Bridging finance can be a really useful tool for property investors and developers. It can help people buy properties that are effectively not ‘mortgage-able’, where they’re marketed as ‘cash-buyer only’ properties and that might be because there’s an issue with the property – perhaps it’s in a bad state of repair – or it might just be a plot of land or property without planning consent that the buyer plans to do something with.

They can also use them to buy below market value and that means they can buy them quickly if a good opportunity comes up, rather than waiting for a mortgage to come through or another property to sell to release funds.

Equity release mortgages are designed for those that are 55-plus. They’re designed for later-life lending, and they are used for many, many different reasons, such as gifting money to your children or your grandchildren, or paying your interest-only mortgage, or it may be used just to enhance your lifestyle.

Many of the older clients that we have are on state pension and they can find it challenging year-on-year, month-on-month, so they would take equity from the property and, as I say, they can either have it as a lump sum into their bank account or they can have something called a reserve facility, whereby they can take from it if and when they need it.

PAUL GRIEVES
Mortage Facilitator

So, you're thinking about buying a home and wondering if you can actually afford it. Well, let's chat about mortgage affordability! Basically, it all comes down to how much you earn and how much you're willing to spend on housing each month. Lenders typically look at your income, debts, and credit score to determine how much they're willing to lend you for a mortgage. They'll also consider factors like interest rates and property taxes to calculate what your monthly payments might be. To figure out if a particular mortgage is affordable for you, financial experts often recommend that your total housing expenses (including mortgage payment, insurance, and taxes) should be no more than 28-30% of your gross monthly income. So before jumping into homeownership, crunch the numbers and make sure that taking on a mortgage won't leave you financially strapped every month.

Investing in gilts, or UK government bonds, can be a solid choice for those looking for a low-risk investment option. Gilts are considered one of the safest investments because they are backed by the UK government, minimizing the risk of default. They also offer a predictable income stream through regular interest payments known as coupons. While the returns may not be as high as riskier investments, such as stocks, gilts provide stability and security to your portfolio. Additionally, by investing in gilts, you are essentially lending money to the government to fund public projects and services. This can be a fulfilling way to contribute towards national development while earning a reliable return on your investment. Overall, investing in gilts is a safe and easy way to diversify your portfolio and generate steady income over time.

Having a happy workforce is essential for any successful business. When employees are happy, they are more motivated, productive, and engaged in their work. A positive workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and respected can lead to better teamwork, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. It's important for managers to create an environment that encourages open communication, recognizes achievements, and promotes work-life balance. Offering opportunities for professional development and fostering a sense of belonging can also contribute to employee happiness. Ultimately, investing in the well-being of your workforce not only improves morale but can also lead to increased retention rates, better customer satisfaction, and ultimately greater success for your company as a whole. So remember, a happy workforce is a productive workforce!