Author: Sam Allcock

The end of leasehold flats: what it means for landlords and property owners Key Points: The leasehold system in England and Wales is on its way out—at least for new builds. In a move that has sparked both celebration and concern, the government is moving forward with plans to ban the sale of new leasehold flats and shift towards a commonhold model. “While this is a win for those leaseholders who are tired of unpredictable service charges and lack of control, landlords and property owners are bracing for a sea change in how they manage their investments,” says Alex Cook,…

From well-known marvels to lesser-known treasures, these sites are a must-visit Whilst ‘Instagrammable’ and ‘cultural heritage’ might sound like an unusual pairing, social media has for the most part replaced brochures and travel guides to inspire where travellers choose to go on holiday. Instagram data reveals that there’s something timeless and captivating about visiting historical sites as millions flock to Instagram to share their experiences. With travellers increasingly favouring experiential travel, ancient ruins seem to offer the perfect blend of history, culture, and beauty, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past in a profound way. Saga Holidays analysed the…

As economic pressures and remote work opportunities drive more Britons to consider life abroad, many are surprised to discover that the financial reality of international relocation extends far beyond flight tickets and shipping costs. Despite extensive research, thousands of UK residents who relocate internationally each year find themselves unprepared for the hidden expenses and financial adjustments accompanying a move overseas. Paul Stewart, founder of My Baggage, breaks down the hidden costs of moving abroad for Britons in 2025: The Visa Investment Beyond the basic application fees (which vary significantly by destination), visa requirements often include proof of substantial savings, guaranteed income,…

The cost of fitness: new data reveals the cheapest UK cities for gym memberships in 2025 Key Findings: As of 2024, around 10.7 million people in the UK held gym memberships, showcasing the nation’s growing obsession with health and fitness. However, the cost of staying in shape varies greatly depending on where you live. Lynne Murphy is a food expert at Nutri Lean, a meal delivery service specialising in fresh, healthy, low-calorie, and high-protein meals. To uncover the best cities for affordable gym access in 2025, she and the team at Nutri Lean analysed membership prices at five highly rated…

World Obesity Day, observed annually on March 4th, raises awareness about the global obesity epidemic and its associated risks. The World Obesity Federation organizes this day to focus on the causes of obesity and ways to prevent it. While obesity is linked to several health complications like diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, it’s important to recognize that some habits deemed “healthy” might inadvertently contribute to weight gain. Here, we uncover the surprising behaviors that may increase your risk of obesity. Understanding the Hidden Risks of “Healthy” Habits 1. Low-Fat and Diet Foods: Not Always as Healthy as They Seem…

The UK mortgage market experienced substantial growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to UK Finance’s latest Household Finance Review. Both first-time buyers and home movers saw an increase of nearly a third compared to the same period in 2023. The trend is expected to continue into early 2025, driven by favorable borrowing conditions and anticipated changes to Stamp Duty thresholds. Growth in Mortgage Activity Amid Economic Uncertainty Despite ongoing concerns about economic uncertainty, UK Finance reported that the mortgage market exceeded expectations in 2024. Falling interest rates throughout most of the year contributed to a 16.4% increase in…

Wearable devices like smartwatches and smart glasses are becoming more advanced every year. However, experts believe that smartphones will remain essential for the foreseeable future, largely due to the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI). At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, wearable technology took center stage alongside AI-powered smartphones. Companies showcased cutting-edge smart glasses and other wearables, yet industry leaders agree that these gadgets still have significant hurdles to overcome before challenging smartphones as primary digital tools. Smart Glasses: Progress but Not a Replacement For over a decade, smart glasses have been touted as the future of…

UK Food Expert Reveals 7 Budget-Friendly Ways To Boost Protein Intake. Smart shopping and simple swaps can cut your protein costs in half Key Points: Our beginning-of-year fitness resolutions often collide with tightening budgets, leaving many gym-goers struggling to fuel their workouts properly. While protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle, speciality protein products can quickly drain your wallet with their premium price tags. “Many people think increasing protein intake means spending more, but that’s simply not true,” says Lynne Murphy, meal prep expert at Nutri Lean, a meal delivery service specialising in fresh, healthy, high-protein meals designed for…

Planning to Drive Abroad? Car Rental Expert Reveals 5 Laws You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road. Expert shares the key driving laws tourists often overlook—and how to avoid costly and even dangerous mistakes Key Points: Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, driving in a foreign country comes with its own set of rules and requirements. From licensing regulations to local road laws, failing to prepare can lead to unexpected fines, rental issues, or even being unable to drive at all. “Many travellers assume they can drive abroad as easily as they do at home, but every…

Special legislation demanded to protect holiday park customers from consumer abuse, similar to timeshare laws Timeshare crimewave No matter how successful a business, there is always a percentage of companies who skate close to the lines of legality and morality. Then there are those who ignore the lines altogether. In the 1960s timeshare was launched as a genuine solution to real world travel problems. People could basically pay a premium to guarantee themselves five star accommodation in exclusive resorts. In the decades that followed, the industry descended into hyper aggressive, unfair sales practices and other abuses which resulted in a raft of…