It is a sad misconception that many people think that protecting them selves against death with Life Insurance, is an expensive and time consuming job.

In reality this need not be the case and with our quick tips to cheap Life Insurance we’ll show you how:

• Shop around the online marketplace – The online Life Insurance quote market is a huge place and there is something to suit everybody’s needs. You should find that all the prices you get quoted are roughly the same. But if you see something that is considerably cheaper, make sure you check through the policy wording. What seems too good to be true usually is!

• Avoid non-advice sites – A lot of websites will offer you quotes but not any advice. This means that is you pick a product that isn’t suitable, its your own fault! On the other hand, with an advice driven site if you end up with the wrong product, the advisor is to blame.

• Avoid Independent Financial Advisors – Many independent advisors are not as independent as you might think. They can be tied to a particular insurance company or a collection of companies but very rarely will be looking across the whole of the market. Combine this with the additional fees they charge and the service they offer doesn’t seem so rosy.

• Avoid life insurance from banks and building societies – If you take your mortgage through a bank, they will always try and push there own life insurance policy. Unfortunately these tend to come from a single provide and at times can be 2 – 3 times the premiums you need to pay!

• Avoid taking life insurance from your mortgage broker – Similar to Independent Financial Advisors and Banks, mortgage brokers will try to push there own products to make themselves some extra money. Again, these do not tend to be competitively priced.

• Make sure you tell your advisor everything about your health – This is really vital and failing to tell your advisor about a condition could mean the life insurance company trying to avoid paying a claim at a later date!

• Explain your circumstances as deeply as possible to your advisor – Explaining your home situation can really help your advisor determine the best protection for you and your family.

• Don’t be afraid to barter with your advisor but don’t be to picky over a few pounds

• Return any documentation to your advisor as quickly as possible

• Be prepared for your premiums to go up if you have suffered from medical conditions – If you have suffered from something in the past, it is likely that your premium may go up. Ask your advisor what effect it will have and they should be able to give you a rough idea of the increase.

There’s growing unease in the business and commercial world today with news that even homeowners in London have been forced to drastically drop their selling prices to fall into line with the rest of the country.

According to a new report, from property agent Rightmove, vendors in the capital have “recognised the need to price aggressively” in order to make their properties more affordable for potential buyers.

The almost unthinkable a year ago has now happened with London house prices falling by 5.3% in the last month, according to the figures.

Like many other parts of the country, the capital has even found itself falling into ‘negative equity’ territory for asking prices year-on-year.

Meanwhile, it has been predicted that hundreds of thousands of people could lose their jobs over the next two to three years and that unemployment levels may top two million.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) also forecast that the UK economy will enter recession within the coming year.

In its latest quarterly economic forecast, the BCC said Britain was heading into a “technical” recession of two or more quarters of declining output over the next six or nine months.

But a major recession similar to the downturn seen in the early 1990s was unlikely, the organisation said.

The forecast also predicted that unemployment would climb by some 300,000 and could break through the two million barrier if conditions deteriorated.

The main reasons for the slump will be a “very sharp” slowdown in consumer spending growth as households tighten their belts amid soaring bills and falling house prices, the BCC said.

However, as the economic slowdown continues, there is a growing realism among UK businesses that they must take action for the tough times ahead.

According to the latest Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), published today, the BCM Confidence Index declined from -19.7 in the previous quarter to -25.7.

Commenting on the results, Robin Fieth, the ICAEW’s Executive Director of Operations and Finance, said: “The survey paints a stark picture of the challenging business environment that has emerged in the UK over the past year, with the economy facing its most difficult period since the early 1990s.

“This is now compounded by high and uncertain oil and commodity prices creating inflationary pressures and fall out from the UK housing market downturn which has continued to gather pace.

“At the same time we are seeing a new realism among businesses about the need to weather the current economic conditions with projected staff and capital investment both significantly down on this time last year.”

He added: “As an increased number of businesses express concern over late payment, effective cash flow management is now more essential than ever for those sectors with rising input costs, such as manufacturing, transport and storage.”

Also, confidence in the construction and property sectors have fallen sharply as the housing downturn has gathered pace, the report noted.

In addition, sectors reliant on the previously buoyant UK consumer are also feeling under pressure.

With increased inflation causing a squeeze on real disposable incomes, and the housing market slowdown impacting on consumer confidence - now at its lowest since the 1970s - retail and wholesale and hotels and catering also register large falls in confidence.

The Marylebone area of London has been added to the city’s prime residential property market thanks to rising demand from affluent buyers, outstanding food and retail facilities and new high quality developments.

The area, which extends north from Oxford Street to Marylebone Road, and from Edgware Road in the West to Great Portland Street in the East, is now part of Knight Frank’s Prime Central London Index.

It also includes the area around Dorset Square and Marylebone railway station, just to the north of Marylebone Road, the Georgian Portman Estate, world-class cultural attractions such as the Wallace Collection and Wigmore Hall, and the restaurants and retail facilities of Marylebone High Street.

The upgrading of the area to prime is partly the result of the retail-led regeneration policy pursued by the Howard de Walden Estate on and around the High Street, Knight Frank said.

‘It has gradually created an exciting mix of upmarket independent shops, with a particular emphasis on fashion and food, which has helped draw in affluent residents. A number of London’s most acclaimed restaurants are also nearby,’ said Liam Bailey, Knight Frank’s head of residential research.

‘It has also been driven by location with Mayfair to the south seeing astonishing growth in demand values, it is unsurprising that this boom has expanded north of Oxford Street. Meanwhile, major regeneration projects in Paddington, Euston and King’s Cross are improving the fortunes of Marylebone’s neighbours to the north, east and west,’ he added.

With the credit crunch getting worse across the world, people looking to obtain mortgages are finding it a more and more difficult task. Whether due to high credit card debt or having filed bankruptcy in the past, only people with pristine credit records are finding themselves eligible for loans. This of course is making the real estate slump even worse because fewer people can actually buy a home, which drives down demand.

While filing bankruptcy has always had an impact on one’s ability to get a mortgage, high credit card debt has not been a problem until recently. There are two reasons for this: 1) credit card debt is a relatively new phenomenon and 2) lenders are becoming increasingly worried that people are completely overextended.

For this reason, it is important people start learning how to get out of debt. To do this, one needs to start budgeting and stop spending. This is a lot easier said than done. Fortunately, there are websites and books dedicated to helping people pay along in this process.

The hardest part when you start paying your debt back is the beginning. This is happening because you are already used to a certain life style, and you will have to cut down a little bit from that life style, at the beginning of this new life stage. Once you have managed to pass the first steps in getting out of debt it will become easier for you, and you could also try to start getting back on your old life style, as much as you can afford of course.

It will be best if you will make some really tight expenses cut at the beginning so you will be able to save some money. If you save the amount that could cover your current debt consolidation monthly bill for 3-4 months, after that moment it will be best that you will start to get back to your old lifestyle but also this should be done slowly.

Hurford Salvi Carr, specialist residential letting agent with offices covering the Clerkenwell Proeprty , Barbican Property, Docklands and West End, has launched a new London Short Lets division to meet the increasing demand for short term enquiries.

The main demand is from blue chip companies and international high net worth individuals who need a City/West End/Canary Wharf base, yet want all the creature comforts of a home but only on a short term basis. With a short let property London clients can achieve this without committing to the normal 6 - 12 month tenancy term, and are happy to pay a premium for the flexibility.

The benefit for the prospective Tenant is a “home from home” that offers maximum flexibility whilst on a short term contract in Central London, or whilst searching for longer term accommodation during their secondment in London, or perhaps whilst waiting on a prospective purchase to complete.

Kari Trajer, Associate Director at Hurford Salvi Carr believes the demand is increasing for short term rentals as a direct result of current market conditions and the global credit crunch which has tightened lending constraints and put many people off buying or renting for the fixed term contract (normally one year).

“HR teams and professional individuals who need to keep all their options open find it extremely useful to take residential accommodation for an initial short term basis. This gives them the time to work out their long term strategy for their housing requirements”.Hurford Salvi Carr specialist residential letting agent with offices covering bow, property in wapping , property in aldgate, limehouse area also.

With residential sales continuing to slow on the London property market, Hurford Salvi Carr, specialist London estate agent, has seen a 5.5% increase in the number of transactions in lettings compared to the first quarter of 2007, a fact that is supported by the successful lettings of numerous apartments in two particular developments over the course of April/May.

Westland Place, N1 and Bow Quarter, E14, Bloomsbury property have proved exceptionally popular with London’s twenty and thirty something professional Tenants who demand high standards of interior decor, great locations and reasonable rents. All apartments within these particular blocks were snapped up within four weeks of coming to the market. Hurford Salvi Carr believes these particular properties let so fast due to an increase of people looking to rent because of the housing market slump.

Westland Place, N1 is a prime example of the emerging quality boutique developments in the Shoreditch area. Situated just moments away from fashionable Hoxton Square and opposite Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant featured in the TV show, Jamie’s Kitchen, the development features just 13 two and three bedroom apartments comprising reception rooms with smart open plan kitchens, wooden floors throughout and large double bedrooms in all apartments. There is an ever-growing artist community in the area making it rich with culture, yet within walking distance of the financial centre of the City and moments from Old Street and Hoxton Square

The Bow Quarter is a Grade II Listed development spread over seven acres and consists of 19 town houses and 714 apartments. The development is set around one of London’s largest communal gardens, and part of the residential blocks are conversions of the famous and former Bryant & May match factory. The secret to the success of Bow Quarter are the exceptional facilities including full use of the pool, residents own gym, access to the onsite restaurant and bar, full peace of mind of the 24 hour gated security that keeps the development completely secure. This, coupled with the attractive rental prices considering all the extras on offer, is why apartments in Bow Quarter always attract professional Tenants very quickly, and Hurford Salvi Carr have secured excellent Tenants immediately for numerous Landlords over the past month alone.

Kari Trajer, Associate Director of Lettings at Hurford Salvi Carr comments: “Westland Place and Bow Quarter have proven a popular with young professionals as they offer excellent access to the city but also offer great facilities on the doorstep.”

The above developments are just two examples of the trend of increased residential lettings transactions in the marketplace since the start of the year. Now the current market conditions have hit consumer confidence in the residential sales market, potential purchasers are changing their attitudes toward attempting to get onto the first rung of the property ladder and are choosing to rent for the longer term instead. As a result, the lettings market in London is coming increasingly in-line with other European cities such as Paris and Rome where the majority of residential property in the city centre is rented on long-term tenancy agreements.

For further information about the remaining properties at Westland Place or Bow Quarter please contact Kari Trajer on 020 7490 1122 or visit www.hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

Overseas property website Homesgofast.com is now featuring Aparthotels in response from demand from its credit squeezed investors. The international real estate website which carries some 100,000 properties is now making Aparthotels part of its inventory as investors move toward this type of investment.

Aparthotels also known as Condo hotel or even ‘condotel’ are gaining in popularity with international property investors. Aparthotels are typically a three-star or higher hotel property with a management company that takes care of all the hassles of ownership, including maintenance and finding hotel users. They typically offer the investor the opportunity to own a plush hotel room that can provide a monthly income.

Nicholas Marr of Homesgofast.com ‘The demand for Aparthotels is on the increase with investors specifically requesting this type of investment property. Many of our investors are aware that like any other real estate location is the key. The advantage of buying into a hotel in London for the 2012 Olympics or one with stunning sea views is obvious. Some Aparthotels are offered by large hotel groups and mean very little effort from the owner these elements seem to make investors feel happier to invest’

The Daily Telegraph in a recent article: Aparthotel:Room service offers more than just a smile highlights the attraction of the new type of investment. One buyer Brian Gillespie explained that he bought three one-bedroom suites in Park Plaza County Hall, SE1, and was in the process of buying three more at 1 Westminster Bridge, the 14-storey hotel due to open in 2010.

The investor said ‘”I expect the price of my hotel rooms to rise faster than the general London property market because there is a shortage of hotel rooms in London. The Government’s own figure shows an 85 per cent occupancy rate.”

Richard Latham, of The Buying Solution, says that he would need to do extensive research before advising clients to invest in hotel rooms.

“I’m sceptical. What happens if the hotel goes bust? What happens if a hotel room is repossessed? What happens at the end of 10 years when the building looks a bit tatty? Who pays for the renovation? What is the second hand market like and how do you sell your room? I’m a bit nervous about lack of flexibility.”

With residential sales continuing to slow on the London property market, Hurford Salvi Carr, specialist London estate agent, has seen a 5.5% increase in the number of transactions in lettings compared to the first quarter of 2007, a fact that is supported by the successful lettings of numerous apartments in two particular developments over the course of April/May.

Westland Place, N1 and Bow Quarter Property , E14, have proved exceptionally popular with London’s twenty and thirty something professional Tenants who demand high standards of interior decor, great locations and reasonable rents. All apartments within these particular blocks were snapped up within four weeks of coming to the market. Hurford Salvi Carr believes these particular properties let so fast due to an increase of people looking to rent because of the housing market slump.

Westland Place, N1 is a prime example of the emerging quality boutique developments in the property Shoreditch area. Situated just moments away from fashionable Hoxton Square and opposite Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant featured in the TV show, Jamie’s Kitchen, the development features just 13 two and three bedroom apartments comprising reception rooms with smart open plan kitchens, wooden floors throughout and large double bedrooms in all apartments. There is an ever-growing artist community in the area making it rich with culture, yet within walking distance of the financial centre of the City and moments from Old Street and Hoxton Square

The Bow Quarter is a Grade II Listed development spread over seven acres and consists of 19 town houses and 714 apartments. The development is set around one of London’s largest communal gardens, and part of the residential blocks are conversions of the famous and former Bryant & May match factory. The secret to the success of Bow Quarter are the exceptional facilities including full use of the pool, residents own gym, access to the onsite restaurant and bar, full peace of mind of the 24 hour gated security that keeps the development completely secure. This, coupled with the attractive rental prices considering all the extras on offer, is why apartments in Bow Quarter always attract professional Tenants very quickly, and Hurford Salvi Carr have secured excellent Tenants immediately for numerous Landlords over the past month alone.

Kari Trajer, Associate Director of Lettings at Hurford Salvi Carr comments: “Westland Place and Bow Quarter have proven a popular with young professionals as they offer excellent access to the city but also offer great facilities on the doorstep.”

The above developments are just two examples of the trend of increased residential lettings transactions in the marketplace since the start of the year. Now the current market conditions have hit consumer confidence in the residential sales market, potential purchasers are changing their attitudes toward attempting to get onto the first rung of the property ladder and are choosing to rent for the longer term instead. As a result, the lettings market in London is coming increasingly in-line with other European cities such as Paris and Rome where the majority of residential property in the city centre is rented on long-term tenancy agreements.

For further information about the remaining properties at Westland Place or Bow Quarter please contact Kari Trajer on 020 7490 1122 or visit www.hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

Property prices in London have continued to fall as the slump in value intensifies, according to a leading property consultancy.

The price drop accelerated in June and properties in the capital are now worth 1.7 per cent less than they were in May, said Knight Frank.

Amounting to a loss of 3.1 per cent in value over the last three months – the largest quarterly fall since 2002 - the trend is expected to continue.

Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, said: “Property prices in Prime Central London will continue to fall for the remainder of 2008, except at the very top end.”

Mr Bailey said that the extent of the decline was dependent on what happened in the wider economy.

He added: “If the chaos continues, a double-digit decline is conceivable.”

In terms of the wider economy, the construction industry is suffering as nearly every sector is in decline, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

After a quiet final quarter to 2007, potential buyers returned to theMidtown, City and Docklands market in January and February 2008in sufficient numbers to stabilise prices. The market was admittedlyslow and the number of serious enquiries was less than normal, butsales were agreed. On 7th February, the Bank of England made aquarter point cut in the base rate to 5.5%, following its first reductionin this cycle of 25 basis points in December 2007. This cut, however, had no impact on the mortgage market, which remained illiquid.

Due to the vagaries of the lunar cycle, Good Friday fell on 21stMarch, creating a very early Easter. For many families this was a merelong weekend, to be followed in early April by the end of the schoolterm. This extended period of holidays seems to have contributed toa further weakening of the market in London, at a time when itnormally enjoys a spring boost. At a point when it seemed that bankswere weathering the storm, on 17th March 2008 Bear Stearnscollapsed in New York, precipitating a rescue by JP Morgansupported by regulatory authorities.

A further quarter point cut in the base rate to 5% by the Monetary Policy Committee on 10th April (a rate maintained in May and June) had no positive effect on the sales market whatsoever. In the wakeof Bear Stearns and the continuing difficulties in the banking sector,rates and terms in the mortgage markets became more, not lessonerous after the base rate fell. With banks struggling to accesswholesale markets, the cost of more expensive funding was beingpassed on to customers in the form of higher rates and agreementfees. Buyers with lower deposits were paying a premium and competitive products were withdrawn to prevent lenders from beingswamped with enquiries. In effect, higher interest rates were beingused as a deterrent. Banks also became much more stringent, withless emphasis on the speed of the transaction and more on duediligence. This caused serious backlogs and delays resulting in a highfailure rate, as while solicitors waited for underwriters to approveloans, buyers literally changed their minds.

The response on 21st April 2008 was the Bank of England’s “SpecialLiquidity Scheme”, where the Bank offered to swap difficult to sell mortgage-backed assets for Treasury bills. High quality AAA-ratedmortgage backed securities that were already in place at the end of 2007 could be exchanged for Treasury bills for a one year period,renewable for three years. The scheme has been taken up, but by he end of June 2008, lenders were still struggling to access funding nd mortgage rates were still rising. An appreciable easing of credit erms is unlikely to occur before 2009.