Page 24 - October 2023

EXPERT ADVICE MOVING ADVICE

Is now a good time to buy a home? So you need storage – have you considered
using a removal company?
ESPC Mortgages’ Shirley Mushet examines the data to explain how
the increased base rate is affecting mortgages. Steven McGregor, General Manager Scotland for Doree Bonner International
explains the benefits of using a removal company.
s you’ll no doubt have seen in the news, the
Bank of England is currently trying to get hroughout life, storage needs inevitably and cost-effective. They not only pack your
A inflation under control. The way in which
arise due to decluttering, renovations,
they are doing this is to increase the base rate, Trelocations, downsizing, among other items, reducing damage risk, but also provide
containers for packing at your home. In contrast,
which has, in turn, increased mortgage interest things. While self-storage units are popular, you self-storage entails packing yourself, purchasing
rates.
may not know that reputable removal companies packing materials, and arranging transportation.
offer cost-effective, flexible storage solutions. Many removal companies offer discounts for
We now have a whole generation of homeowners both moving and storage services, further
that are used to super-low interest rates – however, Steven McGregor, Group Manager of Scotland for lowering your costs.
how does this compare to years gone by?
Doree Bonner International, a leading removals
company, highlights the practicality of this For those exclusively seeking storage, removal
If we look back at historical base rate data (easily choice: “At Doree Bonner, we maintain modern, companies offer unmatched flexibility. You can
sourced online), you can see how low this has been purpose-built storage facilities adhering to British deliver your belongings to the storage facility,
from the end of 2008 until last year, when things Association of Removers’ standards. Security is request professional packing, or have them
changed. paramount, with 24-hour surveillance and alarm collect your items. Removal companies can
systems ensuring safety.” accommodate storage for any size of home,
So, is now a good time to buy? and they can handle large items like cars and
You have to question whether we will see the A significant advantage of choosing this kind of garden equipment.
rates return to the 1% or 2% levels any time soon. storage is the “pay-for-what-you-need” pricing
If we consider that interest rates, despite the model. Unlike self-storage units, where you Choosing a removals company streamlines
recent hikes, are still low in comparison to pre- might pay for unused space, removal companies insurance coverage. They provide comprehensive
2008 levels, now is a good time to buy property charge solely on the volume of storage required. insurance from start to finish, while self-storage
– especially when we are not seeing the same may split insurance between moving and storage
level of monies required over the Home Report If you’re planning a move alongside storage, phases, potentially leaving coverage gaps.
valuation, in comparison to the last couple of opting for a removals company can be convenient
years. Most removal companies offer competitive rates,
with additional discounts for larger volumes or
UK Storage Solutions - Doree Bonner
Get in touch with an ESPC Mortgages advisor to long-term commitments. Consider contacting
find out what your affordability is, and what your your local removal company for a quote; you may
monthly payments could look like. find yourself pleasantly surprised.

So, while self-storage units are the default,
The initial consultation with an ESPC Mortgages adviser is free responsibility is accepted for any errors which, despite our exploring reputable removal companies’ options
and without obligation. Thereafter, ESPC Mortgages charges for precautions, it may contain.
mortgage advice are usually £395 (£345 for first-time buyers). can lead to greater convenience and savings. Their
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP The Financial Ombudsman Service is available to sort out individual expertise, security measures, and pricing simplify
REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOANS SECURED complaints that clients and financial services businesses aren’t storage, while keeping your budget in check.
AGAINST IT. able to resolve themselves. To contact the Financial Ombudsman
Service, please visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.
The information contained within this article is subject to the
UK regulatory regime and therefore restricted to consumers ESPC (UK) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Lyncombe
based in the UK. It has been provided in good faith. Whilst every Consultants Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial For more information Doree Bonner are delighted to share with you their new storage video which can be found on the following
care has been taken in the preparation of the information, no Conduct Authority. link. https://youtu.be/qmJzS-GG71A | Tel: 0131 654 1200 | Email: ESPC@dbonner.co.uk | Web: www.doreebonner.co.uk
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