Let's Talk Property Heather Hilder-Darling

How well does your home broadband perform?

Guy Cocker, my guest today, reveals the multitude of frustrations caused by unreliable broadband speeds.

Unreliable internet means missing out on gigs and festivals - and with a summer of events and sport ahead of us - we don't want to miss our favourite shows. I can't wait for Wimbledon!

From buffering to lags, a lack of broadband speed causes issues for people on a daily basis. When multiple people are in the home at the same time, unreliable broadband can result in bickering, homework getting delayed, and for those working from home, project deadlines being missed.

EE unveils their most advanced broadband, with new FULL FIBRE 1.Gbps, delivering the fastest speeds and best reliability.

Our personal and professional lives depend on fully operational broadband. Research (RWB) shows that 30% of us have daily issues with speed.

Heat affects internet speed, servers and routers giving yet more misery to users.

If you're finding it difficult to work from home, or impossible to hand in assignments and projects to your school/college/employer, maybe it's time to make the change?

June 2023

The decline of UK hedgerows is contributing to the alarming loss of plant and animal species. A typical hedgerow encompasses over 2000 diverse species of plants and animals.

The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and ARLA farmers across the country are working together to redress the balance. We can also help at home, and make a difference by encouraging our children to get involved too.

My guests are Oliver Williams, Farmer, and Lizzie McLaughlin, Head of Commercial Content Solutions at Agriconnect, who both promote the idea that we can all get involved, whatever the size of our garden, and become 'Custodians of the Land'.

You don't need to be a farmer to become a landlord to a thriving population of diverse wildlife. You can create wildlife-friendly gardens and green spaces within your own garden, balcony, or local outdoor areas. Some simple ideas include introducing bee hotels, bee boxes, bee bricks and manage outside space to encourage the return of bumblebees, insects and hedgehogs.

How can you help to secure a brighter future for the remarkable wildlife we risk losing?

Simply - join in the conversation.

June 2023

Is house-building politicized?  How are developers future-proofing new homes?

Join me as I chat with Neil Jefferson, MD Home Builders Federation, about how the cost of living crisis and a potential recession has changed the way we look for, and buy, new homes in the UK.

Market analysis found that the cost to bring most old properties in line with modern standards can be upwards of £70,000.  Research reveals that more than 53%* of us would consider buying a new build to increase energy efficiency and lower our utility bills.

Heather Hilder-Darling

28 February 2023



*Research carried out by Yonder Data Solutions between 3 - 5 February 2023 with sample of 2,088 UK adults.

Have you been affected by recent flooding?

A new report by LV= GI and independent think-tank Localis, has revealed that as many as 25,550 new homes are set to be built in areas that are already urbanised or where more than 1% of homes are already at risk of flooding.

LV= together with Interior Designer Gaby Blackman and Flooding Expert Dr Jess Neumann have designed a 'Flood Proof Home' of the Future.

Dr Neumann tells me, "The homes of the future could well require features such as underground drainage networks, built-in flood defences and even amphibious foundations..."

Let's find out about buoyant foundations, a U-shaped garage roof and features to protect our homes of the future.

Heather Hilder-Darling

23 November 2022

Feeling the cold already?  

Today's topic 'Heat Yourself Not your Home' comes at a time when 71% of Brits are looking at alternative methods to heat themselves as temperatures begin to drop.

Consumer and finance expert Alice Beer has worked with Silentnight to create a guide if you're looking to keep warm and save money this autumn.

As concern rises about 'heating or eating', people are looking at how to warm themselves, aside from switching on the heating.

Alice says, "One of my favourite tips in the guide is to heat yourself... Things like electric blankets or heated throws are perfect for this as they cost just pennies to run..."

New figures from Silentnight have shown that almost 39% have turned to wearing more layers in a bid to stay warm.  So apart from saving money by turning down the thermostat, could the electric blanket keep the nation warm?

As part of the campaign, SleepyPeople.com is running a penny sale on winter warmer products on Friday 14 October at 09.00h.

Heather Hilder-Darling

October 2022

 

Don't know what to do with the kids this half-term?  

Holly Smith, the Coupon Queen and Money Expert, joins me to chat about how it's now cheaper to go on a fun-filled family staycation than to stay at home.

According to a new study by Butlins, it costs the average family £348.25** to entertain the kids with various child-friendly activities over the course of four days at home.  The research found that single trips to the theatre, swimming pool, soft play centre, fairground and pantomime all add up to the triple figure total.

With families under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, many have already cut down on takeaways and meals out to afford trips away. 

Holly provides money saving tips - from supermarket coupons to family days out to getting away for as little as £50!  

Also, check out your Council website for ideas of activities for children during half-term.

Heather Hilder-Darling

October 2022

** Based on average UK costs for individual activities for a family of four in the UK