Tag Archives: Housing

Top Renovation Ideas for a Stronger, Safer Home

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Have you ever wondered if your home is truly built to handle life’s challenges? From harsh weather to everyday wear and tear, a strong and safe home is essential for peace of mind. Renovations aren’t just about improving how a house looks—they’re also about making it more secure and durable for the future.

Whether you’re considering small upgrades or major changes, investing in your home’s strength and safety is always worth it. With the right renovations, you can create a space that protects your family and stands the test of time.

In this blog, we will share renovation ideas that enhance your home’s safety and durability while boosting its value.

Strengthening Your Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. A strong roof protects against rain, wind, and snow while keeping the interior comfortable. If your roof is old or showing signs of damage, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

Working with a trusted roof replacement company can help you address issues like leaks, missing shingles, or structural problems. Professional roofers can recommend materials that are durable and suited to your local climate. A roof replacement not only strengthens your home but also adds to its overall value and appearance.

Upgrading Windows and Doors

Windows and doors play a big role in your home’s safety and energy efficiency. Old, drafty windows and weak doors can let in the elements and even compromise security. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient models helps keep your home secure and reduces heating and cooling costs.

Consider windows with impact-resistant glass if you live in an area prone to storms. For doors, choose sturdy materials like steel or fiberglass with secure locks. These upgrades create a safer environment and make your home more comfortable year-round.

Improving Foundation Stability

A strong foundation is critical for the safety and longevity of your home. Cracks in the foundation can lead to serious structural issues over time. If you notice cracks, uneven floors, or doors that don’t close properly, it’s worth consulting a professional to assess the problem.

Foundation repairs might involve sealing cracks, reinforcing walls, or installing drainage systems to prevent water damage. Strengthening your home’s foundation protects against future problems and adds long-term value.

Installing Modern HVAC Systems

An efficient HVAC system keeps your home comfortable while improving air quality. Outdated systems can struggle to maintain the right temperature and may use more energy than necessary. Upgrading to a modern system ensures better performance and can lower utility bills.

Consider adding air purifiers or humidity controls to improve indoor air quality further. A well-functioning HVAC system not only makes your home more comfortable but also contributes to a healthier living environment.

Adding Home Security Features

Home security is a key part of creating a safe living space. Modern security systems include features like smart locks, cameras, and motion sensors that you can control from your smartphone. These tools provide real-time updates and peace of mind.

If you prefer simpler options, installing outdoor lighting, deadbolts, or window bars can also enhance your home’s security. Combining these features makes it easier to protect your family and belongings.

Reinforcing Walls and Ceilings

Walls and ceilings can weaken over time due to water damage, pests, or aging materials. Reinforcing them with modern building materials makes your home more durable. This may include adding drywall, insulation, or waterproofing treatments.

For areas prone to earthquakes or extreme weather, retrofitting walls with braces or anchors can provide extra protection. These upgrades keep your home safe while improving its energy efficiency and comfort.

Installing Storm-Resistant Features

For homeowners in areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, storm-resistant upgrades are essential. Reinforced doors, storm shutters, and impact-resistant windows can help protect your home from high winds and flying debris.

You might also consider adding a storm shelter or safe room for added safety. These features provide peace of mind during severe weather and can be a valuable selling point if you decide to move.

Modernizing Plumbing and Electrical Systems

Outdated plumbing and electrical systems can pose safety risks and reduce your home’s efficiency. Old pipes may leak or burst, while outdated wiring can lead to electrical fires.

Updating these systems ensures that your home meets modern safety standards. Replace old pipes with durable materials like copper or PEX, and upgrade your electrical panel to handle today’s energy demands. These changes improve your home’s safety and functionality.

Including Fire Safety Features

Fire safety is an essential aspect of a stronger, safer home. Many homes lack modern fire prevention systems, which can increase risks in case of emergencies. Installing hardwired smoke detectors with battery backups is a critical upgrade that adds an extra layer of safety. These detectors are more reliable than battery-only models and can alert you to danger faster.

Adding fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen, garage, and hallways is another simple yet effective measure. For added protection, consider installing a fire sprinkler system, especially in older homes where risks may be higher due to outdated wiring or materials.

Updating Exterior Landscaping

Landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also enhance your home’s safety. Overgrown trees and shrubs can damage your home during storms or provide cover for potential intruders. Trimming branches, removing dead trees, and maintaining a clear yard improve safety and curb appeal.

You might also consider adding drainage systems or grading the land around your home to prevent water from pooling near the foundation. These updates protect your property from water damage while keeping it visually appealing.

Boosting Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient upgrades make your home more sustainable while saving money on utilities. Options like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and smart thermostats reduce energy usage and enhance your home’s value.

Adding insulation to walls, attics, and floors is another effective way to boost efficiency. These upgrades make your home more comfortable and environmentally friendly.

All in all, strengthening and securing your home through thoughtful renovations is one of the best investments you can make. Each upgrade adds value, protects your property, and creates a safer space for your family.

Take the time to evaluate your home’s current condition and prioritize changes that will have the biggest impact. Whether it’s a new roof, updated windows, or modern security features, every step brings you closer to a stronger, safer home. How will you make your house a better place to live?

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How to Fix Properly Crawl Space Problem?

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Are you having problems with your crawl space? If so, it’s probably time for it to be inspected. A wet crawl space floor can lead to a variety of problems for the home if you haven’t had it inspected. An often-ignored crawl space problem can lead to mold growth, damage to the structure of the home, as well as possible health hazards for the family. When a crawl space begins to leak, it’s important to immediately fix the problem. While waiting could result in further damage, it will also put you and your family at risk.

How to Fix a Crawl Space Problem in St Louis?

Most often, a homeowner tries to address crawl space repairs on their own without the proper tools or access to the right information. When this occurs, many homeowners discover that they were incorrectly doing something or were not working in the correct area.

This often leads to costly mistakes that could have been prevented. In some cases, a homeowner may try to tackle a crawl space problem on their own and find out that the problem is much larger than they originally thought. This can be especially true if a homeowner is inexperienced in crawl space maintenance.

Eliminate Mold:

How to Repair Crawl Space Problems in St Louis By hiring a professional company to help with crawl space repairs in St Louis, homeowners will eliminate mold from their homes in as little as three days. This time is significantly better than waiting for the mold to grow and only discover later that it had already spread into other parts of the home’s interior.

A professional company will use modern technology to safely repair various portions of a crawl space using environmentally safe products. These methods will also leave the crawl space completely free of mold and other harmful bacteria.

How to Properly Treat a Crawl Space Foundation?

When it comes to crawling space repairing in St Louis, there are two main options for addressing the problem. One option consists of removing the soil surrounding the foundation. This process is referred to as “scavenger cleaning.” The other option is to treat the soil surrounding the crawl space by using professional contractors who specialize in crawl space foundation repairs. If the foundation has been damaged, the professionals will install durable steel frames around the area to prevent future infestations.

Work Properly:

It is important to note that there are many different options when it comes to crawling space repairing. When seeking assistance for basement mold removal in St Louis, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place. There are several options when it comes to repairing a foundation. For one of these options to work properly, the foundation must be made level. To achieve this goal, it’s important to hire professionals who know how to accurately grade and level individual walls and footers.

Regardless of which type of foundation repair one chooses, St Louis mold removal professionals should be hired to ensure the job is done properly and up to code. Foundation repair can not only improve the quality of life for residents but can help prevent other structural problems from occurring. If foundation problems are detected before they become severe, a foundation specialist can make the necessary changes, get your house inspected, and restore your foundation to its original function and state.

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Why You Should Never Put Off Foundation Repairs

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The foundation of your home is what provides it with stability, and if any damage occurs it can create many difficult issues. Some people never expect their foundation to become damaged, and when this happens it leaves them wondering what to do. A lot of people are concerned about the expense of getting the damage repaired, and as a result, they often push the issue onto the back burner and fail to get it addressed.

However, this is something that can prove to be a serious and costly mistake, as foundation issues can have a huge impact on your home. It is important to ensure you get foundation repairs carried out as soon as you can and you must ensure they are completed by a professional with the right experience and expertise. In this article, we will look at some of the reasons you should never put off foundation repairs at your home.

Top Reasons to Get These Repairs Completed

There are many reasons why you need to ensure these repairs are carried out both professionally and quickly. Some of the top reasons you need to act are:

Avoid Serious Damage to Your Home

One of the top reasons to get these repairs carried out in a timely manner is to avoid serious damage to your home. When you have foundation problems, all sorts of serious issues can arise at your home including damage to walls and floors, sinking areas of concrete, and a drop in safety levels at your home. So, you need to get the repairs done quickly to try and avoid these issues or at least to minimize the impact.

Reduce the Cost of Repair

Another major reason you need to act quickly to get the repairs on your foundation sorted out is to keep the cost of the repair work down. While you may think that getting the foundation repaired is going to be expensive, it will cost you a whole lot more if you leave the problem to get worse. The more damage to the foundation, the more difficult it will be to repair and the most it will cost you to put right. In addition, the impact on other areas of your home will also be worse, and this will also then cost more to sort out.

Maintain Your Property Value

One other key consideration is the value of your home, which can be heavily impacted by the state of your foundation. If your foundation is damaged and repairs are not carried out, it can have a serious negative effect on your property value. In addition, the problems stemming from the foundation damage can also further impact the value of your home. If you decide you want to sell in the future, the foundation issues can make this far more difficult, and you will get far less for your home if you do sell.

These are some of the reasons you should never put off foundation work at your home. 
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The Great British Family Report 2017

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Frost magazine found the The Great British Family Report 2017 very interesting indeed. How do you match up?

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NO MONEY, NO TIME, NO PATIENCE – BUT NINE IN TEN BRITISH FAMILIES ARE HAPPY

 

  • Great British Family Report paints picture of typical family in 2017 – from work to finances
  • Biggest worries include money, children’s happiness and lack of quality time spent with kids
  • Mums much more hands-on with chores – but also control the purse-strings
  • But despite pressures of family life, 91 per cent of British families are happy and content

 

A portrait of British family life in 2017 reveals parents are under constant pressure as they juggle finances, kids and responsibilities, according to a new report. But despite the burden of family life, more than nine in ten parents (91%) are happy with life.

 

Nationwide’s Great British Family Report was commissioned to produce both a snapshot of the average family but also to highlight the pressures affecting parents – from the costs of living, to the struggles many face in fulfilling their roles as parents, partners and workers.

 

The report, which polled 2,000 families, shows that, on average, families have two children, a pet dog, an income of £29,688 a year, live in a three-bed house and drive a Ford Focus. However, the insight also shows parents work an average of 30 hours a week and invest as much time doing household chores as spending time together (18 hours).  The survey also reveals that women are far more likely to manage the household finances than men and also do an average of seven hours more housework per week.

 

Average family

The poll shows that British families tend to have two children (45%), while around a fifth (19%) have three and nine per cent have four or more. The average age for starting to have children is 27 years old, with the second child arriving at the age of 30. Those with three children tend to have their third at 33 years old.

 

As well as children, the families surveyed had an average of one pet, with a dog being the companion of choice, closely followed by a cat. In terms of the cars they drive, the most popular family vehicle is a Ford Focus. The average amount spent on the main family car is just under £9,000 (£8,911).

 

Two thirds (67%) of parents are married, according to the research, with one in ten (10%) either single, divorced or separated.

 

British families also enjoy an average of two holidays together a year, one in the UK and one abroad.  While one in eight families (13%) aren’t able to go on holiday together at all. Nearly a third of families (30%) spend more than ten per cent of their annual income on holidays per year – demonstrating the importance many place on relaxing and having dedicated time with loved ones.

 

Family finances

The survey shows that women are more likely to control the family finances, with over a third of women (38%) saying they manage the budget, compared to just a quarter (27%) of men. The average household earns £29,688 a year, with one in five (20%) earning £18,000 or less. Families have an average of around£8,000 squirreled away in savings for themselves, while the average savings of the eldest child is £2,723. Families owe an average of £1,618 on credit cards, £1,315 on personal loans, £1,496 on student loans, £896 on car finance and nearly £500 is owed to the bank of mum and dad. Around one in ten families polled (11%) have more than £20,000 in savings.

 

When all the main bills have been paid, families polled say they’ve got an average of £183 of disposable income a week to spend for the whole family, which amounts to around £46 per person, per week, assuming a family of four. While two in five (41%) say they have less than £115 spare cash.

 

But with most of their money going on bills, entertaining the kids, paying school and childcare costs, parentssay they only spend an average of £30 a month per household on themselves for things like hobbies and luxury items.

 

Childcare and school costs

Just over half (51%) of British families surveyed use childcare, including breakfast and afterschool clubs, with children attending sessions two days a week on average.  This costs families around £2,000 each year. However, school is also expensive, with clubs, activities, kit and extra tuition costing families a sizeable £800 per year on average. This comprises of:

  • £171 spent on clubs at school
  • £224 spent on school activities
  • £261 spent on school kit
  • £145 spent on extra tuition

 

Our house

The poll shows that British families have an average of three bedrooms, two toilets, one family room and one toy room.

 

Parents spent an average of just under four-and-a-half times their household income when they bought their family home, with the majority (78%) of families having a mortgage of £164,695 still to pay off.  Althoughone in ten (10%) are lucky enough to own their home outright.

 

Technology plays an important part in the modern family home, with families saying they own an average oftwo televisions, two tablets, two laptops, one computer, three phones and two games consoles.

 

The average overall value of these household tech items was £806 for televisions, £398 for tablets, £560 for laptops, £381 for computers, £562 for phones and £379 for game consoles. Toys around the house tally up to an average value of £587.

 

Happy families

According to the Nationwide poll, 91 per cent of parents’ class themselves as happy with family life, with nearly a third (31%) saying they are extremely happy. This is despite parents conceding they argue with family members on average twice a week and find themselves spending the same amount of time doing household chores (18 hours on average) as the time they spend together (18 hours).

 

The research also found that families spend an average of ten hours a week watching television, but only six hours a week spending quality time together – defined as time spent with children completely undistracted. Getting in the way of this includes work (44% of parents reported this as the top reason), household chores (34%) and children using TV and gadgets to pass the time (25%). Nearly double the amount of women (40%) than men (22%) say chores get in the way of family time, while more men (58%) than women (36%) say work is to blame.

 

However, the tradition of the family meal is still a firm staple for British households with the poll showing that families eat together at the table on average four times a week, compared to only twice a week in front of the television. British families polled have an average of one family takeaway together each week.

 

Family routine

Research into the household routine highlights that mums and dads work an average of 30 hours a week, with men doing around 35 hours and women doing around 25 hours.  The average family day consists of:

  • 6.50am – get out of bed
  • 8.10am – leave for work
  • 7.45pm – put the kids to bed
  • 8.11pm – relax for the evening
  • 9.58pm – go to bed (parents claim to get just over six-and-a-half hours sleep a night).

 

Entertaining kids

Families spend an average of £558 per annum keeping their children entertained or busy, although many manage to keep their offspring busy without needing to spend a penny. The top five ways parents keep their children busy are:

  1. 65% watch a film at home
  2. 53% go for walks or outdoor activities
  3. 52% discuss their day or week
  4. 50% help children with homework
  5. 48% let their children entertain themselves

 

Gadget time also plays a large part of keeping children entertained in British households, with a third (35%) of parents admitting to using gadgets in this way.

 

Family chores

Parents despise a whole range of chores, with constantly tidying up after children considered the worst chore of all. The top five worst chores include:

  1. Constantly tidying up after children (27%)
  2. Getting jobs done around the house (22%)
  3. Disciplining children (18%)
  4. Getting children to bed (16%)
  5. Getting them to put the iPad down or turn the TV off (16%)

 

Women despise parental chores more than men, with more than one in five (21%) men saying they don’t have a problem with any of them, compared to just one in nine (12%) women. However, women do a good seven hours more household chores a week than men.

 

Worries

When it comes to worries, money tops the poll for two in five (41%), while around third (34%) worry about their children’s happiness and almost a third (31%) feel they don’t spend enough quality time with their children. Men’s worries centre around work, with over a quarter (27%) concerned about work life balance, compared to nearly one in five women (19%). However, women’s worries centre around children, with nearly a third (31%) concerned that they are not a good parent, compared to nearly one in five men (19%).

 

Regrets

Two in five (40%) families wish they had saved more, over a third (37%) regret not travelling more and a quarter (25%) wish they had earned more. Around one in six (16%) regret working too many hours, with men (20%) regretting this more than women (13%). While 13 per cent wished they had more children, although this was more of a regret for women (15%) than men (8%).

 

Guilt

Losing patience with children so easily (45%) topped the poll when it comes to guilt, followed by allowing too much gadget time (27%) and wishing they had spent more time together as a family (24%). This may be the reason why more than a quarter of parents (27%) are concerned that they might not be good parents, or are not doing enough for their family (21%).

 

Phil Smith, Nationwide’s Head of Current Accounts said: “Our report shows that family life isn’t always easy, with home ownership, striking a work-life balance and keeping the children entertained a fine art. But while it is clear that time is at a premium and finances are being squeezed, it’s heart-warming to know that through thick and thin the vast majority of us are happy.

 

“As Britain’s biggest building society, we naturally see lots of families in our branches. One of the things we notice is that regardless of their financial circumstances, they all have the same need – to have peace of mind that they can manage their money”.

 

 

2017 Rental Affordability Index

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  • To rent the recommended space for one person, Londoners must pay an average of £963.76 per month.

  • On average, Londoners must earn a gross salary of at least £3,323.07 per month to afford to live alone and meet additional living costs. That equates to a gross salary of £39,876.84 per year.

  • A family living in London must earn an average of £6,305.31 per month to cover rent plus living costs. That equates to a gross salary of £75,663.72 per year.

affordabilityrenting

Nested.com, the London based online estate agent, produced the Rental Affordability Index. The study illustrates the price of renting per square metre in 33 London boroughs, 15 UK cities and 72 cities worldwide. Based on this, the research could further convey the minimum gross salary required to support an individual and a family of four in rented property, based on the minimum space recommended for one person, and for a family.

The comprehensive study was undertaken in order to understand the costs associated with renting as an individual and as a family, and to determine whether cities are becoming increasingly unaffordable. The inclusion of specific results for each of the 33 London boroughs allows easy comparison between regional and global cities to the UK capital, with its much-publicised unaffordability. 

The price per square metre of property was calculated based upon current market listings for all locations researched, whilst the minimum space recommended for one person and four people is laid out in guidelines from the Greater London Authority.1 The gross salary guideline was included to help illustrate relative affordability.2 

London

  • To rent a property of the minimum space recommended for one person, Londoners must on average pay £963.76 per month.

  • Taking into account the recommended maximum 29% of income which should be spent on rent,2 on average a Londoner needs to earn a gross salary of £3,323.07 per month to live alone. This equates to £39,876.84 per year.

  • In London, the minimum space recommended for a  family of four requires a monthly income of £6,305.31. This equates to an annual salary of £75,663.72.

  • The least affordable borough to rent in London is Kensington and Chelsea, where rent per square metre is £72.40 per month. 

  • To afford to rent alone and cover additional living costs in Kensington and Chelsea, an individual needs an income of £9,736.55 per month, or £116,838.60 per year.

  • To afford the rent for the minimum space recommended for a family of four in Kensington and Chelsea, a monthly income of £18,474.48 is needed. This is equal to an annual income of £221,693.76.

  • The most affordable borough to rent in London is Bexley, where rent per square metre is £13.30 per month. 

  • To afford to rent alone and cover additional living costs in Bexley, an individual must earn an income of £1,788.62 per month, or £21,463.44 per year.

  • To afford the rent for the minimum space recommended for a family of four in Bexley, a monthly income of £3,393.79 would be required, equal to an annual income of £40,725.48.

 

The results for London, ranked by the cost of rental per square per metre, are as follows:

Borough

Cost Per Sq. Metre

Monthly Rental for a Single Person 

Yearly Income Needed to Afford Single Person Rental 

Monthly Rental for a Family 

Yearly Income Needed for to Afford Family Rental

1

Kensington & Chelsea

£72.40

£2,823.60

£116,838.60

£5,357.60

£221,693.76

2

City of Westminster

£54.82

£2,137.98

£88,468.08

£4,056.68

£167,862.60

3

City of London

£44.42

£1,732.38

£71,684.64

£3,287.08

£136,017.12

4

Camden

£39.50

£1,540.50

£63,744.84

£2,923.00

£120,951.72

5

Hammersmith & Fulham

£32.86

£1,281.54

£53,029.20

£2,431.64

£100,619.64

6

Islington

£32.34

£1,261.26

£52,190.04

£2,393.16

£99,027.36

7

Wandsworth

£31.69

£1,235.91

£51,141.12

£2,345.06

£97,036.92

8

Southwark

£31.29

£1,220.31

£50,495.64

£2,315.46

£95,812.08

9

Lambeth

£30.53

£1,190.67

£49,269.12

£2,259.22

£93,484.92

10

Haringey

£26.65

£1,039.35

£43,007.64

£1,972.10

£81,604.08

11

Hackney

£25.72

£1,003.08

£41,506.80

£1,903.28

£78,756.36

12

Richmond upon Thames

£23.49

£916.11

£37,908.00

£1,738.26

£71,928.00

13

Merton

£22.42

£874.38

£36,181.20

£1,659.08

£68,651.64

14

Tower Hamlets

£21.70

£846.30

£35,019.36

£1,605.80

£66,446.88

15

Barnet

£21.67

£845.13

£34,970.88

£1,603.58

£66,355.08

16

Brent

£20.89

£814.71

£33,712.08

£1,545.86

£63,966.60

17

Kingston upon Thames

£20.50

£799.50

£33,082.80

£1,517.00

£62,772.36

18

Ealing

£20.47

£798.33

£33,034.32

£1,514.78

£62,680.56

19

Enfield

£19.00

£741.00

£30,662.04

£1,406.00

£58,179.36

20

Waltham Forest

£17.70

£690.30

£28,564.08

£1,309.80

£54,198.60

21

Hounslow

£17.47

£681.33

£28,192.92

£1,292.78

£53,494.32

22

Harrow

£17.17

£669.63

£27,708.84

£1,270.58

£52,575.72

23

Lewisham

£16.82

£655.98

£27,144.00

£1,244.68

£51,504.00

24

Greenwich

£16.52

£644.28

£26,659.92

£1,222.48

£50,585.40

25

Newham

£16.50

£643.50

£26,627.64

£1,221.00

£50,524.08

26

Sutton

£16.08

£627.12

£25,949.76

£1,189.92

£49,238.04

27

Redbridge

£15.92

£620.88

£25,691.64

£1,178.08

£48,748.08

28

Hillingdon

£15.83

£617.37

£25,546.32

£1,171.42

£48,472.56

29

Bromley

£15.70

£612.30

£25,336.56

£1,161.80

£48,074.52

30

Croydon

£15.30

£596.70

£24,691.08

£1,132.20

£46,849.68

31

Barking & Dagenham

£14.94

£582.66

£24,110.04

£1,105.56

£45,747.36

32

Havering

£13.88

£541.32

£22,399.44

£1,027.12

£42,501.48

33

Bexley

£13.30

£518.70

£21,463.44

£984.20

£40,725.48

Average across 33 boroughs

£24.71

£963.69

£39,876.84

£1,828.54

£75,663.72

 

UK cities: 

  • The second most expensive UK city for rent prices is Edinburgh at a cost of £12.85 per square metre. 

  • The most affordable city to rent property is Belfast at £6.29 per square metre.  

  • An income of £1,728.10 per month is needed for single habitation in Edinburgh. That equates to an annual salary of £20,737.20 per year 

  • To afford family rental in Edinburgh, a monthly income of £3,278.97 is needed. That equates to an annual income of £39,347.64.

  • An income of just £845.90 per month is needed for single habitation in Belfast. That equates to an annual salary of £10,150.80 per year.

  • To afford family rental in Belfast, a monthly income of just £1,605.03 is needed. That equates to an annual income of  £19,260.36.

  • Single rental in London is more expensive than family rental in any other UK city.  

  • Three of the UK cities made the top 50 global cities list (London, Edinburgh and Bristol)

 

The top 15 results for the UK cities list, ranked by the cost of rental per square per metre, are as follows:

City

Cost Per Sq. Metre

Monthly Rental for a Single Person 

Yearly Income Needed to Afford Single Person Rental 

Monthly Rental for a Family  

Yearly Income Needed for to Afford Family Rental

1

London3 

£24.71

£963.69

£39,876.84

£1,828.54

£75,663.72

2

Edinburgh

£12.85

£501.15

£20,737.20

£950.90

£39,347.64

3

Bristol

£11.22

£437.58

£18,106.80

£830.28

£34,356.36

4

Southampton

£10.68

£416.52

£17,235.36

£790.32

£32,702.88

5

Manchester

£9.79

£381.81

£15,799.08

£724.46

£29,977.68

6

Aberdeen

£9.61

£374.79

£15,508.56

£711.14

£29,426.52

7

Cardiff

£9.24

£360.36

£14,911.44

£683.76

£28,293.48

8

Leeds

£8.92

£347.88

£14,395.08

£660.08

£27,313.68

9

Nottingham

£8.83

£344.37

£14,249.76

£653.42

£27,038.04

10

Sheffield

£8.54

£333.06

£13,781.76

£631.96

£26,150.04

11

Birmingham

£8.51

£331.89

£13,733.40

£629.74

£26,058.24

12

Newcastle

£8.47

£330.33

£13,668.84

£626.78

£25,935.72

13

Glasgow

£8.31

£324.09

£13,410.60

£614.94

£25,445.76

14

Liverpool

£7.19

£280.41

£11,603.16

£532.06

£22,016.28

15

Belfast

£6.29

£245.31

£10,150.80

£465.46

£19,260.36

Global cities:

  • Of the 120 locations included in the ranking, San Francisco is the most expensive city to rent property outside of London, at £42.81 per square metre. 

  • To afford to rent alone and cover additional living costs in San Francisco, an individual must earn £5,757.21 per month. This equates to £69,086.52 per year.

  • To afford rent for the minimum space recommended for a family of four in San Francisco, an income of £10,923.93 per month is needed. This equates to £131,087.16 per year.

  • Of the 120 locations included, Cairo is the cheapest city to rent property, at just £3.05 per square metre. 

  • To afford to rent alone and cover additional living costs in Cairo, an individual must earn £410.17 per month. This equates to £4,922.04 per year.

  • To afford the rent for the minimum space recommended for a family of four in Cairo, a monthly income of £778.28 is needed. This equates to £9,339.36 per year. 

 

The top 50 results for the global cities list, ranked by the cost of rental per square per metre, are as follows:

City

Cost Per Sq. Metre

Monthly Rental for a Single Person 

Yearly Income Needed to Afford Single Person Rental

Monthly Rental for a Family 

Yearly Income Needed for to Afford Family Rental

1

San Francisco, USA

£42.81

£1,669.59

£69,086.52

£3,167.94

£131,087.16

2

New York City, USA

£41.03

£1,600.17

£66,213.96

£3,036.22

£125,636.64

3

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

£33.14

£1,292.46

£53,481.12

£2,452.36

£101,476.92

4

Dubai, UAE

£30.49

£1,189.11

£49,204.56

£2,256.26

£93,362.52

5

Singapore, Singapore

£28.84

£1,124.76

£46,541.76

£2,134.16

£88,310.04

6

Washington D.C., USA

£28.73

£1,120.47

£46,364.28

£2,126.02

£87,973.20

7

Geneva, Switzerland

£26.66

£1,039.74

£43,023.72

£1,972.84

£81,634.80

8

Sydney, Australia

£25.30

£986.70

£40,828.92

£1,872.20

£77,470.32

9

Zurich, Switzerland

£25.19

£982.41

£40,651.44

£1,864.06

£77,133.48

10

Los Angeles, USA

£24.75

£965.25

£39,941.40

£1,831.50

£75,786.24

11

London, UK3 

£24.71

£963.69

£39,876.84

£1,828.54

£75,663.72

12

Miami, USA

£24.53

£956.67

£39,586.32

£1,815.22

£75,112.56

13

Chicago, USA

£21.52

£839.28

£34,728.84

£1,592.48

£65,895.72

14

Copenhagen, Denmark

£20.40

£795.60

£32,921.40

£1,509.60

£62,466.24

15

Tokyo, Japan

£20.20

£787.80

£32,598.60

£1,494.80

£61,853.76

16

Vancouver, Canada

£20.00

£780.00

£32,275.92

£1,480.00

£61,241.40

17

Amsterdam, Netherlands

£19.54

£762.06

£31,533.48

£1,445.96

£59,832.84

18

Paris, France

£18.93

£738.27

£30,549.12

£1,400.82

£57,964.92

19

Melbourne, Australia

£18.18

£709.02

£29,338.80

£1,345.32

£55,668.36

20

Oslo, Norway

£17.39

£678.21

£28,063.92

£1,286.86

£53,249.40

21

Reykjavik, Iceland

£17.34

£676.26

£27,983.16

£1,283.16

£53,096.28

22

Stockholm, Sweden

£17.28

£673.92

£27,886.32

£1,278.72

£52,912.56

23

Dublin, Ireland

£16.81

£655.59

£27,127.92

£1,243.94

£51,473.40

24

Seoul, South Korea

£16.36

£638.04

£26,401.68

£1,210.64

£50,095.44

25

Toronto, Canada

£16.32

£636.48

£26,337.12

£1,207.68

£49,972.92

26

Auckland, New Zealand

£16.24

£633.36

£26,208.00

£1,201.76

£49,728.00

27

Brisbane, Australia

£16.12

£628.68

£26,014.32

£1,192.88

£49,360.56

28

Helsinki, Finland

£15.92

£620.88

£25,691.64

£1,178.08

£48,748.08

29

Beijing, China

£15.80

£616.20

£25,497.96

£1,169.20

£48,380.64

30

Perth, Australia

£15.48

£603.72

£24,981.48

£1,145.52

£47,400.84

31

Munich, Germany

£15.26

£595.14

£24,626.52

£1,129.24

£46,727.16

32

Shanghai, China

£15.17

£591.63

£24,481.20

£1,122.58

£46,451.64

33

Milan, Italy

£15.00

£585.00

£24,206.88

£1,110.00

£45,931.08

34

Rome, Italy

£14.54

£567.06

£23,464.56

£1,075.96

£44,522.52

35

Tel Aviv, Israel

£14.51

£565.89

£23,416.08

£1,073.74

£44,430.60

36

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

£13.71

£534.69

£22,125.12

£1,014.54

£41,980.92

37

Edinburgh, UK

£12.85

£501.15

£20,737.20

£950.90

£39,347.64

38

Dusseldorf, Germany

£12.68

£494.52

£20,462.88

£938.32

£38,827.08

39

Madrid, Spain

£12.04

£469.56

£19,430.04

£890.96

£36,867.36

40

Hamburg, Germany

£11.99

£467.61

£19,349.40

£887.26

£36,714.24

41

Vienna, Austria

£11.88

£463.32

£19,171.92

£879.12

£36,377.40

42

Taipei, Taiwan

£11.88

£463.32

£19,171.92

£879.12

£36,377.40

43

Brussels, Belgium

£11.85

£462.15

£19,123.44

£876.90

£36,285.48

44

Moscow, Russia

£11.60

£452.40

£18,720.00

£858.40

£35,520.00

45

Bristol, UK

£11.22

£437.58

£18,106.80

£830.28

£34,356.36

46

Berlin, Germany

£10.81

£421.59

£17,445.12

£799.94

£33,100.92

47

Southampton, UK

£10.68

£416.52

£17,235.36

£790.32

£32,702.88

48

Osaka, Japan

£10.29

£401.31

£16,605.96

£761.46

£31,508.64

49

Jakarta, Indonesia

£10.28

£400.92

£16,589.76

£760.72

£31,478.04

50

Barcelona, Spain

£10.27

£400.53

£16,573.68

£759.98

£31,447.44

Top 10 Unobtainable Dreams For Young People

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“We’ll Never Achieve Our Dreams,” Say Three Quarters of Young BritsMillennial have it hard, that is common knowledge. Tuition fees are higher than ever, houses are too expensive, and, if you are lucky to go to university or buy a home, the debt will be huge. Sadly, it seems that three quarters of young Brits feel like they will never achieve their dreams. It is not true of course. Everyone can and Frost will be publishing lots of finance and work articles to help you achieve your dreams. We want to give people the power to take hold of their own lives. Contact us to let us know what you want us to cover, or how you feel about your life in general. Meanwhile, let us now if you agree with the latest stats below.

 

Having a successful career, going to university and owning a house are seen as ‘fantasies’ for millions of young people, according to new research.

 

Three quarters of Brits aged 16-25 are also unconvinced they’ll ever be able to land a job they love – something which was far more achievable for the previous generation.

 

Eight in 10 young people said they fear other people going for the same positions as them are stronger candidates with better CVs and better experience.

 

One in 10 don’t think they’ll be able to go to university, while owning a house is considered to be completely unobtainable by 40 per cent of respondents.

 

Living debt free, being able to cope without relying on parents for financial support, and earning more than the average British salary of £26,500 are also seen as unattainable.

 

While the study of 1,500 16 to 25 year-olds, conducted by vInspired to mark the end of Volunteers’ Week 2016, also found out 42 per cent consider travelling the world to be a pipedream.

 

Jessica Taplin, CEO of vInspired, the UK’s leading youth volunteering charity, said: “The results highlight the pressures young people face today.

 

“Access to the job market, uncertain financial futures and mental health issues are all problems we see young people come up against first-hand.

 

“However, we believe that there are other ways young people can gain valuable experience and make them more employable despite some challenging economic circumstances.”

 

Many young adults don’t think they’ll ever be able to move to a major city such as London or Manchester due to high living costs, competition for jobs and house prices.

 

A further 15 per cent say they have no hope of ever buying their own car, and 17 per cent say having a family seems unrealistic at the moment.

 

Going to University feels unachievable for 13 per cent of those aged 16 to 25, while 16 per cent don’t feel like anyone would ever want to take a chance of them.

 

When it comes to securing their ideal job, seven in 10 people polled said the competition nowadays is so intense they would need completely new qualifications in order to stand any chance at all of success.

 

Yet 87 per cent of respondents said the high cost of gaining an education is massively impacting their chances of getting the job they’ve always wanted.

 

But three quarters of people polled recognise that doing voluntary work would make them more employable.

 

Perhaps as a result, 77 per cent of respondents are currently volunteering or would consider doing so in the future.

 

Two thirds of Brits aged 16-25 said volunteering could inspire them to pursue a career they may not have otherwise considered.

 

And around 80 per cent of participants think volunteering can teach you things a degree or other postgraduate qualifications might not, thus making them more employable.

 

Two thirds of respondents said voluntary work meant they could “make a difference”, while over 56 per cent said it gives you motivation and half says it makes you more open-minded.

 

Jessica Taplin said: “We know that the skills young people gain when volunteering help increase wellbeing and lead to employability.

 

“So we’re delighted to see from this survey that so many young people really value their volunteering experience.

 

“vInspired is all about supporting young people into volunteering and enabling them to better harness the benefits of this.”

 

Nine in 10 respondents think it is harder now than ever before to standout from other job candidates.

 

TOP 10 UNOBTAINABLE DREAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

1. Travelling the world

2. Owning a house/getting on the property ladder

3. Earning more than the average British salary (£26,500)

4. Being debt free

5. Reaching the top of your career ladder

6. Getting a job you love

7. Not having to borrow additional funds to get by

8. Not having to depend on other people such as parents for financial support

9. Having the opportunity to gain experience in pursuit of your dream job

10. Moving to a major city such as London or Manchester

 

 

Statistics From Think Tank NLA Reveal Frightening Extent of London Housing Crisis

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Gillray's Steakhouse and Bar view London EyeSome interesting and shocking news today on the London Housing Crisis. New London Architecture (NLA), the capital’s think tank on the city’s built environment, has today announced a series of findings from their insight study into the London housing shortage. The research gathered by former Development Director at Peabody, Claire Bennie, has formed the basis of their forthcoming exhibition New Ideas for Housing. The exhibition examines London’s housing market, past and present, as well as the results of an extensive global ideas competition, set-up with the Mayor of London to tackle the shortfall.

Current statistics show that the capital’s population has now hit record numbers and is set to keep rising. It is estimated that we need 40,000 new homes every year for 20 years to deal with the current population increase and a further 9,000 a year, on top, just to catch up on the deficit. Current delivery of new homes stands at between 20-25,000 a year, this means the delivery of new homes has to at least double from its current rate.

Earlier this year, London’s population passed its previous peak of 8.6 million people, and future projections suggest there will be 9 million people in London by 2020, 10 million by 2030 and 11 million by 2050, adding nearly 70,000 people and 34,000 jobs every year.

The comparison in quality of life between homeowners and those renting properties is creating a widening gap amongst Londoners. 40-50% of all renting households in London are living in poverty whilst 40% of owner-occupied homes have two or more spare bedrooms. The proportion of 25-34 years olds owning their own homes has fallen from 59% to 36% in less than a decade and the current population figures show that 80% of all new housing is only affordable for 20% of Londoners.

A rise in renting is a common theme throughout the research with a third of all privately owned homes now rented out. Successful European models show that long-term renting can act as a possible solution, but this would mean a large-scale change across the industry in the way that housing is funded and delivered. Developers such as Argent are already looking into large build-to-rent developments that could change the way we live in the capital.

Contrary to popular belief that many of London’s developments second-homes for foreign millionaires, only 121,000 homes are recorded to be ‘empty’. However, there has been a significant growth in properties bought as investments, currently 61% of all new homes are bought with the no intention of occupying (Molior London).

80% of households bring in less than £45,000 a year and with house prices rising by 18% last year and living wages only rising by 2.1%, a revised approached to the capital’s housing market needs addressing.

Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture, rallied this call for change by saying: “There is no silver bullet to solve London’s housing crisis – we need to look at lots of smaller and innovative contributions to fill in the gap left by the traditional providers”

Claire Bennie, Architect and Housing Development Specialist, and former Development Director at Peabody, commented: ‘Housing London is the pressing issue of our time: we now need to implement the best solutions from this competition without delay so that our young people can settle and thrive in this great metropolis.’

Greater London is a relatively low-density city and covers 152,200 hectares of land. If all of London’s residents were standing in a grid, they would be spaced 14m apart but if London continues to grow upwards and outwards then there is the potential to create 470,000 new homes over the next 20 years. There is currently an estimated 75,000 hectares of available space in Greater London and with the potential to create to 100,000 homes on sites as small as 0.25 hectares the density of city must improve. The NLA exhibition New Ideas for Housing will explore some of the most innovative solutions to the housing crisis and what is next for London.

Channel 4 commissions Benefits Street live

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After only one episode Benefits Street became one of the most controversial television shows, sparking debate and a slew of articles. After the controversy (which included a petition for Channel 4 to stop broadcasting the show attracting 17,000 signatures after only one episode, so much for free speech), Channel 4 has commissioned a live debate.

BenefitsStreet_logo_wChannel 4’s Head of Special Programmes, Ed Havard, has commissioned Mentorn Media to produce a 1 x 60 live debate around the issues brought to the fore by the observational documentary series Benefits Street. This series, filmed over the course of 12 months, documents the reality of life on a street in Birmingham where the majority of households are dependent on benefits and in an area of Birmingham that has had the highest rate of unemployment in the country for the last eight years. It has attracted a great deal of attention – generating tens of thousands of responses on Twitter, press headlines and questions raised in parliament.

Channel 4 Head of Factual, Ralph Lee, says: “This is a series which reflects the reality of day-to-day life for some of the residents of a single street who, for the most part, rely on benefits to survive. It does not and never has set out to reflect the experiences of every person who receives benefits yet it has triggered a national debate about state welfare at a time in which further welfare reforms are being proposed. We feel it is timely to provide a forum in which these issues can be raised and discussed.”

The programme will be live and interactive allowing viewers to submit questions; it will be chaired by broadcaster Richard Bacon. The panellists will be confirmed closer to transmission but will represent the views across the political spectrum – and crucially those who claim benefits.

It will be broadcast at 10pm on Monday 10th February, directly after the final episode of the five-part documentary series airs. The Executive Producer is Mentorn Media’s Director of Current Affairs Hayley Valentine, she says: “It is vital that voices on all sides are heard, and we are pleased to be providing a forum for both public figures and viewers to debate the series that has brought a pertinent political issue to life so vividly.”