Connect with us

Money

INREV index shows recovery for European non-listed real estate but UK loses top spot

Published

on

INREV index shows recovery for European non-listed real estate but UK loses top spot

“We are seeing core capital returning, both on the equity and the debt side,” said INREV director Iryna Pylypchuk.

The post INREV index shows recovery for European non-listed real estate but UK loses top spot appeared first on Property Week.

Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Money

Exact amount DWP payments for parents will rise next year including child benefit and tax credits

Published

on

Full list of DWP benefits and free cash you can claim with PIP

PARENTS who get benefits should see payments rise by 1.7% from next April, helping them to manage the increasing cost of living.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, confirmed in the Budget that all working age benefits would be going up in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate.

Benefit payments will increase next year for millions of claimants

1

Benefit payments will increase next year for millions of claimantsCredit: Alamy

That means that everything from Universal Credit to Child Benefit will increase by this amount.

Advertisement

For parents specifically, the child specific elements of various benefits will also increase by 1.7%.

However, working-age people may feel hard done by compared to pensioners, because the State Pension is protected by something called the triple-lock.

This means that the State Pension will rise by 4.1% compared to the lower than 2% rise that everyone else will receive.

We’ve crunched the numbers on the benefits aimed specifically at parents, to see how much they’ll increase by. Here’s what you need to know.

Advertisement

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is the standard benefit for working-age people in the UK, replacing several legacy benefits.

The government has slowly been moving people across to this benefit since its introduction in 2013, with a view to stopping benefits such as child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance, and working tax credits.

Almost all new benefit claimants are enrolled under Universal Credit, and the aim is for everyone on legacy benefits to be moved across by the end of next year.

Like most benefits, Universal Credit will increase by 1.7%, which the government says will see around 5.7 million families gain £150 on average over the next tax year.

Advertisement
Understanding the Two-Child Benefits Cap

Exactly how much you’ll get depends on how your family is made up and which elements you receive, but for joint claimants where one or both are 25 or over, the standard allowance will rise from £617.60 to £628.099.

Parents will also see an uplift in the monthly child element:

  • For those with a first child born before April 6, 2017, the extra amount will go up from £333.33 to £338.99
  • For those with a child born on or after April 6, 2017, or a second child, the extra amount will go up from £287.92 to £292.81
  • For those with a disabled child, the lower rate additional payment will rise from £156.11 to £158.76 and the higher rate from £487.58 to £495.86

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is designed to help with the cost of raising a family in the UK.

It’s paid every four weeks and currently worth £1,331.20 for the eldest eligible child and £881.40 for all subsequent eligible children.

From April 6, 2025 this will increase to £26.04 for the eldest and £17.24 for each extra child.

Advertisement

You can claim child benefit for any child aged under 16.

If your child stays in approved education (such as doing A-levels or Scottish Highers), you can keep claiming until your child is 20.

If they leave approved education, for instance to go to university, you stop getting the money.

While anyone can claim the benefit, if you or your partner earns £60,000 or more, you start having to pay some of the money back.

Advertisement

Once either of you earns over £80,000 (individually) you have to pay all of it back.

Despite that, it’s often worth claiming because it also gives you national insurance credits if you have a child under 12.

These are really important if one parent is either a stay-at-home parent, working part time, or on a low income, because it helps build up State Pension entitlement.

Child Tax Credit

Child tax credits are due to stop from April next year, so the amount you get won’t increase. However, you may be able to claim Universal Credit, and get the child elements outlined above, which are rising by 1.7%.

Advertisement

Housing Benefit

Housing benefit is stopping for most people by the end of 2024, however the government says that it will continue to pay it for people who live in supported or temporary accommodation.

There are different rules for people who are above state pension age, who may continue to get the benefit.

If you get Housing Benefit, you should receive something called a managed migration notice that explains about your switch to Universal Credit.

It’s really important to respond to this, because otherwise your benefits might stop and you’ll miss out on important transitional protections.

Advertisement

Carer’s Allowance

You can claim Carer’s Allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.

These include:

  • Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
  • Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Pension Age Disability Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  • Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Child Disability Payment – the middle or highest care rate
  • Adult Disability Payment – daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

The rate will go up from £81.90 to £83.29 a week.

The threshold at which you become ineligible for carer’s allowance – known as the “cliff edge” will also rise from April.

Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay

If you’re pregnant or hoping to be next year, then you might be thinking about maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.

Advertisement

While many employers are more generous, for a lot of people this means looking at the statutory rates, which are typically 90% of average weekly earnings or £184.03 – whichever is lower.

All of these benefits will also increase by 1.7% from the beginning of next April from £184.03 a week to £187.16.

Maternity Allowance

New mums who don’t qualify for standard maternity pay could still get a payment adding up to thousands of pounds from Maternity Allowance.

This will also rise from £184.03 a week to £187.16 from April 2024.

Advertisement

Child benefit

Everything to know about child benefit:

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

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Money

Seaside town less than one hour from major cities where you can buy a home for under £30k – and there’s no catch

Published

on

Seaside town less than one hour from major cities where you can buy a home for under £30k - and there’s no catch

PROSPECTIVE buyers may be shocked to learn about a well-connected seaside town in the UK where you can buy a home for just £35k.

House prices have been on the rise, with the average buyers forking out close to £300k to make their dreams of ownership come true.

These houses are up for grabs at a fraction of the national asking price

4

These houses are up for grabs at a fraction of the national asking price

This, coupled with upcoming changes to Stamp Duty, means hopeful homeowners could end up forking out more than they had a few years ago.

Advertisement

Under current rules, if a property is more expensive, buyers only pay tax at 5% on the portion above £425,000 and up to £625,000.

The lower limit for the first-time buyer stamp duty exemption was temporarily increased in 2022.

But now it is scheduled to revert to £300,000 in April 2025.

However, hope is not lost for buyers who are willing to be flexible on location.

Advertisement

In the seaside town of Hartlepool, County Durham, homes can go for as cheap as £25,000, making it £275,000 less than the national average.

Meanwhile, a 55-minute train ride can take you to Newcastle city centre for just £2.20.

Take a look at the cheapest houses in this area…

Two-bed end terrace house – Hartlepool – £25,000

This house is £275,000 below the national average

4

Advertisement
This house is £275,000 below the national average

This two-bed end terrace is up for sale in Hartlepool, County Durham for £25,000.

It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and one reception alongside a kitchen.

The street is within walking distance to a number of schools, and a seven-minute drive to Hartlepool train station.

This home would require a bit of work to bring it up to standards but that is always worth factoring in when looking at an affordable property.

Advertisement

You might be able to get a mortgage for this house with a 10% deposit of £2,500.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, you would be expected to pay back £131 per month.

Best schemes for first-time buyers

Two-bed terrace – Bishop Auckland – £29,999

This two-bed terrace would also require some work

4

This two-bed terrace would also require some work

This two-bed terrace is up for sale for £29,999 in nearby Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Advertisement

This town is just an hour and 13 minutes train journey to Newcastle and a 41-minute journey to the city centre in Durham.

Again, this home would require some work to bring it up to scratch, but it is just a two-minute drive to the nearest train station – something that often adds value to a property.

You might be able to get a mortgage for this house with a 10% deposit of just £3,000.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, you would be expected to pay back £157 per month.

Advertisement

Two-bed terrace – £36,000

This home is located in Cheapside, Shildon

4

This home is located in Cheapside, Shildon

This two-bedroom home is priced at £36,000 and is located slightly inland from Hartlepool in nearby Shildon, County Durham.

It comes with two bedrooms, one reception, a bathroom and a kitchen.

The property is just a short four-minute drive to the nearest train station and is also just a short walk to a number of local primary schools.

Advertisement

This home would require a fresh lick of paint and some money to refurbish the bedrooms and kitchens, so that is worth bearing in mind.

You might be able to get a mortgage for this house with a 10% deposit of £3,600.

If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, you would be expected to pay back £189 per month.

How to save for your first home

Advertisement

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.

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

Advertisement

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

Source link

Continue Reading

Money

PizzaExpress announces new Christmas menu that will start in DAYS – and there’s a major change to family favourite

Published

on

PizzaExpress announces new Christmas menu that will start in DAYS - and there's a major change to family favourite

THE CHAIN Pizza Express has laid its cards out on the table – in the form of a brand new Christmas menu.

Fans can expect to see the return of some old dishes, and the arrival of some new ones – to be launched from Tuesday, November 12.

PizzaExpress will also be making one of its pizzerias snow

3

PizzaExpress will also be making one of its pizzerias snow
The Snowball Dough Balls have a special twist to them this Christmas

3

Advertisement
The Snowball Dough Balls have a special twist to them this Christmas
Fans will find seven scrumptious dishes on the menu this season

3

Fans will find seven scrumptious dishes on the menu this season

Prepare yourselves for the return of the Snowball Dough Balls but with a twist.

Incase you haven’t tried them, the Snowball Dough Balls are dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, topped with Pip the Pizzaiolo, and indulgent white chocolate and salted caramel dipping sauce.

This year, they’ll return in the form of a wreath, perfect for taring and sharing.

Advertisement

In addition to the wreath, the Romana Christmas feast – an absolute fusion of flavours will be making a comeback.

The feast features a tender pulled turkey, spinach, sage, cranberry sauce, plus truffle dough balls coated in truffle and garlic butter, with a hearty sprinkling of Milano cheese and black pepper.

PizzaExpress will also be launching its new romana figgy formaggi pizza.

It features blue cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella on a béchamel sauce base, topped with balsamic syrup, gran Milano cheese and spiced white wine marinated figs.

Advertisement

Now for a controversial side – Brussel sprouts.

Perhaps, PizzaExpress can sway you to try them by roasting them in garlic butter, topping them with balsamic syrup, gran Milano cheese, and also crispy breadcrumbs.

If not, you might be pleased to see PizzaExpress’ signature dough balls in blankets will also be returning.

Ceiling ‘collapses on diners’ at Pizza Express as ambulances rush to restaurant

These are wrapped in crispy pancetta, served with a garish of sage, a sprinkle of gran Milano cheese and a honey and mustard dip.

Advertisement

Last to return is the Romano mushroom and truffle.

It features a mixture of mushrooms on a bechamel sauce base, with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, garlic and rosemary, finished with gran Milano cheese, fresh parsley and truffle oil.

Arguably, the icing on the cake would be some snow – which PizzaExpress also has covered.

On the day of the Christmas menu launch, PizzaExpress will make it snow inside its London Bankside pizzeria.

Advertisement

Fans can see the spectacle every hour if they head down to  Benbow House, 24 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DS between 12pm – 6pm.

The restaurant also revealed that the much loved Snowball Dough Ball day will return on Tuesday, November 19.

For one day only, fans can enjoy these snowy doughy balls of joy for as little as £1.

Plus, all the money accumulated from them will go to the brand’s charity partner, Place2Be, who support children’s mental health in schools across the UK

Advertisement

PizzaExpress’ Christmas menu

  • Romana Christmas Feast – new
  • Dough Balls in Blankets – returner
  • Truffle Dough Ball – new
  • Loaded Snowball Dough Balls – returner
  • Romana Mushroom & Truffle – returner
  • Romana Figgy Formaggi – new
  • Festive Sprouts – new

Source link

Continue Reading

Money

Retirees with an annuity experience less stress

Published

on

Retirees with an annuity experience less stress

UK retirees who are annuity-holders are more likely to report lower levels of stress and the highest level of financial confidence compared to those without one.

This is according to research from Legal and General and the Happiness Research Institute, an independent Danish think tank.

The research also shows the top reason people opt for an annuity (31%) is as a result of a recommendation from a financial adviser.

Retirees with an annuity score more positively across multiple wellbeing measures.

Advertisement

They report greater satisfaction with their current lives, relationships, free time and social activities, with 51% more likely to report lower levels of stress than those without one.

Retirees who are annuity-holders also feel more financially secure, as they are more likely to report the highest level of financial confidence compared to those without one (24% versus 21%).

They were also 40% more likely to consistently afford their credit card payments or loans compared to those without one.

Still, according to the latest Financial Conduct Authority Retirement Income Market Data, only 10% of pension pots accessed for the first time in 2023/24 were used to purchase an annuity.

Advertisement

Despite this low take up, advisers play a big part in those who do choose to purchase one.

Over a fifth (23%) of retirees said the draw of receiving regular payments and the assurance of a stable income that lasts a lifetime are key factors in buying an annuity.

Additionally, 16% opted for an annuity to make budgeting easier, while 13% wanted greater control over their finances.

Legal & General Retail Retirement managing director Lorna Shah said: “Too often, conversations around the value of an annuity are limited to rates. However, our findings reveal a clear ‘happiness advantage’ for those with annuities.

Advertisement

“The stability of a guaranteed income gives retirees peace of mind that their money won’t run out, even if they live past 100.

“It takes the guesswork out of budgeting and lets people focus on enjoying retirement, rather than spending time worrying about their finances.

“While the benefits of an annuity can often be overlooked when it comes to retirement planning, it’s important to note they don’t have to be the only solution as they can be part of a blended approach.

“Combining the guaranteed income of an annuity with other sources, such as income from investments or drawdown, can provide even more flexibility, ensuring that essential expenses are covered, while offering the freedom to grow other assets”.

Advertisement

To obtain these results, Legal & General spoke to 3,000 UK retirees.

Source link

Continue Reading

Money

M&S releases NEW festive Colin the Caterpillar with Santa hat & chocolate sleigh as shoppers cry ‘I need this for Xmas’

Published

on

M&S releases NEW festive Colin the Caterpillar with Santa hat & chocolate sleigh as shoppers cry 'I need this for Xmas'

FANS of Colin the Caterpillar are going wild after Marks and Spencer revealed a festive version of the hugely popular chocolate cake.

The iconic M&S Colin the Caterpillar has graced the table at many birthday events, but now he will pull up in his sleigh for a festive appearance.

M&S shoppers are rushing to scoop the festive edition of Colin the Caterpillar

4

M&S shoppers are rushing to scoop the festive edition of Colin the CaterpillarCredit: Getty
The new M&S Colin the Caterpillar for Christmas in a chocolate sleigh

4

Advertisement
The new M&S Colin the Caterpillar for Christmas in a chocolate sleighCredit: M&S

“Colin’s been upgraded this year guys prepare yourselves,” one excited shopper wrote under a Facebook post about the festive treat.

The Sleigh Ride Colin the Caterpillar features “Colin as you’ve never seen him before,” M&S states.

With 46% more chocolate than the traditional caterpillar cake, Colin is getting into the spirit of Christmas, oozing both joy and indulgence.

Festive Colin wears a red Santa hat and is pulling a present-filled sleigh with candy canes and white and milk chocolate gifts.

Advertisement

read more on festive food

He even has white winter boots and Christmas-themed sprinkles which are red, white and green.

They are made up of tiny Christmas trees, candy canes and snowflakes.

To get a taste of the “upgraded” Colin, shoppers will have to pay £15 for the vegetarian cake that serves 10 people.

Colin lovers won’t even have to leave their seats to secure one for the big day as the caterpillar cake is included in the M&S Food to Order service.

Advertisement

As news spread of the new Colin, shoppers flooded Facebook comments celebrating the addition to the M&S Christmas range and frantically tagging friends and family members.

“I hope you realise that this is a Christmas essential,” one woman wrote while tagging her partner.

Shoppers race to Primark to nab matching mum and daughter Christmas jumpers -s and they’re only £9

“Well it would be rude not to have one,” another added.

One simply wrote three words in response to the new cake: “Must have one.”

Advertisement

“The sledge looks nice, thick and chocolatey, can’t wait to give it a try,” an excited shopper wrote.

“My children will beg me [to] get this for Christmas,” a mother added.

However, some were baffled by the new Colin and his festive accessories.

“It looks like one of those dogs that needs wheels to run around,” one wrote.

Advertisement

“I didn’t realise he was riding a sleigh,” another added.

For others, it was the price that left them unenthused about the festive product.

“Just so over the top,” one shopper said, noting that “many cannot afford” a £15 cake.

The question of cost also saw the conversation quickly turn to the most famous cake rivalry.

Advertisement

“Can’t wait to see Cuthbert the caterpillar on his sledge Aldi UK,” a cheeky shopper said on Facebook.

Some tagged the German retailer asking if they could make a cheaper version of Colin in his sleigh.

Aldi has famously re-created the Colin the Caterpillar cake with their own Cuthbert the Caterpillar, causing fierce competition between the two companies and among fans forced to pick sides.

It seems that the rivalry will not be settled for Christmas this year after a festive version of Cuthbert has appeared on the Aldi website and will be available from November 24.

Advertisement

Unlike Colin, Cuthbert Christmas is not in a sleigh, but wearing a Santa hat, a green bow tie and has white chocolate stars down his back.

The Aldi version that serves 12 people costs $6.49.

M&S is also offering savoury treats for Christmas as part of the Food to Order service.

This includes a handcrafted Christmas Sausage Roll Garland for £10, a Slow-Cooked Turkey serving up to 10 people for £85 and a Honey Glazed Vegetable & Barber’s Cheddar Galette for £22.

Advertisement
The M&S Christmas Sausage Roll Garland

4

The M&S Christmas Sausage Roll GarlandCredit: M&S
M&S Slow-Cooked Turkey serving between 8 and 10 people for £85

4

M&S Slow-Cooked Turkey serving between 8 and 10 people for £85Credit: M&S

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Money

Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive season

Published

on

Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive season

ARE you ready to sparkle?

With festive gatherings and parties just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to elevate your wardrobe with some stylish, secondhand finds.

Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive season

7

Six cheap ways to elevate your wardrobe for the festive seasonCredit: Alamy

Here’s how to discover the best deals and dazzle . . . 

Advertisement

CHECK FOR BEST: For fab party attire, start by exploring popular resale platforms such as eBay.co.uk, Vinted and Depop.

Don’t forget smaller gems like preloved.co.uk and gothrift.co.uk, which offer a curated selection of unique, affordable secondhand finds.

Some major brands even have their own resale sections — Zara’s Preowned section and Asos Marketplace, for example — where you can find branded pieces at a fraction of the original cost.

READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS

SEARCH SAVVY: Resale sites are continuously updating their search functions, making it easier to find specific styles.

Advertisement

Use keywords like “party dress”, “holiday dress” or “sparkle” to narrow down options quickly.

FABRIC FILTER: Achieve a luxurious look without splashing out by filtering your searches based on materials such as satin, silk, or velvet.

These fabrics are perfect for festive events, giving you that luxe look for a whole lot less.

MARK IT UP: Some sellers specialise in occasion wear, offering stunning outfits and accessories at great prices.

Advertisement

If you find a seller with items you love in your size, bookmark them.

Fashionistas race to Tesco for new festive partywear, including a £35 outfit that’s already being deemed a ‘Christmas Day masterpiece’

You’ll be notified when they upload new pieces, giving you first dibs on potential favourites.

GO BIG: Watch for sellers who offer discounts on multiple items, as many allow buyers to negotiate when purchasing a few pieces.

By bundling items like a dress and a clutch, you’re more likely to secure a bargain on a complete party look.

Advertisement

FOLLOW ON: Many fashion bloggers and influencers now sell pieces from their own collections online.

If you admire a particular influencer’s style, try searching for their name on auction sites.

Following their profiles is a quick way to find amazing outfits, making it easier to find items that fit your taste.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Save £115 on the Adidas Regen hooded down jacket at MandMdirect.com

7

Advertisement
Save £115 on the Adidas Regen hooded down jacket at MandMdirect.comCredit: Supplied

KEEP the cold out in the Adidas Regen hooded down jacket, RRP £179.99, now £64.99 at MandMdirect.com.

SAVE: £115

Cheap treat

Save £2 on Ben & Jerry’s at Iceland

7

Save £2 on Ben & Jerry’s at IcelandCredit: Supplied

SCOOP up a few tubs of Ben & Jerry’s at Iceland.

Advertisement

Usually £5 each, now £3.

SAVE: £2

What’s new?

SAVE a little more with the new Bonya Baby Formula, launched as a cheaper alternative to the existing products on the market.

Get it at Tesco now, £8.45.

Advertisement

Top swap

The popular 111skin.com Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches cost £150

7

The popular 111skin.com Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches cost £150Credit: Supplied
Or try the new Anti-Wrinkle Microdart Patches for just £20 from Pricklypearskincare.co.uk

7

Or try the new Anti-Wrinkle Microdart Patches for just £20 from Pricklypearskincare.co.ukCredit: Supplied

TARGET those wrinkles with the popular 111skin.com Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches, £150.

Or try the new Anti-Wrinkle Microdart Patches, £20 from Pricklypearskincare.co.uk.

Advertisement

SAVE: £130

Little helper

DOWNLOAD the new Poundland Perks rewards app, to earn perk points to save more at Poundland when shopping in store. There are at least 100 perks offered in the app at any one time.

Shop & save

Save £7 on a tin of 2.5L Dulux Matt Emulsion at Wickes

7

Save £7 on a tin of 2.5L Dulux Matt Emulsion at WickesCredit: Supplied

GIVE your walls a fresh lick of paint.

Advertisement

A tin of 2.5L Dulux Matt Emulsion was £22, now £15, at Wickes.

SAVE: £7

Hot right now

GET 30 per cent off jewellery at abbottlyon.com when you use the code TAKE30 today only.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

7

Advertisement
Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 WordupNews.com