BUDDING buyers looking to get on the housing ladder will be keen to learn of a lovely village where three-bed homes are £70,000 cheaper than the UK average.

As house prices continue to climb the dream of homeownership is beginning to vanish for many.

9

Today, first-time buyers will also fork out over a quarter of a million pounds.

New figures by Zoopla, published this month showed the average price of a home is £267,100.

This rises to £451,600 for detached houses.

But if you are willing to be flexible you may be able to find your dream home at a bargain price.

There are still places in the UK where homes are below the national average and they are commutable to major cities.

Take Crosby for example, it is an idyllic coastal town in Sefton, which boasts an award-winning park and stunning beaches.

Three and four-bed homes here are on average £195,100 making them £70,000 below the national average.

Better yet, it is just a 25-minute car drive to Liverpool City.

Let’s take a look at the cheapest houses up for grabs in this area.

Four-bed semi-detached home – £195,000

9

9

This four-bed semi is on the market for £195,000 on Zoopla.

It comes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two reception rooms.

The property is just a three-minute walk to a number of primary schools and nurseries.

Additionally, it is just a six-minute drive to Waterloo Merseyside, where you can reach Liverpool City in just 26 minutes via train.

You might be able to get a mortgage to buy this house with a 10% deposit of £19,500.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, your monthly payments would work out as £1,025.

Three-bed terrace – £185,000

9

9

You can buy this family home in Sefton for £185,000.

It features a large kitchen and dining area alongside three bedrooms and one bath.

Agents at Zoopla said the home is within walking distance of local shops, schools, and transport links.

It is a four-minute drive to Waterloo Merseyside or just under a 10-minute drive to Blundellsands & Crosby train station.

This local transport hub can take you to the city centre in just 24 minutes.

You might be able to get a mortgage to buy this house with a 10% deposit of £18,500.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, your monthly payments would work out as £973.

Three bed semi-detached – £220,000

9

9

This property is slightly more expensive than the previous two homes, but still £40,000 less than the UK average.

It comes with three bedrooms and a large conservatory and garden area.

A seven-minute car journey will take you to Blundellsands & Crosby train station, making it ideal for commuters.

You might be able to get a mortgage to buy this house with a 10% deposit of £22,000.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, your monthly payments would work out as £1,157

Three-bed semi-detached house -£215,000

9

9

This three-bed and one-bath home would be ideal for anyone looking for a central location in Crosby.

It is a 16-minute walk to Blundellsands & Crosby train station or if you prefer to drive it will take you just three minutes.

The property is bright and has lots of natural light.

If you were looking for a home which you could move into without pouring hundreds into renovations then this could be it.

You might be able to get a mortgage to buy this house with a 10% deposit of £21,500.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, your monthly payments would work out as £1,131.

How to save for your first home

HAVE you ever wondered how first-time buyers manage to go from savers to homeowners?

Getting a foot on the property ladder might seem like a daunting task, but The Sun’s My First Home feature allows you to find out exactly what it takes to finally get the keys to your own place.

Leanne Gem managed to buy her £456,000 four-bed house with an “underrated scheme”.

Karis Jacobs and her husband George used the 50/50 method to buy their first home just two years after losing their jobs.

Advertisement

Parents Chae and Cem used a “DIY Help to Buy scheme” to buy their £466,000 first home.

Anupam and his wife Shrabanti lost £6,000 free cash when buying their first home – here’s how you can avoid it.

QUALITY Street fans are up in arms after learning that the brand has discontinued a cherished Christmas favourite.

Customers can no longer visit their local John Lewis store to create personalised Quality Street tins.

1

The service allowed shoppers to purchase a £17 tin with a personalised gift card and lid.

They could then fill these tins with their favourite Quality Street chocolates from dedicated pick-and-mix counters at John Lewis.

However, while the pick-and-mix counters still exist, shoppers can’t get a personalised Quality Street tin this winter, according to a Quality Street post on X (formerly Twitter).

Instead, they must opt for the £12 non-customised version.

Reacting to the news on X, one person said: “Took my personalised quality street tin for a refill at John Lewis, Oxford Street and wanted to get a few personalised tins as presents, but they’re not doing it anymore.”

Another said: “No personalised tins of Quality Street this year – it’s a tradition – please bring it back.”

Responding to the comments on X, a Quality Street representative said: “While we are unable to offer personalisation this year, you can still get your hands on the beautiful limited-edition Christmas 2024 tin at John Lewis.

The Sun has contacted Nestle and John Lewis for comment.

Nestle, launched a new version of its 813g Quality Street tin in September.

The £12 tub features all the usual classic flavours and plays on Quality Street’s Halifax heritage – where it was first manufactured in 1936 and still is.

However, it can also be purchased empty and filled at any of John Lewis’ Quality Street pick and mix stations.

If you’re not fussed about the nostalgic tin or picking your chocolates, you’ll pay less for a different tub or packet.

Shoppers can pick up a plastic 600g tub from Tesco for £6 – £1 per 100g.

You can also pick up a 357g sharing bag of Quality Street from B&M for just £4 – £1.12 per 100g.

So, where can I find the pick & mix stations?

Shoppers can create their own bespoke collection of Quality Street favourites to take home, or gift, this Christmas at the pick and mix stations.

These will be located at the following John Lewis stores:

• Bluewater
• Cambridge
• Cardiff
• Cheadle
• Cribbs Causeway
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• High Wycombe
• Kingston
• Leeds
• Leicester
• Liverpool
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle
• Nottingham
• Oxford Street
• Peter Jones (Sloane Square)
• Solihull
• Southampton
• Trafford

Nestle has also brought back a Quality Street fan-favourite for the second Christmas in a row.

The coffee creme flavour chocolate was last seen in Quality Street tubs over 20 years ago until the chocolatier reintroduced it last year.

Instead, the coffee-flavour fondant wrapped in dark chocolate has joined the 11 other Quality Street sweets at pick-and-mix stations across selected John Lewis stores in the UK.

They are also available in a limited-edition cracker at Waitrose and John Lewis stores for £5.50.

Paper tub trial

For the first time ever, Nestle is launching paper Quality Street tubs.

The tubs are available at 60 Tesco supermarkets.

Their introduction is part of a trial, and Nestle will gauge the product’s popularity among shoppers.

It claims the paper tub, adorned in the signature Quality Street purple, boasts a luxurious design and feel.

They feature a “re-close” mechanism that ensures the lid can be securely sealed even after opening.

This isn’t the first time Quality Street has introduced new packaging to make the festive favourites easier to recycle.

Nestle left shoppers outraged when it changed the Quality Street chocolate wrappers for the same reason in October 2022.

The iconic brightly coloured plastic and foil wrappers that had encased its famous chocolates for 86 years were replaced with a more understated form of waxed paper.

Since then, shoppers have flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay at the loss of the treat’s iconic shiny wrapping, criticising the new look as “cheap” and vowing to switch to the brand’s competitors.

One shopper said: “I’m sorry, but they’re cheap-looking and depressing. They reek of war-time austerity.”

“With food, presentation is important, and the sparkle has gone from Quality Street.”

The introduction of new paper tubs does not signal the immediate discontinuation of plastic and metal Quality Street tins.

Shoppers can still buy 600g plastic tubs of Quality Street chocolates at most major supermarkets.

Tins containing over 800g of the festive chocolates continue to be available too.

ITV thriller fans have spotted this idyllic three bedroom cottage which has been put up for sale for an eye watering price – can you guess which show it’s from?

Avid serial watchers may recognise the home which has hit the market for a sale price of £850,000.

7

7

Advertisement

7

7

Known as ‘Well Cottage’ the 17th century grade II listed property is nestled in the country hills of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The advertisement boasts three bedrooms, one bathroom and 1,601 square feet of living space.

Interior pictures have revealed exposed wooden beams throughout property, low slung ceilings, wooden block flooring and a large inglenook fireplace.

While the exterior is that of a quintessential English country home with a thatched roof, and a typically English country style garden.

There is also a private hedge that surrounds the outside space with meticulously maintained formal gardens spanning over 100 feet.

The cottage was used in a 2010 episode of the popular ITV series, Midsomer Murders, called Blood on the Saddle which centred around a Wild West Show and rival farmers.

The idyllic home includes the kitchen and breakfast room at the rear of the property as well as 100 feet of greenery outside.

There is a stone patio at the rear of the cottage, with a raised terrace area providing the perfect spot for outdoor dining.

The listing is held by estate agent Hamptons who commented on the property.

Their statement read: “Dating back to the 17th century, this quirky grade II listed home offers beautifully presented living spaces that seamlessly blend old-world charm with modern amenities.

“Settled in the middle of the prestigious Long Crendon High Street, this charming cottage was striking enough to be used in a couple of episodes of ‘Midsomer Murders’, and boasts a wealth of exposed beams throughout.

“Upon entering the cottage, you are greeted by an inviting entrance hall that leads to a series of reception rooms.

“Both the dining room and the double-aspect sitting room at the front of the home offer cosy inglenook fireplaces and more exposed beams, adding to the character of the property.

“The kitchen/breakfast room at the rear of the property boasts classic shaker style cabinets and overlooks the lush garden.

“A useful utility area and downstairs cloak room provide further convenience.”

7

7

7

Advertisement

CADBURY fans are shocked to notice an unexpected product not sold in the UK hanging about on B&M shelves.

The 5 Star Mini Treats are a rare Cadbury product currently selling in the superstore which is usually found only in other parts of the world.

1

In fact, the places where you can typically get the treat are India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa, the Philippines and Egypt.

The “family pack” bags are now appearing in B&Ms for £2 which is a similar price to its other UK Cadbury sharing products.

One shopper took to Facebook to share a photo of their discovery on the New Foods UK Group.

A person commented: “This looks good.”

Another said: “Right B&M are just aiming to take all my money!”

While a third user wrote: “I wonder what these taste like.”

And a fourth added: “Ooh they look like Wispa Golds but with more caramel.”

In other countries the chocolate usually comes in 15g mini-bars, 45g standard bars or the 150g sharing bags available in B&M.

It is described as a “caramel and nougat” mix covered with “smooth chocolate“.

B&M is yet to show the product on it’s website, meaning it may only be available for a limited time.

It’s also not available in any other UK stores as this moment in time.

Those wishing to try the product should run to their local B&M which they can find using the store locator tool on its website.

Bear in mind that it may not be available in all stores, but if it is, you’ll find it with all the other Cadbury products in the chocolate aisle.

Prices may also vary between sites, so be mindful of how much you’re spending for the amount of chocolate you’re getting.

Cadbury has plenty of other exciting ranges which prop up on shelves every once in a while.

For example, this year a Cadbury’s mint-flavoured twirl appeared on shelves in B&M, originally launched in Australia, and only £1 for four.

There’s also loads of classic fan-favourites making a comeback in time for Christmas, such as the Dairy Milk Chocolate Puds.

For individual pud it costs 75p in Sainsbury’s and just 70p in Waitrose.

You can also buy bags of mini puds for £1.65 in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Poundland.

And the rare 360g Dairy Milk mint crisp bar has returned to some shelves this year – selling cheapest in Asda for £4.

Other Cadbury Christmas bars which are available in supermarkets this year also include the Dairy Milk Classic Wonderland and Mini Snow Balls edition.

Remember to always compare prices when shopping so you know you’re paying the right amount for what you’re getting.

A great way to do this is via the comparison site Trolley which will show the prices for every store.

You can also visit the Cadbury website to browse all their latest products and launches.

How to save money on chocolate

Advertisement

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Advertisement

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

Advertisement

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

PARENTS are rushing to Sainsbury’s to get their hands on toys for sale, with a mega-shot rifle with foam bullets scanning at tills with 50 per cent off.

It’s one of the biggest pre-Christmas sales around, with loads of parents stocking up on bargain presents for their kids.

2

2

Advertisement

Many savvy savers recently spotted the cheap toys in their local branches and finished festive shopping for the children in their family.

The shoppers posted their find on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group after snapping up various toys – with some half price.

One of the members who posted about their finds said that they’d have a “happy grandson at Christmas” after picking up a Zuru Xshot for £20 instead of £40 – a 50 per cent saving.

Another member gushed over their items, saying they “will have two very happy little girls at Christmas” after picking up various Barbie dolls and Bluey toys.

The savvy shoppers found the goods in Sainsbury’s highly-anticipated toy sale.

Other shoppers were quick to comment on the purchases.

One comment said: “That’s a great haul I hope you have good hiding places for them!”

Another said: “Hardly anything left in our local.”

And: “Great find!”

The sale, which is just in stores and not online, is expected to last a week.

It’s also a good idea to check your local store’s opening times, as previous years have seen lengthy queues of shoppers desperate to nab a good deal.

As an added bonus, shoppers can both collect and redeem Nectar points on any purchases made in the toy sale.

“One of the great benefits of shopping at Sainsbury’s is the ability to collect and redeem Nectar points,” the Coupon Queen wrote in a post on her website.

“These points can indeed be used during the Sainsburys toy sale, allowing you to save even more on your purchases.

“So, not only can you find great deals on toys, but you can also use your Nectar points to get additional discounts.”

It’s also a good idea to check the return deadlines for any toys before purchasing them.

And remember to check whether or not the toys need batteries to work – and if they’re included.

MILLIONS of workers could end up with less money in retirement under new government plans which are being considered.

Experts have warned that Britain will face a “retirement crisis” and it would “cause havoc” if the Chancellor imposes national insurance on employers’ pension contributions in her budget next week.

1

The move is predicted to raise £15.4 billion, which would help to plug a £40 billion funding gap in the public finances.

Meanwhile, experts suggest that public sector businesses such as National Health Service workers, teachers and government employees could be spared the change.

If these workers were included then it could mean that public sector budgets would need to be significantly cut, which could worsen their service.

It would cost the government millions of pounds to implement this change so only businesses and private-sector workers will feel its impact.

The decision to increase national insurance on employers’ pension contributions could leave millions of workers with lower wages and less generous pensions.

Felicia Hjertman, CEO of investment platform TILLIT, said the decision could worsen Britain’s retirement savings.

“Britain is on the brink of a retirement crisis,” she said.

“Increasing employers’ national insurance contributions on private pensions is a step in the wrong direction.”

While Baroness Ros Altman added: “This kind of change would cause havoc for UK pensions and derail the success of auto-enrolment.

“Because of the prevalence of salary sacrifice arrangements in auto enrolment pensions across all employers, and the widespread problems already known in pensions administration due to excessively complex rules, any such sudden significant change in the Budget will create havoc for many employer schemes and would be seriously ill-advised.”

How does national insurance work?

Employers currently pay national insurance for most workers earning more than £9,100 a year.

The amount they pay is equivalent to 13.8% of the employees earnings above this figure.

So for an employee earning £30,000 the employer would pay £2,884.20 in national insurance.

Former pensions minister Steve Webb estimates that putting the national insurance rate up by 1% could raise £8 billion a year.

What could it mean for me?

If employers have to pay more tax then their costs will go up, so they would need to save money elsewhere.

They may do this by increasing the price of their products for customers, giving employees smaller pay rises or reducing the amount that they pay into employees’ pensions.

Employers currently have to pay in at least 3% of an employee’s salary into their pension each month.

The employee then pays 5% of their salary in, bringing the total contribution up to 8%.

But some companies offer much more generous packages and may pay in up to 10% of an employees’ salary.

These packages could be cut if the planned changes come into effect.

Sir Steve Webb said: “Changing national insurance contributions could leave hundreds of thousands of people with a poorer retirement.

“People are not saving enough money for their retirement as it is. This could mean even more people are not saving enough.”

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said only taxing private sector workers would be difficult to explain.

“Applying national insurance to private sector companies while giving the public sector a get-out-of-jail-free card would be more difficult to justify,” he said.

“Particularly given public sector pensions are far more generous than their private sector equivalents.”

How would it affect different schemes?

There are concerns that introducing national insurance on pension contributions could undermine salary sacrifice schemes.

At the moment some employers offer schemes where employees can give up part of their salary, which is then paid directly into their pension, avoiding tax.

If national insurance is applied to an employer’s pension contribution then it could remove the incentive  for  companies to offer these schemes.

If these schemes were removed then it could mean that employees have to pay tax on their pension contributions, which would reduce the amount they pay into their nest egg.

What else could be announced in the budget?

The Chancellor is expected to freeze income tax thresholds in the Budget, which could drag 1.5 million pensioners into higher tax bands.

The State Pension is expected to rise by 4.1% in April, equivalent to a boost of £473.

A single pensioner would see their income rise from £221.20 to £230.30 a week.

But with income tax thresholds frozen it could mean that many pensioners have to pay tax on the state pension for the first time.

The Chancellor is also believed to be considering whether to make huge changes to inheritance tax in order to raise billions of pounds.

Only about one in 20 estates now attract inheritance tax but it is still known as Britain’s most hated tax.

Rachel Reeves is considering whether to make changes to the exemptions, allowances and reliefs available at the moment.

For example, the Government could decide to reduce the amount that you can give to a friend or family member before you die.

It could also reduce the seven year rule, which currently allows someone to give away items or money to friends and family tax free so long as they live for seven years afterwards.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories