Good Times article on second home owners

Perhaps those who have second homes and are not currently renting them out - should! The article also shows how committed second home owners are to their purchase. See The Times article : How to earn money from your second home!

How do we solve the problem of Second Home Ownership?

Firstly it’s important to understand that much of the problem that second holiday home ownership causes is frustration and resentment from neighbours who want a community that everyone lives in all year round. So the real issue is not to ‘stop’ second home ownership, but to try to ensure that second home owners consider the community more and do their best to ensure the property is used as much as possible. Each community will have different issues and need different solutions. As a result, there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ scenario that will sort the problem out. Read what Kate's suggestions are here ....

How do we solve the problem of Second Home Ownership?

Firstly it’s important to understand that much of the problem that second holiday home ownership causes is frustration and resentment from neighbours who want a community that everyone lives in all year round. So the real issue is not to ‘stop’ second home ownership, but to try to ensure that second home owners consider the community more and do their best to ensure the property is used as much as possible. Each community will have different issues and need different solutions. As a result, there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ scenario that will sort the problem out. Most communities are more than able to work out what to do, however, here are some suggested steps which may help start to tackle some of these problems head on.

Will the current potential solutions to encourage and expand rural village life work?

Matthew Taylor MP has just produced a 200 page document on the Rural Economy and Affordable Housing which addressed the issue of second home ownership. In this document Matthew raises many good points which show why so many rural communities are suffering. Unfortunately for Matthew, much of the good work he did was missed and instead the bulk of the focus from the report has been on second home ownership and the problems it causes. Read on to find out what Kate thinks to Matthew Taylor's document!

Is it still acceptable to have a second home when so many people can’t afford one?

The subject of second home ownership is certainly very topical at the moment, hitting the headlines on television, radio and newspapers. So, is it still acceptable to have a second home when so many people can’t afford one? The answer to this is simple: Yes. We live in a free society and as much as it’s important for us to be able to practice free speech, so it’s important for us to be able to choose how and where we spend our hard earned cash. If it’s a second home somewhere around the UK or abroad, then so be it, or is it? Read on to find out the truth about second home ownership!

Radio 4 You and Yours: Are second homes fair?

Great programme run by the Manchester You and Yours team. If you are interested not just in the debate on second home owners, but also in the need for affordable homes in rural communities, then 'listen again'

Should you worry about Negative Equity? Can you avoid Repossession?

Currently the headlines are reporting what appear to be 'huge' numbers of people in negative equity (reports are around one million people) and repossessions are rising by the minute, estimated at 75,000 in 2009.

Watch Kate's video on Negative Equity and Repossession, where she worked with Nottingham Trent University's media team and students to produce the truth about Negative Equity: that if you aren't selling and if you can continue to pay your mortgage it's not something to worry about.

Repossession is growing, but from an all time low, and although it's awful for anyone to be repossessed and 75,000 sounds a 'high' figure, it's important to remember that this equates to less than 1% of the number of people affected who have a mortgage. And if you are in fear of repossession, there are lots of things you can do to avoid it. Watch our video on Repossession and also our article on Repossession if you need further help.