Latest news with #northeast
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The most and least expensive market towns for first-time buyers
Buyers in search of their perfect first home dream of a quaint cottage in a picturesque market town – but soaring price tags in these sought-after locations often push that ambition out of reach. However, there are hotspots around the country where first-time buyers can snap up one of these desirable locations for less than £200,000, half the price of the most expensive spot. They just need to head to the Midlands and the north-east for the bargains, new research from Lloyds Banking Group reveals. Here, This is Money reveals the least and most expensive market towns for first-time buyers - and those seeking out their forever home. Leek takes lead for young buyers First-time buyers hunting for a home in a market town must now hand over some £280,582 for the privilege, which has shot up 2 per cent in the last year but some 26 per cent since 2020. It's a hefty ask for buyers to build such a sizeable deposit and to meet affordability criteria for this chunky price tag. But first-time buyers can secure a home in picturesque Leek, Staffordshire, for just £191,359. The former textile town is set amid swathes of green space and is close to the Peak District – perfect for buyer with an adventurous side. Buyers can enjoy a cobbled market square along with traditional butchers, bakeries and greengrocers. Chesterfield in the East Midlands is the second cheapest market town for young buyers as homes here sell for just £198,054, Lloyds says. In fact, six of the top ten least expensive market towns for first-time buyers are in the Midlands. Chesterfield is home to the famous crooked spire on its church and a large open-air market. First homes in Northallerton, in Yorkshire and the Humber, are snapped up for £201,628, Lloyds says. Next is Selby (£202,092), Driffield (£203,260) and Boston (£211,404). Market towns are good option for first-time buyers, says Mary-Lou Press, president of estate agent body Propertymark, as they can get more for their money than is busier areas. 'Plus, they'll be part of a flourishing community within proximity to busier cities for work and social commitments,' she says. 'With the average deposit on a home increasing to over £60,000, many buyers, especially those stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, will be casting their nets wider in order to purchase a home that meets their expectations, but for a more affordable price compared to those located in busier cities.' After Boston, it is Buxton in the East Midlands that's the most affordable with a price tag of £224,896 then Newport in Wales with a £227,784 price point. Sleaford and Grantham finish up the list as first-time buyers here spend just £229,197 and £230,464, respectively, on their properties. However, a first home in some market towns is more than double the price of those in Leek. Hitchin is the most expensive market town for first-time buyers as the average price tag is £410,366. The area has lots to offer for young buyers – with a plethora of shops, restaurants and cafés – but is out of budget for many. Altrincham in Greater Manchester is also an expensive pick at £404,864 while homes in West Malling, Kent, sell for £396,925. First-time buyers hoping to secure a property in Saffron Walden must hand over £363,960. Yorkshire seaside spots are cheapest across country House hunters looking to secure a property in a market town now need to stump up a huge £363,456, some £67,000 more than the average house price, LLoyds data reveals. Price tags for these houses have soared by 5 per cent in the last year – 2.5 percentage points more than overall house price growth. In fact, in the last five years home prices in these locations have surged by some 24 per cent. For all buyers, it's Immingham in Yorkshire and the Humber that is the most affordable, with an average house price of £176,918. It has a large port and views of the Humber Estuary – and is well connected with major motorways nearby. Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the northeast is also affordable as average homes have a £186,222 price tag, which typically buys a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment or maisonette. Buyers can enjoy the beach and funicular railway on the cliff, as well as farmer's market with local produce. Taking the bronze spot is Crook, also in the northeast, where homes sell for £207,250, on average. Driffield (£240,658), Chesterfield (£248,304) and Leek (3261,698) also feature on the least expensive homes for all buyers. At the other end of the scale, however, is picturesque Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. Buyers in the commuter town must hand over some £839,468 for a home, which typically only stretches as far as a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Henley-on-Thames is the second most expensive market town. It is just eight miles from Reading and 24 miles from Oxford – and has previously been known as one of the best places to live in the countryside. But buyers must stump up some £776,986 to secure a spot in the exclusive town. In third place is Chipping Norton, set in the dreamy Cotswolds – where the average price tag is some £617,697. Next is Petersfield (£604,884), Cranbrook (£570,104) and Lewes (£560,109). Andrew Asaam, homes director at Lloyds says these priciest market towns are among the most expensive locations across the country, outside of Greater London. He explains: 'These charming locations are filled with historic landmarks and architecture, quaint charm and community spirit, offering a calmer pace of life, often within the reaches of bigger towns and cities. That 'best of both worlds' feeling has led to house prices in these areas holding up. 'It's worth looking beyond the most popular spots as some market towns are great value for money while offering the farmer markets, independent shops and community spirit that make these historic places so appealing.' ENDS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AICPA survey shows 37% of Americans face fraud post-disaster
A survey has revealed that 37% of Americans have encountered fraudulent activities following personal or professional impacts from natural disasters. The survey by the Harris Poll for the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) highlights identity theft, government assistance fraud and loan scams among the common types of fraud experienced. It details the types of fraud experienced: identity theft at 14%; government assistance fraud at 11%; loan scams at 11%; vendor fraud at 10%; utility scams at 10%; charity fraud at 10%; insurance fraud at 10%; and contractor fraud at 8%. The findings show that residents in the north-east and south, both at 40%, are more susceptible compared to the Midwest at 31%. The ACIPA survey also reveals that 48% of Americans lack personal insurance coverage for fraud-related losses during disaster recovery. In contrast, 39% have such coverage, while 13% are uncertain. Among business owners, 64% have insurance protection against fraud-related losses, while 32% do not, with 4% unsure. AICPA director of forensic & technology advisory services Christine Cutti-Fox said: 'In the aftermath of a natural disaster, you may see many individuals show positive behaviours, but you may also see unexpected negative behaviours. 'Fraud can manifest in various ways, and whether you are dealing with the impact as an individual, family, or business owner, it is essential to stay informed and develop a comprehensive plan supported by appropriate documentation to facilitate effective recovery.' Last week, the AICPA also emphasised the necessity for enhanced tax relief measures for those affected by natural disasters. The survey, conducted separately, indicated a strong public preference for extending the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax relief measures beyond initial emergency declarations. More than a third (35%) of the respondents value extended tax filing and payment relief periods post-disaster, the findings revealed. The survey further highlighted that nearly 32% of Americans have not taken steps to protect their financial interests against disasters. Additionally, 29% of participants suggested that IRS tax filing extensions in disaster scenarios would be advantageous. "AICPA survey shows 37% of Americans face fraud post-disaster " was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Granit Xhaka to Sunderland AGREED as ex-Arsenal captain returns to Premier League despite Ten Hag threats
GRANIT XHAKA has agreed a shock deal to join Sunderland, it's been claimed. Shock talks for the Bayer Leverkusen ace to join the Black Cats began earlier this month. 1 Xhaka was immediately keen on a move to the Stadium of Light, informing the Leverkusen brass he'd only join the northeast club if he were to leave the BayArena this summer. And neogtiations between all parties, according to reports, have bore fruit. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the former Arsenal skipper is set to join Regis le Bris' side on a two-year deal. He wrote on X: "Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, here we go! Deal agreed between all parties involved. "Understand fee will be €20m, contract until 2027." Xhaka, 32, is said to have been given the "green light" to fly to Sunderland to undergo a medical. The Switzerland international's seemingly imminent move to Sunderland comes just 'His agent can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three important players go, and we won't let any more go. 'Granit is a leader and still has three years left on his contract here. 'It's clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract. He's too important to us to let him go. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
JADE review — an impressive Proms debut from the former Little Mix star
The Proms' annual weekend in the northeast of England has become a regular fixture, but this year everything felt as if it had been dialled up a notch. Lots of touches, including more concerts in more places and the first time that any Prom outside of London has been televised, indicated expansion and confidence. Also for the first time the festival escaped Gateshead, staging a jazz celebration in the Fire Station in Sunderland. Hosted by Soweto Kinch, who twice picked up his saxophone to join in, this featured some esoteric psychedelia from the trumpeter Theo Croker and some more instantly appealing virtuosity from the Joe Webb trio, whose freewheeling centenary tribute to Oscar Peterson stole the show. • Read more of our music critics' verdicts on the Proms Undoubtedly, however, the star of the weekend was Jade Thirlwall, who may have put her Little Mix days behind her, but hasn't forgotten her South Shields roots. Much of her Friday night Glasshouse set (which featured a high-class warm-up from the engaging, Middlesbrough-born Finn Forster) was a love letter to the region. The magic came from JADE's ability to project larger-than-life star quality with the ability to hold the audience close, whether she was belting out her hits — the concert included material from her forthcoming album along with selections from her back catalogue — or covering songs by Madonna or Sam Fender. JADE has the voice of a diva combined with communicative immediacy, with roof-raisers sitting happily alongside softer songs of disarming intimacy. • Read more classical reviews, guides and interviews The Royal Northern Sinfonia provided her with dutiful but unobtrusive background support in arrangements conducted by Robert Ames. Their own moment in the spotlight came on Saturday evening alongside the pianist David Fray, who played a Bach concerto sensitively, if not always in sync with the beat of conductor Dinis Sousa. They also gave a rousing performance of Mendelssohn's Lobgesang Symphony, for which they were joined by no fewer than three choruses from Tyneside and Huddersfield, all of whom sang their hearts out.★★★★☆On BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer Follow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Hopes Newcastle Centre for Writing will help bridge funding gap
The creation of a new £11m writing centre will help bridge the funding gap between "forgotten" artists in northern England and those living in the south, a mayor has government signed off millions of pounds of funding in January for the Centre for Writing, which will be based in will aim to provide opportunities and careers in the creative industries for those living in north-east East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the North East Combined Authority (Neca) wanted to support "home-grown talent" but said funding for the region's art sector had been outpaced by that in the south for some time. "There is not enough national money – we do seem to have been a bit forgotten about up here," she tank IPPR North said its analysis had found a £450m "culture chasm" between London and the North of England, which had added to a "vicious cycle of regional inequality"."It is unbelievable that this is happening in this day and age," McGuinness said. 'Bold step' Leaders hope the Centre for Writing will cement the region as a hub for writing and literature and attract big-name publishers to the area, as well as supporting Newcastle's Seven Stories and The National Centre for the Written Word in South will acquire a Newcastle property to house the centre, which will then be run by Tyneside-based charity New Writing North and Northumbria University, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Department for Culture Media and Sport has confirmed it will provide £5m towards the Centre for Writing, while Northumbria University is set to provide £2.5m in said it would provide £2m and Newcastle City Council is expected to provide £1m. It is hoped the remaining £850,000 will be secured through additional grants. Newcastle City Council deputy leader Alex Hay said the creation of the centre was a "bold step" for the region's creative industries."This is more than just a building – it is about growing jobs, attracting investment and giving people of all ages a way into the creative industries, ensuring the North East has a strong voice in UK culture," he said. Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
