National housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is offering homebuyers across the UK some foolproof advice to reduce their outgoings and make savvy savings in 2009.
With sorting out finances topping the list of 2009 New Year resolutions*, buying a new home could actually help purchasers reduce their costs in the long run. According to research**, buying new could save you £700 a year in energy bills and 25 per cent in home insurance***.
Kevin Belsham, UK regional sales and marketing director, comments: “There is no doubt that 2008 was a challenging year with many people reluctant to move. However, we believe that with the right advice and support, 2009 will be the right time to buy and actually reduce expenditure in the long term. That is why, in addition to our fantastic incentives, we’re providing some expert top tips on where to save. By following our ten simple steps and making some practical changes, buyers could make some considerable reductions.”
Ten Top Tips For Savvy Savings In 2009
Household Insurance - It is always worth shopping around when looking to take out a new policy or renew an existing one. Make sure you look at what the policy covers as well as any special incentives on offer from new providers.
Energy Suppliers - Uswitch.com offers a comprehensive comparison database which can help you to compare the leading providers in your region, gives you an estimate of how much you could save on your fuel bills, and enables you to change providers.
Mobile Telephones - Mobilephonechecker.co.uk can help you to make considerable savings. Heavy text users can reduce their bills by seeking out free text deals. If you already have a contract, consider switching tariffs or persuading your network to find the best package.
Supermarket Shopping - Stick to a list or shop online to help you resist unnecessary impulse buys. Try downshifting to cheaper brands, which can result in huge savings across the year.
Standby Reduction Devices - A television left on standby can consume nearly 70 per cent of the electricity that it would if it was switched on. A standby reduction device will cost you around £15 each, but you are likely to recoup the cost within 12-18 months or sooner if you usually leave appliances on overnight.
*According to research by Gocompare.com in December 2008.
**Energy Bills - Independent assessment, carried out by Habitus Home Information Pack Specialists, compared two similarly sized three bedroom three storey townhouses – one a brand new Taylor Wimpey home and one a traditional Victorian house built in 1899. The cost of heating the new property totalled £241 compared to £947 in the older property.
***Home Insurance - Home insurance price comparison based on like for like quotes for a 1960 and 2005 three bedroom, semi-detached property on moneysupermarket.com. Quote was 25% cheaper to insure the new property.