Latest news with #TelegraphMoney
Telegraph
13-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
How you can still buy a cheap beach hut
First appearing on our beaches in the 18th century as wheeled bathing machines pulled into the sea, modern-day beach huts are highly sought after, changing hands for tens of thousands of pounds and even more. Their limited numbers, many handed down through generations, have driven prices skyward since the 1990s. The most extreme example is on the Dorset headland of Hengistbury Head. On the odd occasion huts do come to market, sellers price them between £350,000 and £500,000 such is the exclusivity of the area and scarcity of beach huts. 'Modern beach huts have been around in the form we recognise for more than a century and a quarter,' said Dr Kathryn Ferry, author of 20th Century Seaside Architecture. 'They are part of the backdrop to our seaside holidays, they're bright and colourful, photogenic and quintessentially British.' While local councils have added a small number of huts to the overall stock, there remains only around 30,000 in the country, said Dr Ferry. 'That is a pretty small number when you consider how much coastline we have,' she added. But you don't need to drop half a million on a hut. There are ways you can cut costs – Telegraph Money explains how. 1. Compromise on location Just like when buying a home, location is everything. The best way to shave the most off the price of your beach hut is to avoid the most popular and exclusive resorts and keep your eye out for areas undergoing redevelopment or lesser-known neighbouring villages. The Essex coastline is a prime example of how much prices can vary depending on which stretch of the beach you have your eye on, said Jo Lowery, founder of beach hut hire company Cool Coastal Huts. 'Frinton has always been the most expensive and has a posher label to it than Clacton and Walton, which are cheaper and sit on either side. But you're still getting the same golden sandy beach,' said Jo, who owns five huts in Essex. 'Walton used to be quite run down but now it's up-and-coming, making it a good place to invest in a beach hut.' At the time of writing you can buy a beach hut near Clacton for £32,500 whereas one in Frinton will set you back around £50,000. On the Sussex coast in Brighton, choosing the quieter spot of Lancing over Hove's busy seafront could save you money. Over in Suffolk, buyers are likely to pay less for a hut in Lowestoft (£35,000 at the time of writing) than Southwold (£135,000). 2. Pick a fixer-upper The condition of the hut has the second biggest influence over price, after location. Some huts are empty shells or have a basic fit of benches and a stove compared to luxury huts which can resemble small apartments with kitchenettes. Others have fallen into disrepair, particularly if an owner has struggled to keep up with the external maintenance of the wood which is prone to rot. For a hut in need of complete repair and modernisation, you can expect to pay £6,000 to bring it up to basic standard, driven up by the high cost of timber, and up to £12,000 for a more luxurious finish. Because they are in high demand, beach huts tend to hold their value, according to Insure My, so there's a decent chance you will make back at least the money you invest. 3. Go for the second row Many beaches have rows of huts with the front row claiming the best, uninterrupted view of the shoreline. However, huts on the second row can be up to half the price while benefitting from more privacy. They are often elevated too, accessed by wooden stairs, which means that you are not necessarily forfeiting the sea view. 4. Forgo amenities Beach huts typically do not have running water, which makes being close to showers, toilets and a tap to fill up a kettle all desirable features. Choosing a hut that is further away from the toilet could give you extra bargaining power to drive down the price. 5. Share with family or friends Club together to buy a beach hut with your family or friends and strike up a private time-share agreement allocating a particular month or fortnight to each. Avoid fights breaking out by rotating the weeks each year to make it fair. By clubbing together, you can also share the cost of the annual licence fee and upkeep. 6. Avoid agents Beach huts are marketed by local estate agents and will pop up on the Rightmove and Zoopla portals. But a trick to getting the best price is to walk up and down the beach front keeping your eye out for signs stuck to the front of huts advertising they are for sale privately. Hire a hut and speak to the neighbours to find out if they know of any owners who are considering selling up. Sellers are more willing to do a deal if they can avoid paying thousands of pounds to an estate agent. 7. Try before you buy Avoid making any costly mistakes by hiring a beach hut first. That way you can try out different stretches of a coastline to find out which location suits you the best. If you are looking to save money by compromising on the location, it is worth spending some time in the place you find to make sure you enjoy it. It is also a good opportunity to test how long it takes you to get there. Like purchase prices, beach hut rental costs vary greatly depending on size and location. They can range from around £50 a day to over £100 in sought-after areas.
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
How to flog your wares at a car boot sale, and maximise your profits
If you're looking to clear out clutter and make a bit of extra cash, setting up a stall at a car boot sale can be a surprisingly effective way to do it. However, turning the things you no longer want into treasure for a buyer takes more than simply spreading a boot full of products and on to a table. Timing, pricing, presentation and negotiation skills all play a part in how much money you can make. Here, Telegraph Money explains the steps to take to get started, how to set the right price for your items and what to do if something goes wrong. What preparation do you need to do? Are there any tricks to laying out your stall? How do you price your items? Do you need insurance? What if someone tries to return something they think is faulty? FAQs What preparation do you need to do? Take the time to prepare properly. Start by sorting through what you plan to sell, such as toys, books, game consoles, clothing and garden equipment, making sure that they are in good working condition and old batteries have been replaced. 'If they're dusty, give them a quick wipe over with a cloth. If you're selling clothes, iron them. A little effort makes items look cared for, not like neglected junk,' said Kayleigh Davies, auctioneer and auction expert at Auctionet. It's also important to consider practical details, such as checking the weather forecast, bringing a cash float and arriving early to secure a good pitch. Ms Davies said: 'Tarpaulins are useful for covering everything in case of rain. Make sure you have plenty of change, as you may lose sales if you can't finish a transaction. And bear in mind that serious buyers arrive early, so you should be even earlier.' It is also worth checking whether there are any limits on what you can or can't sell at your chosen venue or if there are specialist sales more suited to your items. For example, if you are only selling clothes, it could be worth finding a clothing fair to sell at. Are there any tricks to laying out your stall? When it comes to setting up on the day, presentation is key. Use a trestle table with a tablecloth, and bring a clothes rail with you if you're selling clothes. 'Think about your setup from a shopper's perspective,' said Shannon Murphy, accredited professional organiser and founder of Simpl Living Co. 'Rummaging on the floor feels much less pleasant than browsing through clothes on a rail or walking alongside neat tables. Grouping your items by category is also helpful. Keep books together, children's toys in one spot and homeware in another, so people can quickly find what interests them.' If some of your items look a little tatty, don't be tempted to hide them at the back of your stall. 'If you have a lot of low-value items, think about making an 'everything 50p' or a '3 for £1' box. A clearly labelled bargain box can draw people in. But your most interesting or attractive items should be in a prominent place to draw attention,' said Ms Davies. How do you price your items? Do some research on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace to help give you an idea of how high to price your items, keeping in mind that if you've paid a pitch fee (the price to sell at a car boot), you'll want to earn more than this back. However, remember that since it's a car boot sale, people will be expecting bargains. Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of The Classic Car Boot Sale, said: 'If you don't have anything rare or valuable and you don't want to take stuff home, then price to sell and enjoy the ride.' If you have any higher-value items, you might decide to leave these unpriced to encourage conversation and haggling – but be aware this could put some buyers off. 'If items aren't priced, shy buyers might walk away, so if you're not using price labels, be prepared to notice when someone is gazing longingly at something so you can start with a hello or ask if they need help,' said Ms Davies. Decide beforehand the minimum price you're prepared to accept, and if items aren't shifting, consider bundling them to make them more attractive – this can work particularly well for items such as clothing of the same size or books by the same author. If you later realise you've undersold something, unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it. 'If you've undersold something, look on the bright side: one of your goals was to de-clutter and you've still done that, for a price you were happy to accept at the time' said Ms Davies. Do you need insurance? If you're a casual car boot seller, you probably won't need to take out insurance. However, it's best to check with the event organiser to be sure – they may have an insurance policy that covers all stallholders. On the other hand, if you're a regular trader and running car boot sales several times a year, consider buying public liability insurance. This will cover you against customer injury – if a customer trips over your stall, for instance – as well as damage to their property. If you're selling handmade items, you should also apply for product liability insurance. This will protect you in the event a customer makes a claim because of a faulty product you sold that caused injury or damage. What if someone tries to return something they think is faulty? Unless you're selling handcrafted items, you have no obligation to refund a customer, and many car boot sale sellers choose to clearly display signs saying 'no refunds'. Although these signs are not legally binding, they inform customers that you're not prepared to accept returns. However, it's important that you do not mislead customers or sell unsafe goods, so don't say that something works when it doesn't. If a customer asks to return an item, be polite and hear them out. If the issue is genuine, you might decide to accept the return as a gesture of goodwill, particularly if you're likely to come back to the event in the future. But if the item was accurately described, you're within your rights to decline. FAQs Can I just turn up on the day? The rules differ from sale to sale, but it is common for car boot sales to let you turn up on the day, secure a pitch and start selling. There will usually be a seller arrival time and a buyer arrival time, so make sure you're prepared to get there early. It is rare, but some locations – such as Peckham in London – have high demand, which can mean that there is a booking system, so it is worth checking in advance so you're not disappointed on the day. How much does it cost to attend? The cost of a pitch will depend on the car boot sale you choose and the size of your vehicle or, in some instances, the amount of things you want to sell. However, as a rough guide, pitches usually start at around £10 and rise to about £30 if you are bringing a van on the day. There is no official database of car boot sales, but websites such as Car Boot Junction have a wealth of information on local events, so you can find ones near you. Do I need a car? No, despite the name, you do not necessarily need a car for a car boot sale. Walk-in sellers can often buy a smaller pitch on the day and use a table or rails to display their items. However, policies differ, so it's worth consulting the rules at individual events before attending.
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
How to use the law to fight for a refund
Whenever you buy an item or pay for a service, you have certain legal rights to protect you if what you receive is not up to scratch. These are set out in the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a key piece of legislation that explains what you are entitled to if something goes wrong. It applies to goods, services and digital content, and covers everything from faulty products to substandard workmanship. It means you can demand a refund, replacement or for services to be redone to a better standard. However, you'll need proof of your sub-par experience. Here, Telegraph Money explains the protections consumer law can give you and how to file a successful complaint. Jump to: What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015? Your rights How to file a complaint Rejecting goods Additional online protection What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015? The Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into force on October 1, 2015, replacing and updating previous legislation, including the Sale of Goods Act 1979. It outlines the rights consumers have when they buy a product that turns out to be faulty, or a service that isn't provided with reasonable care and skill. It also sets out rules for faulty digital content – such as online films and games, music downloads and e-books. The Act applies whether the purchase was made online, in person, or over the phone, and entitles consumers to a refund, repair or replacement, depending on the circumstances and how long they've had the item. Deliveries are covered, too, which means if you paid for something that simply never showed up, you are still entitled to a refund from the retailer. In short, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives consumers important protection when something goes wrong and clear guidelines for putting it right. Your rights First things first – you need to know what your rights are. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, any product or service bought online or in-store must meet the following standards: Fit for purpose: You must be able to use the product for the purpose it is supplied for, or for any other purpose you've indicated to the retailer before making the purchase. As described: The goods or services must match the description given to you, or any model or sample shown when you bought them. Satisfactory quality: Your goods shouldn't be faulty or damaged and should be of at least satisfactory quality. Any defects should be made clear before the purchase. You also have the right to expect services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and at a reasonable price. Services can include anything from having your hair cut to having a new bathroom fitted. If you have bought a product or service that doesn't meet any one of the above criteria, you can file a complaint and seek a refund, repair or replacement under the Consumer Rights Act. Note that while many retailers are prepared to accept returned goods if you've simply changed your mind, this is a gesture of goodwill, and not part of the Consumer Rights Act itself. How to file a complaint While some retailers may rectify any issues without the need to make a formal complaint, if you don't get the outcome you think you deserve, then you can make a complaint under the Consumer Rights Act. For this, you should follow these steps: 1. Gather evidence and proof of purchase: Collect any receipts and photographs that support your claim. These are needed, as you'll need to prove how much you paid for the item or service, and demonstrate why you think it is faulty or below par. 2. Contact the retailer or service provider: Your rights are with the retailer or service provider, not the manufacturer, so go directly to the business you made the purchase from. Explain clearly what the issue is, that you're exercising your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and set out how you would like the issue to be resolved. 3. Submit a formal complaint: If your first attempt isn't successful, submit a formal complaint in writing, explaining the situation and what your preferred outcome is. Make sure you keep a record of all correspondence. 4. Escalate if needed: In most cases, the retailer or business will aim to resolve the situation quickly with a replacement or a refund, and you may be asked to return the faulty item. But if this doesn't happen or you're not happy with the outcome, you can check whether you can lodge a report with an ombudsman or Trading Standards. The Ombudsman Association can help you find the right ombudsman for your complaint. 5. Consider alternative refund methods: If you paid for the item or service using a credit card and it cost more than £100 and no more than £30,000, it's worth contacting your credit card provider to seek a refund under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Alternatively, if you paid with a debit card, you may be able to get a refund from your bank through the chargeback scheme. There are no specific value limits for chargeback, but banks and card providers aren't legally obliged to offer it. Rejecting goods The Consumer Rights Act gives you the right to reject faulty goods, but it's important to be aware of the relevant time limits and conditions to avoid getting caught out. You only have the right to fully reject faulty goods (excluding perishable goods) and get a refund if you do this within the first 30 days of the purchase or delivery. This right doesn't apply to digital downloads, but you can ask for them to be repaired or replaced. If that doesn't work, you can ask for a reduction in price instead. If the digital download has damaged your device and you can prove this, you are also entitled to compensation. If more than 30 days have passed since you bought the faulty goods, you are no longer legally entitled to a full refund. However, you can ask the retailer to replace or repair the item if it's not fit for purpose, not as described or not of satisfactory quality. If the retailer is unable to fix the issue, you can then ask for a refund. If a defect develops after six months, the burden of proof is on you to show the product was faulty at the time of purchase or delivery – perhaps through getting an expert's opinion, for instance. You must give the retailer one chance to repair or replace the item before you can claim a refund. Alternative dispute resolution Britain has several alternative dispute resolution (ADR) schemes, set up to help consumers and traders settle disputes without going to court. There are specific schemes for industries such as financial services, energy and telecoms. ADR can come in the form of mediation, where an independent third party tries to find a solution that suits both sides, or arbitration, where the third party essentially makes a decision on how the situation should be rectified. Additional online protection Online orders benefit from extra protection under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This gives you a 14-day 'cooling off' period to change your mind about your order and get a refund, even if the goods have already arrived and there's nothing wrong with them. You have 14 days to return the item. However, note that this legislation doesn't apply to fresh flowers and food, personalised goods, medical products or newspapers and magazines.
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘My mum died three years ago. I'm still waiting for a £20k inheritance tax refund'
Do you have a money problem? Write to: money@ Dear Telegraph Money, I have just read a recent article you wrote. It came up in a desperate Google search for solutions to my issue with inheritance tax and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). My mother died in September 2022, leaving me as her executor and sole beneficiary. Inheritance tax was due on her estate, and was paid. Probate was granted, and by November 2023, my solicitors were ready to ask HMRC for a refund. But we didn't hear anything back until January 2025, by which point the solicitors' firm was no longer acting for me. Finally, on January 6, I was sent a letter through my old solicitors, asking for an updated repayment authorisation, so that my refund could be paid. This was returned within the month. But now it's June, and I've still not received my money. Monthly calls to HMRC have proved fruitless, with the delay blamed on staff shortages and a huge backlog of cases. I understand to a point, but given when probate ended, this delay seems extraordinary. They say they are going to pay the money with applicable interest, but it's not yet in my account. Can you help push things along? – Mr P Dear Mr P, What an incredibly long delay. It's been nearly three years since your mother's death, and the administration has still not been completed. When someone dies, there can be an awful lot of admin to do, even when the estate is relatively simple, as in your case. When things go wrong, this can cause delays and confusion – and financial loss. But it wasn't just HMRC which had got something wrong in this case. The taxman didn't have records of any refund requested in November 2023 – despite what your solicitors had told you. This meant that it wasn't until January this year, when your case was processed, that HMRC realised that you were owed a refund. But it still took until June, after I had chased for the refund, for the money to actually land in your account. HMRC has admitted to me previously that it is prioritising 'IHT 400' forms, which confirm whether inheritance tax is due at all, over refunds, in order to clear a probate backlog and reduce pressure on the courts. This helps to explain the delay, but it is still not acceptable that you waited an extra six months to be paid. Inheritance tax can be overpaid for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is that a property is valued at more than it is eventually sold for. More than 18,000 families have claimed refunds for this reason in the last three years, according to HMRC data shared with NFU Mutual. Two days after I got in touch with HMRC, £19,348 landed in your bank account. This is your refund of £18,170.45, plus interest of £1,178.03. At this point, you weren't certain how much refund you were due, but you were delighted that you'd received what HMRC thought you were owed. A HMRC spokesman said: 'We apologise to Mr P and have issued him the refund he's owed. 'The vast majority of inheritance tax accounts are cleared within 15 working days and we're investing £52m to digitalise our inheritance tax service to make the process even simpler and quicker.' It sounds like there was a significant error on the part of your solicitors. I advised you that you may well be able to make a complaint to them and be owed some compensation. You are very busy at work currently, but when things calm down, you plan to dig out all the paper documents again, and ask them what went wrong.
Telegraph
02-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The best exclusive accounts if you earn £100k
Reaching a six-figure income is an impressive financial milestone, which can mean you're dragged into the dreaded 60pc tax trap. However, hitting £100,000 does come with advantages, such as qualifying for a premier bank account. These exclusive accounts offer perks such as dedicated financial support, preferential savings and mortgage rates, and a variety of insurance policies. Some have generous switching incentives, too. Here, Telegraph Money has compiled the best of these exclusive accounts, revealing what each offers high-flyers. What is a premier bank account? Premier bank accounts are pitched somewhere between everyday current accounts and private banking, according to Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. She said: 'Getting one of these accounts qualifies you for special treatment, so you may have a named person who you can talk to about your account. 'You may also get special deals, like fee-free overseas spending, and special mortgage and savings rates. There are freebies included too – from remote healthcare services to travel insurance, shopping vouchers, and airport lounge access.' Unlike packaged bank accounts that can offer similar benefits, some premier bank accounts won't charge a monthly fee. Best premier bank accounts Below is a list of some of the best premier bank accounts currently available and what they offer. You'll see that NatWest has three entries here – while they can all be opened by someone earning £100,000, they come with very different features and monthly costs. Lloyds Premier account Eligibility requirements: You must have at least £100,000 of qualifying savings or investments with Lloyds or pay in £5,000 each month. Cost: £15 monthly fee, but this is refunded when you meet the above criteria. Switching bonuses: £185 cash for customers switching from another bank to the Lloyds Premier account between July 1-28 2025. Customers can switch online or through the app, and the £185 will be paid within 10 working days of the switch completing. Key features: Bupa Family GP and Wellbeing subscription, expert financial coaching, 1pc cashback on debit card spending (up to £10 a month), preferential savings and mortgage rates, fee-free spending overseas, interest on balances up to £5,000, your choice of Lifestyle Benefit each year (such as a Disney+ subscription or cinema tickets). NatWest Premier Select Eligibility requirements: You will need to have a minimum of £100,000 sole income or £120,000 joint income paid into your NatWest account, or a minimum of £100,000 savings or investments held with NatWest, or a minimum £500,000 mortgage with NatWest. Cost: £0 monthly fee. Switching bonuses: Up to £175 cash for new customers. Get £125 if you apply online or via the app and switch using the Current Account Switch Service, plus pay in a minimum of £1,250. Get an extra £50 if you open a Digital Regular Saver account with NatWest. T&Cs apply. Features: Fee-free spending abroad, £500 interest-free overdraft, access to financial planning and advice. NatWest Premier Reward Eligibility requirements: You will need to have a minimum of £100,000 sole income or £120,000 joint income paid into your NatWest account, or a minimum of £100,000 savings or investments held with NatWest, or a minimum £500,000 mortgage with NatWest. Cost: £2 monthly fee. Switching bonuses: Up to £175 cash for new customers. Get £125 if you apply online or via the app and switch using the Current Account Switch Service, plus pay in a minimum of £1,250. Get an extra £50 if you open a Digital Regular Saver account with NatWest. T&Cs apply. Features: Access to financial planning and advice, earn £9 a month in Rewards when you set up two direct debits, and £1 in Rewards each month you log into the app, plus earn at least 1pc in Rewards at selected retail partners. Rewards can be donated to charity or redeemed as cash or e-gift codes. NatWest Premier Reward Black Eligibility requirements: You will need to have a minimum of £100,000 sole income or £120,000 joint income paid into your NatWest account, or a minimum of £100,000 savings or investments held with NatWest, or a minimum £500,000 mortgage with NatWest. You must be an existing NatWest current account customer to upgrade your account. Cost: £36 monthly fee. Switching bonuses: None. Features: Worldwide family travel insurance, airport lounge access, fee-free foreign spending, UK and Europe car breakdown cover, mobile phone insurance, home emergency cover, access to financial planning and advice, £500 interest-free overdraft, 24/7 concierge service, 25pc cashback on tickets to concerts and shows, discounts on cinema tickets, plus earn Rewards in the same way as the Premier Reward account. Barclays Premier account Eligibility requirements: You must have a current account with Barclays and pay in an annual income of at least £75,000 or have a balance of at least £100,000 in Barclays' savings and/or investments. Cost: £0 monthly fee. Switching bonuses: None. Features: Access to Premier banking support and Premier financial guides, preferential savings and mortgage options, earn up to 15pc cashback at participating retailers, free Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer Season Pass subscriptions, £500 interest-free overdraft, join Barclays Avios Rewards for £12 a month and collect Avios. HSBC Premier bank account Eligibility requirements: You must have an annual income of at least £100,000 paid into your account or have savings and investments of at least £100,000 with HSBC in the UK or already qualify for HSBC Premier in another country. Cost: £0 monthly fee. Switching bonuses: Open an account by August 12 2025, and get a £500 Selfridges gift card and VIP shopping experience. You must pay in at least £100,000 in savings or investments, or switch with the Current Account Switch Service and pay in your monthly salary and set up two direct debits. Features: Worldwide family travel insurance, access to a range of online health services including digital GP appointments, access to an HSBC Global Money account to convert, hold and send money in multiple currencies, preferential rates on products, access to financial advice, £500 interest-free overdraft. Premier bank accounts compared
