23 Mar 2017 Author: Stephen Breen The new Lifetime ISA (LISA) is just around the corner – but those who already opened a Help to Buy ISA might be wondering whether or not to switch. Here are the key similarities and differences between the two types of ISA: Purpose The purpose of a LISA is […]
The Cohabitation Dilemma
27 Feb 2017 Author: Stephen Breen When you and your partner decide to buy your first property together, the last thing on your mind will be a break up. But to think this will never happen to anyone in your situation would be naïve. Purchasing a house together – whether as partners, friends or siblings […]
The Dangers of Driving When the Sun is Low
13 Feb 2017 Author: Stephanie Howard In this article, we look at the steps you can take to avoid the risk of ‘sun glare’, ‘sun dazzle’ or ‘low sun’ and what you should do if you are injured in an accident where this was a factor. When you consider what conditions might contribute to a […]
Inheritance Tax Revenues Soar
22-May-2017 HM Revenue and Customs have reported a monthly record of £483 million in inheritance tax revenue for March. In 2016-17 a total of around £4.8 billion was collected in Inheritance Tax – double the amount taken in 2002-2003. So what can a person do to reduce their inheritance tax bill? Gifting allowances Many people […]
Rise in Probate Fees Scrapped Ahead of Snap Election
21-April-2017 The Government has scrapped controversial plans to raise the cost of probate fees ahead of this June’s general election. Probate fees in England and Wales had been due to rise from £155 (if using a solicitor) or £215 to up to £20,000 for some estate. The Ministry of Justice said, following the surprise news […]
This is Me Leaflet Available From Breens Solicitors
13-March-2017 Breens Solicitors is backing the Alzheimer’s Society efforts to help people with dementia retain their sense of self and identity. The Alzheimer’s Society-produced leaflet, This is Me, allows a person with dementia to complete or have a relative or friend complete for them, details about their background, routines and personality. The four page booklet […]
Video Game to Beat Dementia
24-February-2017 A US laboratory is developing video games that could help treat a range of health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Akili Interactive Labs currently makes two games designed to treat ADHD and depression, both of which are currently undergoing clinical trials. The project was co-founded with PureTech Health which is listed on the London Stock […]
Planning For The Inevitable
10 May 2016 Author: Stephen Breen 2016 has seen a string of deaths amongst well-loved celebrities including Terry Wogan, David Bowie, Victoria Wood, Paul Daniels, Ronnie Corbett and Prince. Some of these deaths seem untimely – Prince was just 57 for example, while Victoria Wood just 62 and David Bowie just 69. When people we […]
The Brexit Effect On House Prices
9 Jun 2016 Author: Stephen Breen What’s happening to house prices Recent surveys have shown house prices are still on the rise, fuelled by low interest rates, low mortgage rates, rising employment and a lack of supply. However, the last few weeks have seen a decline in price growth, and concerns around Brexit have fuelled […]
Help To Buy Improves The Market
13 Jun 2016 Author: Stephen Breen The Government’s Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee scheme is due to close its doors on December 31st of this year but the success of the scheme has helped to revive the market for low-deposit mortgages – and this is unlikely to change. The scheme was launched in October 2013 […]
Is it the Right Time To Remortgage?
8 Jul 2016 Author: Stephen Breen The long term effects of the Referendum result will not be clear for some time. Borrowers considering taking a new mortgage – either for a new home or for their existing property – may be wondering which deal would best suit them with the uncertainty that lies ahead. Should […]
How To Buy and Sell Property After the Brexit Vote
4 Jul 2016 Author: Stephen Breen The housing market is rife with uncertainty following the referendum with almost one-in-three house sales falling through between April and June. Although nobody can be sure of the future, there are ways you can take advantage of the market as it is: Negotiating discounts Discounts of 30 or 40 […]
How (Just About) Anyone Can Invest In Property
21 Jul 2016 Author: Stephen Breen Buy-to-let was once an exciting investment prospect, but thanks to a spate of Government measures, it has now become an expensive and risky game. The increase in stamp duty on second homes and the phasing out of mortgage tax relief has meant that some landlords will struggle to make […]
Buying Property for First Time Buyers and Downsizers Post-Brexit
28 Jul 2016 Author: Stephen Breen Although more than a month has passed since the referendum, there is still a huge degree of uncertainty in the housing market. On one hand, PwC has predicted deceleration in house price growth although no major crash – while on the other, the French bank Société Général has estimated […]
Paying For Help At Home: Why You Should Hire Direct
10 Aug 2016 Author: Stephen Breen At some point during your lifetime, you may need to find a carer – either to help you manage in your home, or for an elderly relative. Having a carer help in the home is far cheaper than residential care which can cost as much as £36,556. Of course, […]
Favourable Mortgage Criteria for the Over Sixties
10 Aug 2016 Author: Stephen Breen Historically, the availability of good mortgage deals for the over sixties have been poor. But as lenders wake up to the fact that we’re living longer, older borrowers are seeing more options on the market. In 1980, the average life expectancy in the UK was 73.68 years. By 2012, […]
Quality of Dementia Care: A Postcode Lottery
17 Aug 2016 Author: Stephen Breen The quality of care you will receive for dementia depends where in the country you live, according to official data – with dramatic variations in quality up and down the country. Figures released on Tuesday showed that in some areas, patients can go more than a year without their […]
Fixed Rate or Tracker: The Dilemma
19 Aug 2016 Author: Stephen Breen Since the Bank of England cut its base rate earlier this month, mortgage brokers have seen an increase in borrowers opting for tracker mortgages. The rate of interest on a tracker mortgage follows a particular rate – usually the Bank of England’s base rate. The Bank dropped its base […]
Inheritance Tax Changes: FAQs Answered
31 Aug 2016 Author: Stephen Breen The rules relating to inheritance tax are complex and it is always worth seeking expert advice. Many people in particular are, understandably, struggling to get to grips with the new main Residence Nil Rate Band which comes into effect on 6th April 2017. Under the current inheritance tax rules, […]
Coastal Living
5 Sep 2016 Author: Stephen Breen Could you commute from the coast? For many of us, owning a holiday home next to the coast is a retirement dream. But some have found a way to combine the joys of a holiday retreat with their daily working life by setting up home next to the sea […]