Welcome to the Homewise Blog

Discover our top tips for moving home and enjoying your retirement. Topics include home improvement and gardening ideas, property tips and free resources to help you with your move.

We help people over 60 years old every day, so why not take a moment to read our quick guides which can help you too, just click on the categories below to filter the articles by topic.

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All articles Property and Moving Home Home and Garden Retirement Lifestyle Homewise Team and Events
Couple running in park

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4 easy ways to introduce exercise into your retirement

Being active is an excellent way to remain physically and mentally well in retirement. Here are 4 easy ways you can introduce exercise into your routine right away!

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Young girl painting egg

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Eggcellent activities - Easter fun for all ages!

During the Easter holidays the weather can be unpredictable... Are you running out of ideas to keep the grandchildren entertained? Try these top 5 Easter-themed activities, perfect for all ages and in any weather!

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Static Park Home

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Advertising a park home for sale: where to live next?

If you're planning for the future and thinking about selling your park home, you’ll need to know what options are available for your next home. Should you rent, buy or something else?

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Mark Neal at Guild Care

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PRESS RELEASE: Homewise presents Guild Care a cheque for £300

Homewise presents Guild Care with a cheque, celebrating the previous year's volunteering and fundraising efforts for the local charity who support the older community in Worthing.

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Isle of Wight

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Relocating to South East England

The South East offers scenic countryside and wonderful places to visit. If you’re considering moving to a new area, discover why relocating to Kent, Sussex or the Isle of Wight could be perfect for you!

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Cake table

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Tea-party toast to success with Time to Talk Befriending

In 2018, Homewise raised over £5200 for Time to Talk. Learn how your donations will support the older community, and take a peek behind the scenes at their recent tea-party celebrations!

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Bench in garden

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How to make a large garden easier to manage

Is your large garden becoming a chore? Do you want to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time enjoying it? Use these 3 simple steps to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden you can enjoy all year round!

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Time to Talk Befriending

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PRESS RELEASE: Homewise presents Time to Talk Befriending a cheque for over £5,000

Homewise raised over £5200 for Time to Talk Befriending who provide support to older people experiencing loneliness. The charity will use the funds to help expand their service in Worthing.

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Blue colour in home

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Quick & creative ways to add colour to your home

Introducing colour can add a personal touch that really brings a room to life. It's quick and easy to do, simply follow these 6 tips to create a colourful space right away!

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Dining room

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How to take the best photographs to sell your property

Selling property is competitive and the photographs you share are vital to a successful sale. Learn how to take the best photos of your home and achieve a quick sale at the best price.

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Champagne celebration

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Agents Giving Fundraising Champions!

It's award season and we're excited to announce that Homewise has been nominated for two Agents Giving "Fundraising Champion" awards! Read more about Agents Giving and our charity efforts, including the recent "Big Blind Run" challenge.

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Interior chairs window

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Ultimate guide to property valuations

If you're planning to sell your property, you need to know how much it's worth. Having a valuation is a simple but vital early step in moving home. Learn everything you need to know about property valuations in the quick guide.

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Snowman Christmas Tree

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Get creative: cracking Christmas presents on a budget

Finding the perfect present can be tricky, tiring and expensive. Here are 3 simple money-saving ways you can give cracking Christmas gifts everyone will love, on any budget.

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Countryside Pub

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5 key things to consider when relocating in retirement

Are you planning for the future? Thinking about moving to a new area? Consider these 5 important factors to help you decide if relocating in retirement is the right choice for you.

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Homewise Team at RSBC Blindfold Run Olympic Park

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Charity challenge covers 950km for Sussex community

The Big Blind Run has been a huge challenge but we were determined to succeed. Read all about our fundraising (including pictures!) and learn how you can support the community this winter.

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Family iPad

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Guide to Skype: how to create a Skype account & stay connected

Staying in touch can be tough when your friends and family live far and wide but, with Skype, you can connect online instantly! Try this quick guide and become a Skyping pro in just a few steps.

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Young child in autumn leaves

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5 fun Halloween-themed activities to entertain your grandchildren

Ready to roll up your sleeves and have some fun with your little monsters, witches and vampires? Here are 5 of our favourite Halloween-themed activities to entertain the kids this half term!

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Homewise cakes OPF

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Fun for all at the Older People’s Festival

This years’ Older People's Festival delivered a huge programme of fun and informative events across Brighton & Hove. Learn more about the OPF, take a peek at a few photos from The Hop50+ and grab a free property search checklist!

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The Big Blind Run: Conquering Brighton to Belfast

This November we're conquering over 600K fundraising for Time to Talk Befriending. Watch a short video from Time to Talk and learn how you can support the older community today.

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Health and wellbeing in older age

There are many ways to look after your health and wellbeing in older age, from regular physical activity to learning new skills and connecting with the community. Find inspiration for improving your wellbeing in this short guide.

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PRESS RELEASE: Homewise Fundraising for Time to Talk Befriending

Homewise is pleased to announce the launch of this year’s fundraising challenge – The Big Blind Run 2018 – raising £10,000 for Time to Talk Befriending to support the Worthing community.

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Older Peoples Festival 2018

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Brighton & Hove festival for over 50s

The 2-week long Older People's Festival is back and packed full of events, classes and community days across Brighton & Hove. Learn more about the festival and the free property search drop-in sessions we're running!

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6 ways to maximise your available space at home

Living in a smaller home? Your living space may be reduced but this doesn’t mean your home needs to be cramped or cluttered. Here are a few clever ways you can maximise the available space.

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8 of the best summer hobbies for retirees

Retirement is the perfect time to try something new and summer is the perfect season to get stuck in! From foraging to meditation and even treasure hunting – here are 8 of the best hobbies to try this summer.

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8 ways to modernise your home on a budget

If you’re house or flat needs modernising but you’re on a strict budget then there are numerous easy, affordable fixes that will give any property a new lease of life. Try these 8 simple tips to modernise your home on any budget.

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What is a lifetime lease?

Are you searching for your next home? You've probably seen properties advertised with a "lifetime lease" but do you know what this means? Learn exactly what a lifetime lease is, how it works & how it could benefit you.

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10 fun things to do with your grandchildren this summer

During the summer holidays, your babysitting services might be more in demand, so it pays to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep your grandchildren entertained…

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How to choose the right holiday for you

Are you planning your next holiday? With so many options on offer the prospect of booking a holiday can seem a little daunting. Take a look at what's important to consider before choosing the right holiday for you.

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Is the Home for Life Plan right for my parents?

Are your parents thinking about moving? Learn how Homewise could help them afford the perfect property and support them throughout the moving process.

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7 untrue myths about Homewise

If you’ve ever searched for information about Homewise online, it’s likely you’ve come across some myths and misconceptions about Homewise and our lifetime lease. Let us debunk these myths, take a moment to learn the truth.

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How to make the right offer on a house

Finding the perfect property can take time, but when you find ‘the one’ you’ll want to move quickly and make your offer. Learn how to make the right offer and download a free checklist to help you along the way!

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Volunteering with Guild Care and Time to Talk Befriending

Read about our recent volunteering days with Guild Care and Time to Talk Befriending, and how volunteering time and enjoying a little conversation can make a difference to the lives of others.

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How to create the perfect evening garden

Summer is almost here, and the wonderfully warm evenings are upon us. Now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the lighter evenings and get ready to relax out in the fresh air!

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Help with moving house – our free Move Simply service

Moving home can be difficult but did you know that our team could help? Through our Move Simply service they can help you sell your property, find your next home and handle the buying process!

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Supporting Time to Talk Befriending and Guild Care

We’re supporting two amazing charities in 2018, Time to Talk Befriending and Guild Care. Learn about each charity and how you could support your older community and volunteer this year.

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Retiring to Cornwall, Devon & the South West

South West England is full of stunning views, unique experiences and culinary delights. Read this short guide to the beautiful coastal region and discover why moving to Cornwall, Devon or Somerset could be perfect for your retirement!

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How do Homewise help people retire happy?

Moving home can be stressful at times but, here at Homewise, we support our customers every step of the moving process. Learn how our team of property experts helped both Judy and David find their dream homes and retire happy.

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How to start your own indoor garden

Did you know plants can benefit your health? If you're short on outdoor space, don’t let that stop you enjoying a garden! Read this quick guide and learn 3 key steps to bringing the outdoors in and starting a thriving indoor garden.

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Homes abroad

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Moving back to the UK after living abroad

Thinking about returning to the UK after living abroad? Have you considered your options? Read this short guide and discover how we could help you move back to the UK in your retirement.

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Daffodils

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How to declutter and downsize your home

Thinking about downsizing? If you’ve got a house full of belongings and you’re not sure where to begin, moving home can be stressful. Use this simple 4-step guide to help you declutter and downsize your home with ease!

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New partnership for Homewise and Bradleys Estate Agents

We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Bradleys Estate Agents! Read all about Bradleys and how they can now offer their sellers a FREE second listing on Rightmove and Zoopla.

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5 easy-to-make soup recipes for winter

Whether you’re a top chef or a kitchen novice, these 5 simple soup dishes will delight your taste buds and are sure to warm you up on the coldest of days. Try your hand at recipes from Delia Smith, Jamie Oliver and even the Hairy Bikers!

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5 ways to exercise your brain in retirement

A balanced diet and a bit of exercise aren’t the only ways to keep fit in your retirement, your brain needs stimulation and exercise to stay healthy too! Read 5 ways you can exercise your brain and keep your mind sharp in your retirement.

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Top 4 must-have guides for moving house

Searching for, finding and moving to a new house can be a long process, but we’re here to help make your move easier! Here’s a roundup of our top 4 must-have guides (and FREE checklists!) to help you with your move.

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How to help your parents plan for retirement

Are your parents getting ready to retire? Help them prepare, relax and be excited for their new retirement lifestyle. Take a moment to read this short guide and discover how you could help your parents plan for their retirement.

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10+ part-time job ideas for retirees

Are you job hunting or thinking about returning to work in retirement? Take the time to consider all the possibilities. Read these 10 ideas and feel inspired to find the perfect part-time job to suit you and your retirement lifestyle!

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An alternative option to Equity Release

Thinking about the future? You may want to create savings or pay off past debt but, unfortunately, there are limited options when it comes to financing your retirement. Did you know there is an alternative option to Equity Release?

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How to protect your inheritance with Homewise

When planning your retirement, it's inevitable to be thinking about inheritance. Did you know you could protect and safeguard a percentage of your home’s future value to be passed on as inheritance?

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3 quick tips to finding your new home online

The quickest way to find your dream home is to search online. Use these 3 simple tips to help you find your new home quickly, beat the New Year rush and search for your perfect property right away!

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Moving Checklist: Follow this guide for a stress-free move

Moving home is the start of a new chapter and should be an exciting time. Use this simple guide and print off your FREE checklist to help you plan ahead and prepare for a stress-free moving day.

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How to prepare your house for sale

Preparing to move and sell your house? With this simple and easy-to-follow guide, you can give yourself the best chance of finding the right buyer and selling your property quickly - plus download a FREE printable checklist!

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Christmas dinner in the community

Have you heard about the Empty Plate Café? They serve healthy meals to the community on a 'pay as you feel' basis. Read on to learn more about the project and how you could get involved this Christmas.

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3 reasons to market your property this Christmas

You’re thinking about a change and looking to move but have you sold your current property? Don’t wait until New Year. Read these 3 reasons why you need to be on the market this Christmas.

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Achieve your moving goals with help from Homewise

Want to find the dream home for your retirement? We can help. Read about how our teams support you through every step of the moving process, helping you achieve the dream move.

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How to calculate your budget

You want to move home and may have started browsing online, but to find your perfect property you need to calculate your budget first. Not sure where to begin? Use our simple calculator to work out your funds.

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3 simple steps to find your dream home

Hunting for the perfect property can be overwhelming and tough searches often result in disappointment. Don’t give up. Take it one step at a time and use this simple plan to help you find your dream home today.

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Celebrating success with the Older People’s Festival

That's a wrap on this years' OPF, what a huge success and fantastic programme of events! Read our highlights and hear from some of those involved. Plus, find out how you can support Impact Initiatives all year round.

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Top Gadgets and Apps for the Older Generation

Digital products are a becoming part of daily life in our society, so it's no surprise that an increasing number of older consumers are embracing new gadgets and electronics. Read all about the new wave of high tech products designed for the older generation!

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6 facts you may not know about Homewise

We believe in honesty and always going above and beyond for our customers. Our friendly team dedicate their time to helping people, and are often sharing fun facts about us over tea and cake. Curious about Homewise? Take a moment and learn 6 quick facts about us.

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Free consultations from our expert team at the Older People’s Festival

Celebrate the local community with us at this year’s Older People’s Festival in Brighton! We’re running the Homewise Helpdesk where you can get FREE property consultations – ask us anything, we’re there to help.

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Join in the fun at the Older People’s Festival 2017

The Older People’s Festival is back in Brighton! The two-week programme is packed full of community events and celebrations for people 50+, taking place in venues across the city. Come along and try new things.

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Why single-level living could be the right option for you

Think about the dream. What do you want from your home and are you getting this where you are? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to consider your options. Have you looked at living on one level?

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Live the dream and love your location

There are moments in life to be savoured, and retirement is chock-full of wonderful moments to treasure. With leisure time now a new luxury, you want to enjoy your local surroundings. So why not live in your perfect place? Read all about dream locations you could be enjoying in the UK.

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Easy tips to make the most of a smaller garden

Is your current garden becoming a chore? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the upkeep? If you’re gardening more but enjoying it less then downsizing could be the option for you. Learn 6 simple tips for a stunning smaller garden.

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Investors in People Gold Success!

We’re delighted to announce that we have recently been awarded the Gold Investors In People (IIP) accreditation. Read all about this exciting achievement and what the accreditation means for Homewise.

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Renting in retirement? There might be another option

Research has shown that the number of older people moving into rented accommodation has increased by 13% since 2012 but, with renting offering little security, there is another option.

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Getting the most out of a viewing!

It's not always easy but when you're hunting for a new home, it can be difficult not to get too attached early on. Read these top tips to help you get the most out of any visit to a potential new property.

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Our Oarsome Challenge

This June 12 intrepid members of the Homewise team will be travelling up to London to row on the river Thames to raise money and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

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Homewise staff muck in at Ferring Country Centre

Congratulations to our team for completing their second community project of the year. This time they properly mucked in with the pigs and the local farm animals!

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What do the 2017 manifestos say about pensions and property?

We've been looking through the manifestos of the main parties and have pulled out the points that will most affect our customers.

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Struggling to pay off your interest-only mortgage? Maybe Homewise can help.

As the FCA launches a new investigation into interest-only mortgage lending, we look at how Homewise can help those struggling to repay.

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5 essential tips for better online security

Most of the time the web is a safe place, but it pays to make sure your details and accounts are safe. Follow these simple tips and you can sleep easier, knowing your online data is well protected.

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How to Beat the Loneliness Blues

Loneliness is a growing issue affecting millions of people living in the UK. Read our top tips for beating the loneliness blues and enjoying your retirement.

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Cost effective ways to increase the value of your home before you sell

Let's face it, renovating your house to put it on the market is not always realistic. So we've compiled our top, low-budget ways to add value.

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Homewise hosts afternoon tea with customers

We've recently started a lunch club with some of our customers that live nearby. Read about the inaugural "Friends of Homewise" lunch.

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Silver-haired heroes: The top 5 films about retirement and aging

Grab your popcorn, because we’ve selected our top five films that put age and experience centre stage and relegate youth to a supporting role.

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Affordable alternatives to the UK's most desirable areas

It is no secret that homes in some of the most desirable areas in the country come with a hefty price tag, so we've researched the alternatives.

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How to filter search results on Rightmove & Zoopla

Learn how to filter your online search and find the perfect property on Rightmove and Zoopla! Plus download a free handy checklist to help you find the home that's right for you.

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Volunteering options for you in retirement

Reaching your retirement and never having to work again is a huge life change. Volunteering in your retirement can be a great way to keep busy and meet new people.

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How to prepare yourself for the emotional impact of moving home

If you are moving to a new house in your retirement, then you will have a lot of things that need sorting out.

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Our Family Values

Not many people know that Homewise is a family-run business, and has been for many decades. Our story began back in the 1970s when Reg Neal started buying property for his friends.

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Bank of Grandma and Grandad; a rising phenonemon?

An issue that's getting more air time in the press. According to our research 52% of grandparents are giving to children and grandchildren every year.

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Homewise staff raise money for Mind on Dress Down Fridays

We're happy to announce that this year we will be donating money to Mind from our charity Dress-Down Fridays! Find out more about the charity fundraising at Homewise.

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Top 10 Reasons Why Our Customers Choose Homewise

Why choose Homewise? It seems like a simple enough question, but even after over 40 years in business we are still discovering new reasons.

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Five Unusual Ways to Keep Fit in Your Sixties

In order to stick to an exercise regime, you have to really love it and many people find it hard to love going to the gym. Here are some of the more unusual and fun forms of exercise that you can take up in your retirement.

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43% of people live in unsuitable housing

The figures, released by homelessness charity Shelter, showed that more than four in ten people live in homes that do not reach acceptable standards in cleanliness, safety and space.

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How to actually find your dream home in your retirement

Let’s face it, trying to find your dream home can very quickly turn into a bit of a nightmare, but we're here to help. Try these top tips to help with your search today.

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Homewise proud to partner with Older People's Festival

We’re delighted to announce that we’re proud partners of the first ever Brighton and Hove Older People’s Festival 2016.

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Cost of Living Squeeze Hits Over 60s

Cost of living pressures are forcing nearly one in three people over the age of 60 to make major sacrifices to their lifestyles, including turning down the heating and eating less.

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Happiness is home and family for over 60s

Do you know the key to happiness in retirement? Take a look at our research and see if what makes you happy made the top reasons for a happy retirement.

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Interest-Only Pressure Builds on Over 55s Homeowners

Up to one in 10 over-55s homeowners across the UK are still paying interest-only mortgages and facing the prospect of clearing their debt when the deal runs out.

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The EU Referendum and the Housing Market: What we Know

Campaigning is almost at an end and uncertainty over the UK’s future in the European Union is still rife. Here’s our summary of the EU referendum and how it’s affecting the property market.

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PRESS RELEASE: Homewise conquer Snowdon

Read all about our brave team as the faced freezing rain and knee-high snow to conquer Snowdon, raising £4,332 for Mind in the process.

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PRESS RELEASE: Homewise climb Snowdon for Mind

Homewise are aiming to raise £1 for every foot walked, or £7,120 in total, for Mind. Read about our fundraising challenge for 2016.

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Interest-only mortgages and the older borrower

Interest-only mortgages are regularly referred to as a ticking time bomb. But what exactly does this mean for older borrowers and what are their options?

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What does 2016 hold for the UK property market?

With housing a key focus of the Autumn statement, it seems that in 2016, all eyes will be on the property market. So, what are we expecting to see, exactly?

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The Wise Guide to… A stress-free move

Here it is. The definitive three-step guide to a stress-free move. Based mostly on my very stressful move last year.

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PRESS RELEASE: Homewise raise £11,702 for St. Barnabas

On 7th October, the team at Homewise cycled 1,000 miles in one day for St. Barnabas House Hospice. Find out how you can support them too!

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