Santander's survey interpretation gives a far more optimistic one than HSBC's, which is also out today. Photo:Getty Images

Santander detects greater optimism about buying

Bank finds eight per cent of us say we are likely to buy a new home this year.

The cost of moving home in London rose by 6.3 per cent. Image:Thinkstock

Moving costs up more than prices in last decade

Estate agency fees, mortgage costs and stamp duty biggest contributors to average moving bill of £9,000, says Lloyds TSB.

HSBC predict housing stagnation in 2012. Image:Thinkstock

Housing market set for stagnation in 2012

Study by HSBC finds the old don't want to move and the young can't afford to buy.

Cornwall. Some time ago.

Mother offered 'affordable' home at double rent

District nurse shocked to find she'd have to pay twice the rent her son pays for the same size home in the same Cornish village.

Home improvement & interiors

Top tip: Don't forget to pull up the drawbridge.

Protecting your home – top 10 tips

There are a few obvious ways to keep your home safe and secure... and a few less well-known methods.

Makeovers for children's bedrooms

Kids' moaning about their bedroom? Want to give them something new without breaking the bank? Try a Walltastic covering.

Call for rethink of way we heat our homes

Engineering experts warn that installing kit like solar panels and heat pumps is not enough and may even cost more if badly done.

Renovation tips - Web TV show 3.30pm Thursday

Catherine Gee discusses renovation tips with Mark Horrocks from Richard Burbidge, the stair parts company. Starts at 3.30pm Thursday 12 January.

In the garden

Not having a picture of the "gardener's shuffle" here is almost criminal. Image:Thinkstock

Old Geezer the Gardening Guru: Lawns – how to lay turf and plant seed

Want to learn the 'gardener's shuffle'? We've got Old Geezer here to teach you it in his guide to laying turf and planting seed.

Old Geezer the Gardening Guru: Vegetable seeds – what to buy

Beware of glossy pictures! Old Geezer talks you through what vegetable seeds packets are worth using.

Old Geezer the Gardening Guru: How to save your Christmas tree

Full of festive cheer, Old Geezer explains how to save your Christmas tree.

Ask the expert

cup of tea

Q&A: Should I take my property off the market?

We all know that to sell a home you need neutral decor and no clutter - but what if you're doing that but there's still no interest?

Q&A: Structural issues with chimney breasts

This week's reader has an unsupported first-floor chimney breast and he's unsure whether to remove the chimney stack or leave it...

Q&A: Resolving a boundary dispute with a neighbour

A reader asks how they can find out where their garden ends and their neighbour's begins.

Blogs

Eminem. Probably unlikely to rap about mortgage rates anytime soon.

FindaProperty rap advertising campaign launches

New 'property rap' TV advertising campaign by FindaProperty to kick off during Dancing on Ice.

Ideal Home Show at Christmas

Fake snow, white carpets and a massive Christmas tree...It could only be an AboutProperty day out to the Ideal Home Show at Christmas.

Review: guidance seminar for buy-to-let investors

From buying to evicting, becoming a successful landlord is complex. We check out a seminar that guides investors through the process.

News in pictures

Majorcan magic: holiday homes in the mountains

The Serra de Tramuntana mountains were recently awarded World Heritage Status. We show you what the area has to offer property-wise.

Search for property

UK property

Santander detects greater optimism about buying

Santander's survey interpretation gives a far more optimistic one than HSBC's, which is also out today. Photo:Getty Images

Bank finds eight per cent of us say we are likely to buy a new home this year.

Moving costs up more than prices in last decade

The cost of moving home in London rose by 6.3 per cent. Image:Thinkstock

Estate agency fees, mortgage costs and stamp duty biggest contributors to average moving bill of £9,000, says Lloyds TSB.

Housing market set for stagnation in 2012

HSBC predict housing stagnation in 2012. Image:Thinkstock

Study by HSBC finds the old don't want to move and the young can't afford to buy.

Overseas property

Irish house prices fell even faster in 2011

Prices in Dublin fell faster than the rest of the country. Image:Allstar

Homes lose 16.7 per cent of their value in 12 months and are now down by almost half on 2007 peak.

Eric Cantona presidency stunt highlights French housing crisis

Eric Cantona has retained a significant media profile despite his shock early retirement from football in 1998. Image:Allstar

Reports that Eric Cantona is standing to be French president are wide of the mark, but he is instead looking to highlight a growing housing crisis in France.

Directory

Alaris

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Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

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Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

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Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

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Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

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We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

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For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

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Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

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Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

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If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK  Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture  Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

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Directory articles

Things to consider before investing in London property

Investing in London property can be a wise move provided you get it right. Whether you want to buy a flat, studio apartment, townhouse or mansion, there are lots of investment opportunities in the capital, so you are sure to find something.

Our guide to stamp duty planning on commercial property

Stamp duty can add tens of thousands of pounds to a commercial property purchase, which is money that can be reinvested in the business. To see if you can reduce or avoid SDLT, it may be worth speaking to a stamp duty mitigation firm.

What are the different types of wooden office furniture?

Whether you work from home or in a city centre location, you need to give some thought to the office furniture you use. Of course, you'll want practical products that enable you to store documents and place equipment on them safely, but it is just as important to get something that looks good - in both regards, mahogany can deliver.