profession is unconventional or hard to categorize, lenders might struggle to assess your income stability. Jobs in emerging industries, gig economy roles, or positions that rely heavily on commissions or bonuses can pose challenges in proving a reliable income.

Gary Hemming from ABC Finance says: 

Securing a mortgage is already a daunting task, and these unusual factors don’t make it any easier. However, being aware of these potential pitfalls can help you navigate the process more smoothly. It’s crucial to present yourself as a reliable candidate not just financially but in aspects of your life you might not have considered relevant. When in doubt, consulting with a mortgage advisor can help you address any concerns and improve your chances of approval. 

In the realm of property ownership, routine maintenance is often viewed through the lens of necessity rather than as a strategic investment. Among the critical, yet frequently overlooked aspects of property maintenance, gutter cleaning emerges as a silent guardian of property value. 

This article delves into how regular gutter maintenance can significantly enhance the value and longevity of your property, turning a routine task into a pivotal investment in your home’s future.

The Importance of Gutter Maintenance

Gutters serve a fundamental purpose in directing rainwater away from your property to protect its structural integrity. However, when neglected, gutters can become clogged with leaves, moss, and debris, leading to a host of problems that can compromise your property’s value and safety.

Preventing Water Damage

One of the most critical roles of gutters is to prevent water from damaging your property. Clogged or malfunctioning gutters can lead to water overflow, seeping into the foundations, walls, and basement of your home. Over time, this can cause extensive structural damage, damp, and mould, which are costly to repair and can significantly decrease your property’s value.

Protecting the Roof

Regular gutter maintenance is also crucial in protecting the roof. When gutters are blocked, water can back up onto the roof, leading to rot in roof materials and, eventually, leaks. Keeping gutters clean helps ensure that water is efficiently drained away, safeguarding the longevity and integrity of your roof.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

The external appearance of a property significantly impacts its value. Gutters filled with debris can sag or detach, detracting from the aesthetic appeal of your home. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only ensure that your gutters are functioning correctly but also maintain your property’s curb appeal.

Avoiding Pest Infestations

Clogged gutters can become breeding grounds for pests such as rodents, birds, and insects, which can infest your property and lead to health hazards. Regular gutter maintenance helps prevent such infestations, contributing to a healthier living environment.

Increasing Lifespan of Gutters

Regular maintenance extends the life of your gutters, saving you money in the long run. Replacing gutters can be expensive, but regular cleaning can prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring that your gutters remain in optimal condition for longer.

Compliance with Insurance

Some home insurance policies require homeowners to conduct regular maintenance, including gutter cleaning, to remain compliant. Failure to do so can lead to denied claims should your property suffer damage as a result of poorly maintained gutters.

The Process of Gutter Maintenance

Gutter maintenance involves several steps, starting from inspection to cleaning and repairs. Professionals typically conduct a thorough inspection of the gutters to identify any issues, followed by the removal of debris, flushing of the gutters and downspouts with water, and making necessary repairs.

DIY Vs Professional Cleaning

While some homeowners may opt for DIY gutter cleaning, hiring professionals can ensure a thorough job and prevent potential accidents. Professionals have the necessary equipment and expertise to efficiently clean and repair gutters, providing peace of mind and saving time.

Periodicity of Gutter Maintenance

The frequency of gutter maintenance depends on various factors, including the type of gutters, the surrounding environment, and weather conditions. It’s generally recommended to clean gutters at least twice a year, in spring and autumn, to prepare for the rainy seasons. However, properties surrounded by trees may require more frequent cleaning.

The Impact on Property Value

Regular gutter maintenance contributes to the overall health of your property. By preventing water damage, enhancing aesthetic appeal, and ensuring structural integrity, well-maintained gutters positively influence your home’s market value. Potential buyers are more likely to invest in a property that shows evidence of thorough maintenance, viewing it as a safer and more valuable investment.

Conclusion

Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to significant damage and devaluation of your property. Regular gutter cleaning not only prevents costly repairs but also boosts your property’s value by maintaining its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. 

As a seemingly mundane task, gutter maintenance emerges as a critical investment in the longevity and prosperity of your home. By incorporating regular gutter cleaning into your property maintenance routine, you safeguard your most significant investment, ensuring its value continues to grow over time.

With cold weather closing in, it’s not surprising that people are concerned about the cost of living, and in particular, energy prices.

To help you avoid hefty energy bills this winter, we asked a variety of industry experts to reveal their top tips on how to retain heat in your apartment. From zero-cost switches to more long-term investments, these were the best pieces of advice.

Free and instant tweaks 

Don’t overheat your home

Jo Trotman, window and door designer at The Residence Collection, explains that to start with, you need to make sure your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature:

“To save energy, you should set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could help you save around £60 a year on your heating bill. Always wear an extra layer before you turn to the thermostat.”

Nick Duggan, managing director at The Radiator Centre, says between 18 and 21°C is a good temperature:

“The ideal temperature for a room is between 18-21C, every extra degree adds around 10% to the average heating bill, so it’s important to ensure your radiators are working as efficiently as possible.”

Bleed radiators

Nick Duggan explains that it’s important to make sure your radiators are running efficiently:

“Bleeding radiators at least once a year is a must to ensure they are operating efficiently. Over time, air will build up in radiators. This means that you will not be benefitting from the radiator’s full heat potential, which may mean you are tempted to turn the heating up or keep it on for longer, both of which will add to the cost.”

Clean your radiators

Perhaps surprisingly, radiators require regular cleaning, as Nancy Emery, heating expert at Tap Warehouse, outlines:

 “A quick and easy fix is to regularly clean your radiator to ensure it’s heating up as well as possible. Over time, they’re likely to become a little dirty and dusty which can affect the efficiency of the radiator, so it’s important to vacuum in and around your radiator once a week and brush the dirt from the inside. It’s always a good idea to also clean the outside of your radiator once a week with warm, soapy water and a sponge.”

Don’t block radiators

Jo Trotman stresses why you should avoid blocking radiators:

“Blocked radiators make it harder for warm air to circulate your home. Having space around your radiators could reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your space warm.”

Open your curtains in the daytime

Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, illustrates how your curtains can be used to trap heat from the sun:

“Another simple yet effective strategy for retaining warmth in your home is to keep curtains open during the day and close them when it gets dark. During daylight hours, allowing sunlight to penetrate through the windows will help to utilise the natural heat from the sun. In the evening, closing the curtains creates an additional layer of insulation which helps to trap the warmth generated during the day and prevents it from escaping through the windows.”

Cover your walls

Oliver Creevy, co-founder of Insulation Advisor, explains how covering walls with furniture, or even decorative homewares, can prevent heat loss:

“Covering walls with items such as picture frames, mirrors, or bookcases serves a dual purpose of adding both style and thermal efficiency to the room. These objects add thermal mass, acting as insulators that prevent heat loss through walls and enhancing the thermal efficiency of a living space.”

Move your furniture

Debbie Leigh recommends repositioning your furniture so it’s not against an external wall:

“Think about the position of your furniture and if possible, arrange sofas and chairs away from your external walls as they are often the coolest and can make you feel cold.”

Put ceiling fans on reverse

Sophia Phillips, lifestyle expert at CouponBirds, shares a hack for anyone with ceiling fans:

“Although they’re not particularly common in the UK, if you do have any ceiling fans in your apartment, try putting them on reverse so the blades turn clockwise. This allows warm air that is trapped near the ceiling to circulate around the room.”

Close vents in unused rooms

Oliver Creevy shares a tip for anyone with a rarely-used space such as a spare room:

“It’s a good idea to close any vents in rooms that are not in use. This allows the airflow from the heating system to be directed more efficiently towards the occupied spaces, ensuring that the warmth is concentrated where it is needed most.”

Longer-term investments

Buy a humidifier

Sophia Phillips suggests buying a humidifier:

“Humid air keeps warm better than dry air. Buying a humidifier is a small expense but can save you a large amount of money. What’s more, humid air can prevent your skin from getting dryer and keep it in good condition.

“Mini humidifiers can be purchased for around £20. As a bonus, you could even add a couple of drops of essential oil to the water to fragrance the room.”

Install window film

Stephen Day, founder of iHeat outlines how window film can reduce heat loss:

“Window insulation film is a plastic film which can be applied to glass windows to reduce heat transfer. It’s a cost-effective way to improve the insulation of existing windows, especially in older properties.”

Use rugs to insulate floors

Shaun Starr, exergy expert at Love Energy Savings explains how to prevent heat loss through the floor:

“You may not be able to insulate the floor in your flat but adding rugs or carpet where possible could help to block draughts and keep your living space warm. Additionally, a runner in an entranceway, for example, can make the space more inviting.”

Invest in thermal-lined curtains

Debbie Leigh suggests installing thermal curtains:

“Good quality, lined curtains are worth the investment. They offer temperature control and privacy. Blackout and thermal-lined window dressing help to keep the room warm in winter by stopping unwanted cold air from seeping in. As an added bonus, they also keep the home cool in summer by totally blocking out unwanted light.”

Install heat-reflective wallpaper

Oliver Creevy recommends a special type of wallpaper:

“Heat-reflective wallpaper is a special type of wallpaper equipped with a reflective layer. When applied to exterior walls, this wallpaper reflects heat back into the room. This helps to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature inside the home while also serving as a decorative element.”

The benefits of an energy-efficient home

Yolanda Jacob, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt London, explains how Barratt London homes are designed to retain heat and reduce your energy bills:

“Our new build homes in London are built with highly-efficient insulation and enhanced double-glazing as standard. This allows the heat in and keeps the cold out. This technology means there is less need to turn on the heating, and when you do switch it on, the heat remains inside your apartment.

“In fact, a Barratt London apartment could be up to 65% more energy efficient than an updated Victorian apartment. This could equate to a saving of up to £2,200 each year on your energy bills.”

Brits renovating their homes are being told that extra storage space and an open plan design could add value to their property.

The interior experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk have shared five ways to add value to homes and make them more desirable.

When renovating a home it’s important to consider design choices that will boost the overall valuation of a home.

Loft conversions, extensions and additional rooms are all great ways to increase a home’s value but they can also be very costly.

The experts have shared more inexpensive ways this can be done which include knocking down a wall to create more of an open plan and boosting kerb appeal with some fresh paint and exterior lighting.

Ben Slater from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “Whether you’re renovating your home with the view to sell it or you’re simply giving it a refresh for yourself, it’s important to think about how you can boost your property’s value.

“Your home is an investment and making smart choices now could increase its value and marketability when you do come to sell it.

“Of course you can install a new kitchen or convert the loft but these are pretty expensive options. They can be great if your budget allows it but if not, consider knocking out a simple wall. This will help create a more open plan design which is really desirable.

“Another element to really think about is storage. Everyone is always after more storage in their homes so think about where you can add more of this. It’ll usually be in small gaps throughout your home like under a staircase or random nooks in the wall.”

5 ways to add value to your home: 

1. Make it more open plan

Open plan homes are much more desirable but this doesn’t mean having to completely redesign your downstairs. Sometimes it can be achieved by knocking down a small wall in between two rooms. As long as you’re not removing a supporting wall this job should be fairly straightforward and inexpensive.

2. Give the garden some love 

Adding shrubs, water features and a focal point to the garden can help boost property value. If you’re looking for an inexpensive solution there are still plenty of things you can do. Start by removing weeds, dead branches and plants and consider giving the fences a fresh coat of paint and jet wash any decking or slabs for a refreshed look. 

3. Improve your storage space

Storage space is extremely desirable among buyers so consider how you could add storage to your home. Fitted furniture is a great way to improve storage space and can be incorporated under staircases, in bedrooms and in awkward nooks like beside a chimney breast.

4. Boost your kerb appeal

The front of the house is incredibly important and often overlooked. Consider replacing the front door, repainting the exterior of your home, adding plants and even some exterior lighting to make the outside look attractive. 

5. Make it more eco-friendly

An eco-friendly home can boost property value and make it more attractive to buyers. This can be done by adding a smart thermostat and switching to LED lighting. If you have a higher budget you can also upgrade appliances such as the boiler or washing machine.

Damp and mould are two of the most common issues in rented properties, with surface mould caused by condensation one of the main problems.

When a property is not ventilated properly, excess moisture in the air can’t escape and it will settle on cooler surfaces.

If it’s not wiped away, mildew (small grey/black dots) will start to form and in extreme cases this can develop into a more serious mould problem and spread, damaging both the fabric of the property and its contents. If mould spores are inhaled, it can cause tenants breathing problems, lead to lung infections and could ultimately result in their death.

This is why it’s so important for landlords to ensure the property has appropriate ventilation, and for tenants to use extractor fans provided in kitchens and bathrooms, open windows, wipe away condensation and keep the property adequately heated.

However, there is often confusion over who should deal with damp and mould issues, given that:

• tenants are responsible for taking care of their rented home – which includes keeping the property adequately ventilated and heated to prevent damage from condensation
• landlords are responsible for ensuring the property remains in good condition and free from hazards

So, both during a tenancy and at the end, when landlords can propose deducting deposit monies to pay for damage, there can be disputes over which party should pay for fixing this kind of problem – and until now, it’s been a bit of a grey area.

However, in September, the DHULC published guidance that clarifies the issue and put the responsibility firmly in the landlord’s court.

The new guidance makes it clear that tenants should not be blamed, stating: “Damp and mould in the home are not the result of ‘lifestyle choices’, and it is the responsibility of landlords to identify and address the underlying causes of the problem”. It also says that landlords must treat cases of damp and mould “with the utmost seriousness and act promptly to protect their tenants’ health.”

How to identify and deal with damp and mould

Given the new guidance, it’s vital you (or your agent) knows how to spot and deal with this problem. Bear in mind that your tenant might not report having an issue, so it’s important that you or your agent takes particular care to look for signs of damp and mould during periodical inspections.

Areas where surface mould is commonly found include:

• On window sills
• On walls, particularly behind furniture
• On bathroom ceilings, especially above showers
• In rooms where laundry is left to dry

Small patches can be dealt with by using an anti-fungal spray and it’s worth considering the use of specialist anti-mould paint in rooms where moisture tends to collect, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. And ensure tenants are reminded that they can help avoid the problem reoccurring by ventilating properly and wiping away any condensation that collects.

However, there may be a bigger damp issue:

• Rising damp is caused by moisture seeping in the from the ground, so it only affects the ground floor of a property and will show up as damp patches and ‘tide marks’ on the lower part of walls. This will be due to either an existing damp course failing, or the property may never have had one – in either case, you need to consult a damp specialist.
• Penetrating damp is caused by water coming in from the outside or an internal leak and will appear as patches on the wall or ceiling. In this case, you should have an experienced builder and/or roofing contractor inspect the property to identify and fix the problem.

Visit the Government website for their updated guidance on how to identify and address damp and mould.

Homeowners are being urged to get ahead of spring cleaning and give their property some much needed TLC this new year. 

Home insurance comparison experts from Quotezone.co.uk are providing homeowners with a check list of new year home improvements. 

This comes after it is revealed a quarter of people don’t know that a lack of maintenance, or ‘tender loving care’ for their property could actually void their home insurance.  

A recent survey found 23% said they had no idea that if their property was damaged and there was evidence of lack of care, that their insurance is unlikely to protect them.

Many vital elements of a property need serviced at least once a year so January is a good time to kick off the new year by ensuring the home is healthy and ready for 2024. 

Helen Rolph, home insurance comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk says:  “January is a great time of year to get your house in order, the decorations are cleared away and people want a fresh start, it’s ideal timing to tick off our checklist of key items in the home that need some extra TLC.

“Over the winter it can be tricky to keep an eye on what’s happening to your property, with the cold and dark evenings but we would urge people, when they get daylight hours at the weekend, to give the property a proper inspection.

Ideally check roof tiles, gutters and pipes and start booking up appointments to service key items like the boiler and the chimney to make sure the house is safe. 

“I know January can be tough, with 39%* saying it’s their most stressful month financially but homeowners need to safeguard their finances by making sure their insurance policies are intact and their home is protected.  A lack of maintenance to the property could risk invalidating the home insurance should they need to make a claim, leaving homeowners vulnerable.”

The team at Quotezone.co.uk has pulled together their January checklist of 5 key items in need of TLC;

1. Check and service the boiler

Boilers require regular maintenance by a professional to make sure they are safe and efficient. December is the most common month for boiler breakdowns so homeowners need to make sure it’s serviced.  Some home insurance policies include boiler repair / replacement but chances are you have to add it as an extra – if it’s been years since your boiler was serviced and it breaks down, your insurance may not cover you as it wasn’t looked after properly. 

1. Check and sweep the chimney

A chimney needs swept at least once a year to keep it safe and reduce the risk of fire, chances are over Christmas there were lots of cosy fires lit, adding to the soot build up – lack of care and maintenance to a property can render the home insurance invalid. 

2. Check and clear the gutters

Blocked drains and pipes can lead to excess water, causing leaks, damp and flood damage.  Your gutters need checked regularly and cleared at least once a year to ensure rainwater is carried away from the building and down into the drains – any damage sustained to the property as a result of blocked gutters and drains could see your policy invalidated due to lack of maintenance.

3. Check and seal the roof

The stormy Christmas season could leave you with broken or missing roof tiles and slates, check for any issues and have them sealed as soon as possible to prevent leaks and water damage.

4. Check and insulate pipes

Many people love a break to the heat in January, make sure if you’re away on holiday that the unoccupied details are accurate on your home insurance – if a frozen pipe bursts while you’re away for two weeks and your policy only covers you for seven unoccupied days, then you may not be protected.  It might also be sensible to check key water pipes have insulation before jetting off.  

As a price comparison site, Quotezone.co.uk helps millions of people in the UK save millions of pounds every year on home, car and personal finance products, it’s never been more important to compare and find savings.  CompareNI.com can help those living in Northern Ireland.

Budget conscious Britons are being offered 24 tips for saving on their food shop.

The frugal experts from online healthy food retailer MuscleFood.com have put together top advice for keeping costs down at the supermarket.

They suggest always shopping with a list, buying in bulk, checking the lower shelves and buying frozen veg and berries.

Other tips include meal planning, using up leftovers, doing a store cupboard inventory and making good use of your freezer.

Ashleigh Tosh from MuscleFood.com said: “We all need to save cash in January and throughout the year. Food shopping is a massive outgoing so it is the obvious place to start when it comes to cutting monthly spend.

“There are tips in store – like checking the lower shelves where cheaper items are often placed, and buying frozen berries and veg to save cash and cut food waste.

“Other tips start at home, like keeping a close eye on what you have in, planning meals for a week or two and buying only what you need.

“If you have the time, meal prepping is a great way to avoid buying expensive ready meals or takeaways. And it means you always have a tasty meal in the fridge or freezer.”

Here are MuscleFood‘s tips for cutting costs on your food shop:

1. Yellow stickers

Don’t be put off by yellow sticker items. You can pick up some good bargains. If they’re fresh and about to go out of date, pop in the freezer.

2. Buy in bulk

Buying items in bulk can save cash. Look for big bags of food you use all the time or non-perishable items like pasta and rice.

3. Check world food aisles

The world food aisles are a good place to check for spices, grains and condiments. They’re often a little cheaper too.

4. Coupons & offers

Look out for any coupons and offers you can use against items you buy. If it’s something you won’t use or like, then it’s not an offer worth taking up.

5. Use the freezer

Your freezer is your best friend – use it for leftovers, food about to go out of date and portioning up meat, fish and veg when you bulk buy.

6. Leftovers

Never throw leftovers away. Use them for lunch the next day or freeze for when you want a quick, no hassle meal.

7. Store cupboard / freezer inventory

Keep a regular check on what you have in your store cupboard and freezer. You’ll often find you have more than enough ingredients for a meal.

8. Meal planning

Plan your meals a week or two at a time and stick to it. Before you shop for ingredients, check what you already have.

9. Meal prepping

Set aside time once a week to prep meals and store in the fridge or freezer. Out of a big pack of mince you could make a tasty bolognese, chilli, lasagne and cottage pie.

10. Buy seasonal

Shopping for seasonal fruit and veg can keep your shopping bill down. Keep an eye on whether people locally are selling excess fruit and veg during the growing season.

11. Buy frozen veg and berries

Opt for frozen veg and berries – they’re cheaper, still packed with goodness and there’s less wastage.

12. Make a list

Always make a list when you do the food shop – that way you’re more likely to buy what you need and not pick up random items.

13. Don’t shop on an empty stomach

Never shop on an empty stomach. A rumbling tummy will lead you straight to the sweets, snacks and chocolates which will ramp up your spend.

14. Utilise apps

Take advantage of apps where you can buy foods at the end of the day which are about to go out of date. You can often get a real bargain.

15. Shop around

If you have the time, shop around for the best deals. You’ll be surprised at how some prices can vary.

16. Grow your own

Think about growing your own. Even with a small garden you could try a few things. Salad veg does well in patio planters, and you can buy potato bags if you don’t have enough space for a row of spuds.

17. Food swap

If you do grow your own, think about food swapping with other gardening friends so you have a steady stream of tasty produce.

18. Sell by / expiry dates

Don’t be put off by expiry dates – your freezer is your best friend.

19. Look on the lower shelves

Supermarkets will often put lower cost items on the lower shelves. Make sure to check them out and not just look at eye level.

20. Herbs and spice cupboard

Make sure you have enough herbs and spices to make a standard meal stand out.

21. Recipes from one item

Think about how many meals you can get out of one item. Cook up a chicken for Sunday lunch, use the leftovers for a curry and boil the carcass for soup stock.

22. Dump bags

A dump bag is when you prep the ingredients for a meal then freeze. Make sure you label and when you’re ready to use, defrost and put in the slow cooker. It’s a great option when you bulk buy or have leftover ingredients prepped.

23. Recipe by ingredients

If you haven’t got much in, have a look for a recipe that uses those, or similar ingredients.

24. Loyalty cards

Do take advantage of loyalty cards. The supermarkets are becoming increasingly competitive and there are bargains to be had.

Householders dealing with the aftermath of Storm Henk can take steps to protect their homes from future flood events, says a national trade body.

The Property Care Association says that unsettled weather patterns being seen year on year mean flood resilience is becoming paramount for many householders across the UK.

More than 600 Flood Warnings were in put place due to Storm Henk – with hundreds of properties affected by flooding and thousands left without power including parts of London.

Flood resilience measures are solutions that can make properties better withstand flood events.

James Berry, Deputy CEO of the Property Care Association, said: “Our tips suggest some measures that can be adopted in modern buildings, or during the recovery or refurbishment of older buildings, to provide degrees of resilience and protection from the effects of flood water.

“They can help alleviate a good deal of cost and distress for those affected by flooding.

“For example, recovery works can be speeded up through moving all services, such as boilers and electrical sockets, high up on the wall. Also, kitchens which use materials such as marine ply or steel, can be cleaned, dried and reused.

“The fitting of a membrane to walls and floors, so flood water can run behind it to be collected in a sump/pump unit, rather than entering the property, is another effective measure.”

Suggested tips by the PCA to protect against flooding include:

1. Knowing your future flood risk. Use tools such as the Environment Agency’s flood risk checker
2. Fitting a flood protection guard to doors or replacing doors completely with a flood resistant alternative. Garage door protection is also available
3. Replacing standard airbricks with ‘self-closing’ alternatives
4. Fitting a ‘non return valve’ to prevent sewage going back into the building
5. Checking brickwork is in good condition and consider painting with a water-resistant solution
6. Seal all gaps around outside pipes or wires coming through the brickwork. Prevent water entering through the drilled holes
7. Consider fitting a pump to evacuate water coming from beneath the building
8. Replacing standard gypsum plaster with an alternative that does not absorb or retain water
9. Using ceramic or stone tiles with waterproof adhesive and grout
10. Putting electric sockets higher up the wall (with the cabling coming down from the ceiling, rather than the standard lay-out from below)
11. Purchasing a pump or “puddle sucker” to remove water rapidly after flooding
12. Replacing kitchens with one that can be cleaned, dried and reused, such as one made of marine ply or steel

Members of the PCA’s Flood Prevention and Protection Group can help householders introduce flood protection measures to their homes. More details can be found at https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/flood-protection

The PCA also has a video which demonstrates flood resilience work in action, which is available to view at http://bit.ly/1V4c00b.

It shows how homeowners affected by catastrophic flooding called on PCA member expertise to ensure there was no repeat of the problem.

Information on how to plan ahead for flooding at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding

Homeowners are being advised to look out for super rats invading their homes and gardens this January. 

Gardening experts at GardeningExpress have shared tips on deterring rats as the cold weather settles in.

This comes after a woman in Farnworth Bolton was left afraid of entering her garden after super rats invaded and took over the space.

She says she is afraid to go into her garden and that the rats have now dug holes, entering her neighbours spaces too.

Her outdoor space now smells like foul rat urine and is covered in droppings making it impossible for her grandchildren to play in the garden.

Chris Bonnett, gardening expert and founder of GardeningExpress said: “The cold snap expected this January will mean that these rodents are fleeing their usual habitats and are in search of a warm home. 

“You may find that they are trying to enter your home and if you’re experiencing them in your garden it means they’ve viewed it as a suitable place to begin building a nest and keep warm.

“This is likely to happen if you have any debris and garden waste on the ground or sources of food growing such as fruits and vegetables.

“Having rats in the garden is a major inconvenience so we’ve shared a range of ways people can keep the rats out of their homes all together.”

 How to keep rats out of the garden:

1. Clear up any rubbish

Debris, rubbish and garden waste sitting on the floor makes an attractive, warm nest for rats. Clear up any that may have accumulated during the winter to ensure there are no spaces that may entice the rodents.

2. Cover up and gaps and holes

Rats can enter even the smallest of holes on garden sheds and empty plant pots and set up a new home. Cover any gaps no matter how small to prevent them from getting in.

3. Use garlic powder to deter

Rats are not fond of strong scents such as garlic powder or peppermint oil so it’s worth sprinkling some of this around vulnerable areas in the garden.

4. Cover drains

Cover drains and grates and ensure they are all intact. If necessary replace damaged ones and check around the perimeter of your home for any other points of entry.

5. Water sources

Rats need a water source if they’re going to set up their new home. A dripping garden tap, water butt or blocked drain are all great sources of water for the rodent and can make your garden the perfect home for them.

6. Keep compost heaps moist

Dry compost heaps are a warm and attractive home for rats. Keep your compost heap moist throughout to deter them from making themselves comfortable.

7. Keep an eye on bird tables

Bird tables are notorious for attracting rats so it’s worth keeping an eye on them and removing any spilt seeds in the late afternoon once birds are done feeding.