Before we know it the Christmas countdown will be on, which means only one thing…the elves are back! Fresh from the North Pole for Christmas 2021, the official The Elf on the Shelf is back for more festive fun and frolics to help keep the magic alive.

For fun Christmas ideas these creative Elf on the Shelf ideas will inspire your scout to change things up this year, to keep little ones entertained.

What’s the Elf on the Shelf story?

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

For those that don’t know, a bit of background info. The phenomena that is The Elf on the Shelf is a children’s boxset; a fun-filled kit featuring a book that tells a tale of a secret elf sent by Santa to keep a watchful eye on children at Christmas time – reporting back to Father Christmas in the North Pole.

With over 100 tips and tricks and 15 elf-sized tools to inspire Scout Elves it’s fun for all the family. The book comes with an elf figurine that parents secretly place around the house to watch over children. This is where the fun comes in, as parents look for more and more creative ways to ‘style’ the elf each morning.

Throughout the book, a group of elves known as Santa’s Scout Elf Training Team offers advice to teach other Scout Elves how to fly, jump, hide and play in clever ways while visiting their families during the holidays. Making it easy for Scout Elves to create unforgettable moments in the family’s home, with lots of playful ideas.

You pick up The Elf on the Shelf from all good retailers.

The Elf on the Shelf: £17.99, iwantoneofthose.com
Hiding the cheeky elf provides hours of entertainment. We love the ingenious and creative photos that surface online year after year, of what the elves get up to when no one’s watching!

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Elf on the Shelf ideas for 2021

All the fun and games are back to make the countdown more entertaining…

1. Making Masks for Scout Elves

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

If you know, you know! This brilliant idea recreates the fun of the TV hit show The Masked Singer. Parents can make this idea last for days, with a collection of mini masks. Simply raid the ids stash of arts and crafts paper and card to make decorative masks, themed to delight little ones.

2. Playing Elf Twister

Image credit: Becky Coyne

Fun for all. This is the elf Scout playing Elf Twister thanks to a creative parent making their own play mat with a simple sheet of white paper and some coloured felt tip pens.

3. Reporting back from Santa to set chores

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

Genius!  This idea is a creative way to keep the kids on their toes, with elf reporting back on the tasks that Santa would like them to complete. A great way to ensure all children make it to the good list this year.

4. Hiding in the blinds

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

Pop the cheeky Elf in between the slats of the window blinds or shutters to give the impression he’s returning through the window after a night of mischief.

5. Wrap household items in clingfilm

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

Nothing in the house is safe when your give the elf a roll of clingfilm…it might be just the thing to encourage little ones to tidy items away out of Elf’s reach.

To save wastage, you can leave the clingfilm attached to the roll and use it a few times – over the days of countdown, just using different objects.

6. Make your own Jenga game with chocolate biscuits

Image credit: Becky Coyne

Fashion a DIY Jenga game with chocolate finger biscuits; entertainment and a delicious snack at the same time. Simply stack a handful of biscuits on a plate and leave a note for

7. Float the elf with balloons

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

Recreate the scene from ‘Up’ with some left over party balloons and colourful twine, making your elf appear to be floating away. To stick the balloons to the wall with ease try the old fashioned static trick, by rubbing the balloon on a a wooly jumper.

8. A final frosty farewell from Elf

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

When it’s time for the Elf to go back to the North Pole this idea can make a fabulous final impression. Use snow spray to create a silhouette of the Elf flying off into the night, on his journey back to help Santa.

Image credit: Elf On The Shelf

There are only two rules of Scout Elf club.

First, a Scout Elf cannot be touched; Christmas magic is very fragile and if a Scout Elf is touched it may lose its magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole. Second, a Scout Elf cannot speak or move while anyone in the house is awake; a Scout Elf’s job is to watch and listen.

Families can officially register their Scout Elf’s name with the North Pole, to receive a free adoption certificate as well as a personalised letter from Santa. Too cute.

It’s a great Christmas tradition to start with your children when they are young and can be enjoyed by all the family. Selling millions of copies across the globe, the box set has previously been crowned number 1 bestseller by Wall Street Journal.

Image credit: The Elf on the Shelf

We wonder what other spots and shelves you may find him watching from this year, and more importantly what he’ll get up to when our backs are turned!

The post The Elf on the Shelf ideas to inspire your mischievous Elf Scout this Christmas appeared first on Ideal Home.

Choosing the best BBQ now will mean it’s guaranteed to have arrived by the time grilling season rolls around again. With the best barbecue you can slow cook brisket or flash-fry a perfectly rare steak, and with a mix of the best gas and charcoal barbecues, as well as a few hybrid and even electric options, our best BBQ guide will have something for everyone.

Although they don’t have to be expensive, buying the best BBQ will typically set you back at least £200, which is why many people wait for Black Friday BBQ deals to see what savings can be made. After all, while they’re not the most seasonal, a professional grill will be the perfect Christmas gift to a discerning alfresco chef. For some, a kettle charcoal BBQ will be more than adequate for cooking up hot dogs and burgers on the occasional sunny days, but others will be on the hunt for a mighty gas BBQ to entertain friends and family in an outdoor kitchen. No matter your preference, we’ve included something for everyone in our best BBQ guide. That includes brands like Weber, Char-Broil, Everdure, Kamado Joe, and Traeger.

For more outdoor cooking, check out the best pizza ovens

With Black Friday home deals just around the corner, we’ve lined up our top 15 BBQs for any grill lover, so it’s just a case of finding a great saving. Well, we’ve got that covered too, and we’ll be highlighting our favourite savings right here in our best BBQ page. Right now you can save on top brands like Weber and Char-Broil when you shop at Very and Amazon.

Black Friday BBQ deals

• Amazon BBQ deals: save hundreds of pounds on brands like Weber and CosmoGrill
• Very BBQ deals: budget-friendly barbecues with some own brand options, too
• Weber BBQ deals: home of the premium grill, with some decent bundle savings
• John Lewis BBQ deals: this year’s sellout barbecues are finally back in stock

Weber 57cm Master-Touch Charcoal Kettle Barbecue BBQ: was £369, now £329 at Amazon (save £40) 
One of our top picks, the Weber Master-Touch has all the convenience of a kettle BBQ but with the expert craftsmanship we all expect from Weber. We love the vents at the bottom, which can be used for smoking and slow cooking.

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Char-Broil All-Star 125 Gas Barbecue Grill: was £379, now £339 at Very
The fold-out arms and electric ignition on the All-Star combines what we love about gas grilling with the stature of a kettle grill. Easy to store, without the need for charcoal.

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Best BBQ 2021

1. Weber Master Touch GBS Premium E-5770

Best BBQ overall

Type of BBQ: Charcoal
Cooking area: 57cm diameter
Weight: 24kg

Reasons to buy:
• For that smokey charcoal BBQ taste
• Compact and easy to transport
• Made to last

Reasons to avoid:
• Won’t cater to large crowds
• Quite expensive for the cooking area

Weber has shown how it earned the crown, as king of the kettle charcoal barbeques, with the Master-Touch GBS Premium. Essentially it gives you a lot of the control and quality you’d expect from gas, but with all the smokey flavour you’d want from charcoal.

The porcelain enamelled char ring and stainless steel diffuser plate help to distribute the heat efficiently for steady cooking without burning. Add an iGrill accessory and you can monitor internal food temperatures, making it even easier to cook to perfection (from a distance while you socialise) – or at least to have fewer excuses to get it wrong.

That GBS name stands for Gourmet BBQ System which is essentially a selection of cooking grates to suit your food, from the included Sear Grate for steaks to a pizza stone, wok, griddle pan, poultry roaster and more. Even if you never use any of those it’s nice to have the option.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars

2. Weber Genesis II E-410

Best BBQ for the grilling perfectionist

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area:86 x 48cm
Weight: 86.2kg

Reasons to buy:
• A mighty grill designed for entertaining
• GBS cooking grates
• Insulated lid
• Can be used for smoking

Reasons to avoid:
• That high price point!

When it comes to barbecues, many perfectionists go for a Weber. This company’s barbecues are made to a very high standard and just work very well. While the company’s kettle charcoal barbecues get the most fame, its gas systems are brilliant too. And especially the Genesis II E-410.

To start, you have a hefty four gas burner setup using the company’s GS4 Grilling System. This is enhanced by porcelain-enamelled cast iron GBS cooking grates and flavouriser bars. These do as the name suggests. There’s also a double-walled air insulated porcelain-enamelled lid. This makes smoking and cooking at speed both options too.

This isn’t a small barbecue so be ready to offer it a chunk of your home’s space to live. But with extras like a Grease Management System to make cleaning a doddle, you’ll be glad you welcomed this new edition.

Ideal Home rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

3. Char-Broil All-Star

Best gas BBQ for small gardens

Image credit: Char-Broil

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area: 60cm diameter
Weight: 25kg

Reasons to buy:
• The advantages of gas without the space demands
• Classic BBQ look
• Can be taken out of its frame

Reasons to avoid:
• It’s only got one burner

The Char-Broil All-Star is immensely portable thanks to its fold-down arms and modest grill size. It’s still a powerhouse though, with a rust-proof, circular 46cm cast iron grate which resembles a classic kettle barbecue. This gas BBQ ignites easily and the heat can be adjusted using the large dial on the front of the machine. You can wheel the All-Star around on its four casters, which lock when it’s in place to keep it secure.

Something even more versatile is that the Char-Broil All-Star can be taken out of its stand and placed on a tabletop, meaning it’s suitable for day trips and camping excursions where you may not need its frame. The lid is cast aluminium and contains a thermometer to allow you to preheat the oven and prevent heat from escaping as you grill. There’s also a warming grate, which will allow you to cook for a crowd despite the lack of multiple burners.

4. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ

Best high-end BBQ

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area: 2358cm²
Weight: 33kg

Reasons to buy:
• Comes in three beautiful colours
• Capable cooking for large groups
• Accessories included
• High hood for convection cooking

Reasons to avoid:
• No side burner

Last year’s must-have BBQ is back. The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ has Heston’s approval, and it’s got lots of home chef-approved elements such as the high hood that can accommodate a whole turkey for cooking slow and low. This gas BBQ can be removed from the stand, making it portable for tabletop use, and the servery drops down for more easy transportation.

Other things we love include the enamel-coated grates and hood that can be cleaned easily and are rust-proof. Although it has a large cooking area it is powered by only two burners, which is less than some of the other BBQs in our guide. This smaller size does mean it’s perfect for heating up fast, and it’s ready to cook only five minutes after ignition.

5. Kamado Joe KJ23RH Classic I

Best kamado grill 

Type of BBQ: Charcoal
Cooking area: 18 inches diameter
Weight: 53kg

Reasons to buy:
• Gorgeous design
• Built to last forever
• Flexible cooking system

Reasons to avoid:
•It’s hefty
•There’s a knack to kamado cooking

Odds are, you’ve seen the Kamado Joe before. Whether it’s on Instagram or in a glossy magazine, this is one stylish BBQ that’s designed to catch your attention. The blaze red exterior coats an insulated ceramic egg design, with two tiers for adjustable cooking styles.

The Kamado Joe Classic I is the most iconic in the line, and it’s also a great value kamado grill. You can use the cast iron air vent to smoke your food or release heat, and the slide-out ash tray should make cleaning easy. There’s also two side trays for keeping side dishes and plates close by, as well as hooks to hang utensils on.

The grill weighs 53kg, so it’s by no means portable. Luckily though, you’ll probably want to keep it on display in your garden.

6. Traeger PRO 575 Pellet Grill

Best smoker BBQ 

Type of BBQ: Pellet
Cooking area: 3709 cm²
Weight: 58kg

Reasons to buy:
•Smart-enabled
• A whole new kind of barbecuing
• Automatically tops up on pellets

Reasons to avoid:
• Takes getting used to
• Pellets are harder to source than charcoal

Boy did we love testing the Traeger PRO 575 Pellet Grill. It’s smart, easy to clean, and surprisingly versatile. While Traeger is a well-known brand in the States (they love a smoker grill) it’s been making strides in the UK this summer with a range of accessible grills to make smoker cooking easy. 

You power the Traeger with pellets, which add extra smokiness and are very easy to ignite and use. The drum-shaped grill has a hopper and controls to the side, which are digital and can even be paired with a smartphone. This adds more pellets as and when is needed. 

Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

7. John Lewis & Partners 3 Burner Gas BBQ

Best BBQ for serving up to six

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area:62.4 x 41.5cm
Weight: 32kg

Reasons to buy:
• Perfect size for small families
• Mighty design
• Warming rack
• Lid thermometer

Reasons to avoid:
• Too big for some spaces

Looking for the best BBQ for a smaller crowd? The John Lewis & Partners 3 Burner Gas BBQ has all the things we love about your standard gas BBQ, but because it’s got a compact frame and only three burners it’s not going to take up too much space in the shed.

The John Lewis & Partners 3 Burner Gas BBQ has some handy features such as a warming rack to toast burger buns or stop veggies burning, and it’s also equipped with a lid thermometer to give you more cooking control. If you want a bit more prep space take advantage of the two side shelves, and fold them down when you’re done to tuck the BBQ away easily. It’s not too heavy, so you could even fit this one in your car boot.

8. Weber One Touch E4710

Best charcoal BBQ on a budget

Type of BBQ: Charcoal
Cooking area: 47cm diameter
Weight: 15kg

Reasons to buy:
• A classic Weber grill
• One of the cheapest on the market
• Easy cleaning system

Reasons to avoid:
• Lacking a sturdy frame

The Weber One Touch E4710 is an iconic charcoal BBQ that delivers big flavour without the high price. When it’s in stock it’s always a fast seller, with shoppers easy to pick up a BBQ with the Weber name that will fit in even small gardens.

Reasons to love include the ash catcher, rust-resistant design and all-weather wheels. The Weber One Touch E4710 also has an in-built thermometer and can be used for smoking thanks to the high lid and heat-resistant handles that will hold up well over time.

The kettle offers a hinged stainless steel lid for easy access to check and turn your food. In real-world use that means a hand free rather than holding the lid while you sort the grill – invaluable stuff. Close that down and you’ve got a thermometer to keep an eye on the cooking heat so you stay in control throughout the process.

9. Weber Smokey Joe Premium Barbecue

Best portable BBQ

Type of BBQ: Charcoal
Cooking area: 42 x 37cm
Weight: 1kg

Reasons to buy:
• Perfect for taking on the go
• Fire-resistant lid handle
• Decent cooking area

Reasons to avoid:
• Not ideal for at-home use

If you want a barbecue that isn’t consigned to your garden alone then the Weber Smokey Joe Premium could be just the one for you. This combines quality craftsmanship and cooking ability with portability that lets you turn any park, field or beach into a bbq party.

The 37cm cooking area of the Smokey Joe is a nice balance between portability and space which is enough for around three people. But if you want to do more just crack open another bag and coals and keep cooking. The porcelain-enamelled and rust-resistant lid and bowl mean even being out in the elements is no issue for this bbq.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars

10. Weber Q2000

Best gas BBQ

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area: 54 x 39cm
Weight: 21kg

Reasons to buy:
• Portable
• Plenty of cooking space
• Storage space below and to the side

Reasons to avoid:
• The frame is plastic
• Only one burner

Maybe it’s just because we’re BBQ obsessives, but we’ve noticed that this is one of the more popular options for summer 2021. We can see why, too.

The Weber Q2000 Gas BBQ has a great mix of portability and durability. The cast aluminium construction will make the grill itself easy enough to take on the go, and you can even remove it from its plastic stand.

With 2106 cm² of cooking space it’s no small option, either. The BBQ has only one burner but the grates are wide and square enough to offer enough room for plenty of burgers and hot dogs. Ignition is electric and the cast iron cooking grate is guaranteed to inject any meal with smoky flavour.

11. Argos Home Deluxe 3 Burner Outdoor Kitchen Gas BBQ

Best value BBQ

Image credit: Argos

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area:60 x 41cm
Weight: 45kg

Argos has packed a lot of value into its own-brand Deluxe 3 Burner Outdoor Kitchen Gas BBQ. This BBQ comes on four wheels, with a base that makes it look built-in to any outdoor space. It has three burners and a side burner, which is great for boiling corn on the cob or frying off any extras that may fall through the grate. There’s an in-built space for the gas tank and the cooking area is 60 x 41cm, making it one of the largest BBQs you can buy. All great value for money when you consider that this BBQ is under £250.

Other extras we love include a drip tray and the trusty warming rack to keep your hot dogs hot. It does come flat packed and can be a hassle to assemble, but grab a family member and set aside some time ahead of use and you can reward yourself with a delicious grilled meal when it’s over.

12. John Lewis & Partners 2 Burner Gas BBQ

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area:50 x 41.5cm
Weight: 24kg

Reasons to buy:
• Perfect size for small families
• Reasonably priced
• Warming rack
• Lid thermometer

Reasons to avoid:
• No side burners included

Looking for the best BBQ for a smaller crowd? The John Lewis & Partners 2 Burner Gas BBQ has all the things we love about your standard gas BBQ, but because it’s got a compact frame and only two burners it’s not going to take up too much space in the shed.

The John Lewis & Partners 2 Burner Gas BBQ has some handy features such as a warming rack to toast burger buns or stop veggies burning, and it’s also equipped with a lid thermometer to give you more cooking control. If you want a bit more prep space take advantage of the two side shelves, and fold them down when you’re done to tuck the BBQ away easily. It’s not too heavy, so you could even fit this one in your car boot.

13. Weber Pulse 1000

Best electric BBQ

Type of BBQ: Electric
Cooking area: 31 x 41cm
Weight: 33kg

Reasons to buy:
• A modern take on classic BBQs
• Environmentally friendly option
• Looks great
• Smart compatibility

Reasons to avoid:
• Designed for flat living so not ideal for those with large gardens

If you live in a city where charcoal or even gas grilling isn’t really the done thing, then a more modern approach could be for you. Enter the Weber Pulse 1000, a totally electric barbeque. This not only avoids excess fumes but also dodges the use of fossil fuels, making it a far more environmentally friendly way to cook out. 

This is all about accuracy with that 1.8 kW of power in this large but attractive grill. It comes with an internal probe meaning you can monitor the internal temperature of your food. This is done via the Weber app so you can actually keep an eye on your food from the comfort of indoors, while this grill does all the work out on the balcony. Yup, it’s marketed towards those in flats, since it means no smoke annoying the neighbours.

In case this all sounds too much like cheating and not real grilling, Weber uses porcelain enameled cast iron plates which actually manage to give the food a barbecue taste unlike you’d get cooking indoors. That means a steak will taste more like one you buy out at a restaurant rather than something you’ve cooked on a pan in the kitchen. In case this relatively new tech seems worrying to you, there’s a five year limited warranty to set your mind at ease, too.

14. Big Green Egg Large

Best BBQ for professional-level cooks

Type of BBQ: Charcoal
Cooking area: 46cm diameter
Weight: 86kg

Reasons to buy:
• Incredibly stylish
• Designed to last
• Great for smoking or charcoal cooking
• Easy to clean

Reasons to avoid:
• So expensive
• Only one fuel option

This is one very stylish yet practical way to cook thanks to the Big Green Egg’s ceramic build which maintains a steady heat for even and predictable cooking results. It also looks brilliant. 

The air-flow tech will have this up to temperature in no time and will allow you to easily keep it within a few degrees throughout cooking. Once finished, the leftover fats and oils are cooked down by the heat of the egg meaning all that’s left is an easily swept away ash, leaving you ready to cook again the next time. It’s deep though so you may want to roll your sleeves up before diving into the ash pile. 

The fact it grills, bakes, sears and stays hot for up to 10 hours is just a bonus and is probably why this is the grill of choice for many professionals. One of the most forgiving barbeques out there right now, with a price to reflect that.

Ideal Home rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

15. Very 6-Burner Gas BBQ with Side Burner

Best cheap BBQ

Type of BBQ: Gas
Cooking area: 60 x 35.5cm
Weight: 45kg

Reasons to buy:
• A great value option
• Six burners total
• Side burner for cooking extras
• Easy to transport

Reasons to avoid:
• Lacking an in-built temperature gauge
• The frame is less sturdy than other options

Available at Very and Littlewoods, the 6-Burner Gas BBQ with Side Burner packs in a lot of BBQ for the money. It’s got a sturdy lid and porcelain steel wire cooking grill. There’s also a side burner for preparing all sorts of side dishes, which is something you’ll typically only find on much more expensive barbecues.

The frame is lightweight and there’s a total cooking space of 60 x 35.5cm of cooking space, meaning you’ll be able to cook up a real feast with this gas BBQ. What’s more, it’s on wheels for easy transportation and an absolute bargain.

How to buy the best bbq for you

Image credit: Weber

The most major priority is price, so start out with a rough idea of what you want to spend. Once you know this, it’s easier to narrow down the rest and fit in what you need with what you can afford. Next up is fuel.

This subject is an area of debate. Some claim that charcoals offer the very best flavour, while others claim gas gives the same result. Then, to make it more complicated, there are gas barbecues that use gas flames to heat charcoals.

For more outdoor essentials check out the best fire pits

Essentially it boils down to this – if you’re cooking meat, it’s the juices hitting the coals which create a smoke which adds flavour to the meat. Lose the coals and you lose this extra flavour.

So if you want authentic flavour, coals can be the best way to cook. Then there are the smokers which take this idea to the next level and offer slow cooking which not only packs in the smokey flavour but also allows you to give the perfect tenderness to joints of meat.

The problem with gas and charcoal is that you need to buy the fuels, which can be a hassle. That’s where electric barbecues come in. They’re a great way ta grill without worrying about anything aside from plugging in the barbecue. Of course, many will argue this is akin to cooking indoors. But with a lid for trapping in flavour you’re still going to get a great experience.

Related: How to clean a BBQ

Why do I need a BBQ?

Image credit: Claire Lloyd Davies

If you want to enjoy alfresco dining properly during the summer then a barbecue is a must. Sure you could slave away in the kitchen, but if you’re having guests over, it’s nice to all be together outside for the experience, right?

Portable barbecues are more varied than ever, so taking the grilling with you is also an option. It will certainly turn a picnic into a proper event.

For those that love that smokey barbecue flavour, or just enjoy cooking outside, a barbecue is a year-round option that’s only really limited by the rain. But with a bit of cover and a jacket to keep warm there’s nothing stopping you enjoying bbq flavours all year round.

Buy the best patio heater to get a headstart on BBQ season

How much should I spend on a BBQ?

This is the question that’s a tough one to nail down since the range of prices is so broad. You can spend very little on a portable barbecue, or you can stretch to a professional level beast with multiple functions and heat sources priced in the thousands.

Most people find somewhere in the middle suits. So spending just over a hundred or a few hundred will generally get you a barbecue fit for most purposes.

Take a look at fuel costs, too, as gas and coal varies. You’ll want to factor this in, especially if you’re planning to use the barbecue a lot.

What other key questions do I need to ask about BBQs?

Image credit: Colin Poole

Size is an issue for areas of limited space, so a smaller barbecue can often be easier for storage. That said, if you’re having parties with lots of people, a larger cooking area is always a welcome addition.

Splashing out a bit more on a cover is another factor to consider if you plan to keep your barbecue outside. Especially in countries where it’s cold and wet in the winter months, it’s a necessity if you can’t find an indoor storage location.

The post Best BBQ 2021: gas, charcoal, and electric barbecues appeared first on Ideal Home.

Understanding solicitor fees for buying a house can feel like entering into a legal minefield. Buying a property inevitably comes with lots of technical jargon, tonnes of paperwork and a great deal of communication between different parties.

So you need to find a team you can trust to do the job effectively, efficiently and legally correctly.

‘Buying a house is likely to be the biggest transaction of your life, so choosing who will act for you is an important thing to consider,’ says Mick Fallon, Director & Conveyancing Solicitor at Howells Solicitors.

Solicitor fees for buying a house, explained

Image credit: Future Plc

This Q&A guide will breakdown solicitors fees for buying a house and the role a solicitor or conveyancer plays in the purchase of a home.

We’ve included a detailed list on what you can expect to pay for their expert services. Uncovering all the hidden costs and reveal how to choose the right expert for the job.

1. How much are solicitors’ fees for buying a house?

Costs vary from solicitor to solicitor but most charge either a percentage of the value of the property or a flat fee, which tends to work out as between £500 and £1,500. ‘

The price will usually be based on the amount of time your conveyancer believes they will need to spend on the matter, and the level of risk they think is involved,’ says James Smith, Director and Solicitor at Holden Smith.

Bear in mind that, as with most things, you get what you pay for. ‘Firms that charge very low conveyancing fees have a focus on keeping internal costs low. With very small margins, their priority is to complete as many cases as possible,’ says Mick. ‘Whereas more costly solicitors will likely have a smaller case load, enabling them to spend more time on your matter.’

Once you have a good solicitor in place you’re one step closer to planning your moving house checklist.

2. What does a solicitor do?

‘In very simple terms, they transfer the legal title of a property from one person to another,’ says James. There is lots of paperwork involved with a house purchase, with many forms to fill in and a vast amount of evidence that needs to be supplied – such as proof of identification and proof of funds. These all need to be sent off to your solicitor.

They will then work through all the paperwork, as well as obtain a draft contract and other necessary documents such as the title of deeds for the property you are buying. They will also carry out searches on the property to uncover any potential hidden risks.

‘There are often issues with adequate rights of way, consents for recent work carried out, and onerous clauses in the deeds restricting what a buyer can do with the land,’ says James. ‘They will also establish if the property you are buying is freehold or leasehold.’

‘If there is a mortgage lender, the solicitor is also expected to act for them and manage their many requirements, too,’ says James.

Once all the information is collected, your solicitor will prepare a report for you and run through any risks with you before buying. Once he or she is satisfied with their searches and answered all queries, they will advise you are ready to exchange contracts and the purchase becomes legally binding.

Image credit: Future Plc

3. How long do conveyancing searches take?

‘For the environmental, water and drainage and most other specialist searches, you would normally expect the results to be available within a week or two after your conveyancer or solicitor has submitted the request,’ says David Jabbari, CEO of UK conveyancers, Muve.

Local authority searches vary from council to council. ‘Some can usually turn around a search within a few days, while others can take a month or more,’ says David.

Something to currently bear in mind is that staff shortages and disruptions linked to Covid-19 are currently affecting the speed at which searches can be undertaken. ‘A number of councils are currently taking a lot longer than usual to process search requests, sometimes by as much as three months,’ he warns.

4. What are conveyancing disbursements?

These are third party costs incurred by your solicitor which the buyer has to pay, and are separate to solicitor fees. ‘Your solicitor will need to download deeds from the Land Registry, for example, and submit searches with the local authority, all of which incurs a cost,’ says James.

5. Are there any additional fees that I have to pay?

There are unavoidable searches and fees which must be done to complete the house-buying process. ‘This will include stamp duty tax, local authority searches for things like planning applications, environmental, water and drainage searches, indemnity insurance, land registry fees, bankruptcy searches and bank transfer fees,’ says Mick.

Mick suggests requesting a breakdown of solicitor fees for buying a house so you know exactly what amounts of money are going where.

James agrees: ‘It’s always a good idea to discuss your case with your preferred solicitor. And ask them to make you aware of any areas where additional costs could be incurred before you instruct them,’ he says.

Image credit: Future Plc

6.  When should I pay my solicitor?

‘Like with most things, you tend to pay a small amount upfront to your solicitor and then the remaining amount is due once the process is complete and you’ve exchanged on the new house,’ says Pete Mugleston, MD and Money Expert at Online Money Advisor.

However, all firms work slightly differently. Some might ask for small increments to cover costs throughout the process and some solicitors will work on a no completion, no fee, basis.

Make sure you’re aware of how the solicitor you choose is going to bill you. ‘Doing a bit of research before committing to anything is a good idea, so that you can find a firm that fits your financial constraints,’ says Mick.

7. What are the solicitor fees for buying a house with cash?

Technically, you could save money on some conveyancing fees when purchasing a house with cash by omitting the searches usually required by a mortgage provider. Such as affordability checks and valuations.

However, although optional, make sure you’re not leaving yourself in a vulnerable position. ‘With less legal processes involved, it’s possible that potential issues to the property that would normally arise during normal legal checks won’t become apparent when paying with cash,’ says Mick.

Image credit: Future Plc

8. How do I choose the right solicitor?

Research is key in finding the right person to handle the legalities for your house purchase and recommendations are a good place to start.

‘Your bank or mortgage broker will likely be able to recommend someone they work with, and it’s also worth asking family and friends for recommendations, too,’ says Nicola Schutrups, Managing Director at The Mortgage Hut.

Make sure you feel comfortable talking with your chosen solicitor. ‘Ask questions about who will be dealing with your file. What experience does that person have? And how you will be contacted and kept updated throughout the transaction,’ says James.

‘There is nothing worse on the day of completion than trying to find out where your keys are and having to speak to a call centre with – an unknown person who is not familiar with your file.’

The post Solicitor fees for buying a house explained appeared first on Ideal Home.

Investing in a cheap exercise bike over Black Friday? Want to get a kick-start on your new exercise routine ahead of the new year? Owning an exercise bike at home will prove to be handy, especially during winter. No having to leave your home and face the cold to visit your gym, no waiting around until an exercise bike becomes free and best of all: no monthly membership! Need we really say any more?

Buy a cheap exercise bike once and it ought to last you for years of use. Whether that’s inside your living room, spare bedroom or garage is your choice. A choice we can help you with is deciding on an exercise bike for your needs. Yes, our experts have been trying and testing exercise bikes at home, throughout lockdown and even afterwards, but most importantly, these exercise bikes are all less than £500. Though we’re calling them “cheap exercise bikes” this definitely doesn’t recipricate when it comes to their features. We’ve listed foldable exercise bikes and even app-compatible models in our list, too. These exercise bikes are great for daily use, and for those who are on a budget.

Related: Best yoga mat – our favourite buys for home workouts

Exercise bikes are an extremely popular piece of home gym equipment – and for good reason since they can make your heart rate rise fast. Since we are recommending affordable exercise bikes, it should go without us saying that you will get what you pay for. We would recommend choosing a bike with programmes, though this is not essential, but it will make your workout easier. Don’t forget to check out the flywheel weight of each bike listed below, as the heavier it is, the tougher it is to ride. This should give you a good indication on what to buy based on your fitness level.

See our comprehensive exercise bike guide to get sweaty from home. This way you can squeeze in a quick 15 in your lunch hour, cycle in front of the TV or workout before work. We’ll list Black Friday exercise bike deals here, as they come in, from now until the 26th of November.

What is the best exercise bike?

Our overall best exercise bike for home use, especially if you are looking for something to use daily, is the Viavito Satori exercise bike. We’ve tried it, tested it and we love it. It’s sturdy, easy to use, it has a 9kg flywheel, 32 resistance levels and a whopping 12 pre-set programmes. Plus more – but you’ll have to read the rest below.

Best exercise bikes 2021

1. Viavito Satori

The best cheap exercise bike for home use

Image credit: Viavito

Flywheel: 9kg
Resistance: 32 levels
Programmes: 12

The Viavito Satori exercise bike is great for anyone, whether you are a beginner or a pro. It’s also compact and it’s on wheels for easy moving around your home. We’ve been using this exercise bike for a number of months now and we love it for daily use – whether for 15 minutes of intense exercise or 30 minutes of light cycling.

Though not foldable, this Viavito bike still manages to be quite small when tucked into a corner. It weighs 31kg in total, and in terms of size, it measures 130cm, 100cm long and 54cm in depth. It has an impressive maximum user weight of 140kg.

This bike has a whopping 32 levels of resistance while boasting a heavy 9kg flywheel for an intense workout. You can, of course, control the resistance to suit your fitness level by using the round button on the console. Its handlebars also feature pulse sensors. There are 12 programmes on this bike, all of which are varied, and you can tailor each one to suit your preferences – from time to distance and calories. Your stats will show on the console, and you can use this console to view your progress throughout. There are four user programmes so each member of your family can use this bike, while it’s impressively quiet while in use.

We think this exercise is great value for £350 – it’s something you can use on a daily basis while watching TV, or even if the kids are in bed. Thanks to its heavy flywheel it can suit everyone, no matter how experienced they may or may not be, while it’s sturdy and completely adjustable. The only thing we aren’t too keen on is that it doesn’t have a smartphone or tablet holder. Other than that, we love it.

Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars

2. Reebok ZJET 460 Bluetooth Exercise Bike

The best cheap exercise bike with Bluetooth

Image credit: Reebok

Flywheel: 9kg
Resistance: 24
Programmes: 19

This Reebok exercise bike doesn’t just look the part but it connects via Bluetooth to the Reebok Fitness App to enhance your workout. It’s similar to our top pick, the Viavito Satori, but it’s slightly less bulky and with the added bonus of the app compatibility, you can plan, track and analyse your workouts with ease. You can also sync it with an Apple watch.

In terms of size, this exercise bike clearly isn’t foldable, but it is quite small at 140cm high, 41cm wide and 109cm deep. With a maximum user weight of 120kg and a total weight of 35.5kg, it’s even on wheels for moving it from room to room.

With an easy to read console and 19 user programmes, this bike has a 9kg flywheel so that even pros can use this bike, and 24 resistance levels make it easy to adapt it to suit your needs. It’s completely adjustable with strap pedals, and there are handgrip pulse sensors on the handlebars. It has suction-cupped feet to keep the bike firmly on the floor no matter how fast you are pedalling.

Overall, this exercise bike is a great pick for those who are willing to spend a tad more money in order to properly track their workouts and analyse their progress. It’s best for daily use, whether that be five times a week or seven times a week.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

3. JOROTO X2 Exercise Bike

The best luxury exercise bike on a budget

Image credit: JOROTO

If you want to buy something that’s impressive and also under the £500 mark, then this is the exercise bike for you. It’s pretty sizeable and looks similar to a spin bike, in our opinion. This means that it is not foldable or compact – but rest assured it will make a decent addition to a home gym. Smooth in motion, quiet when in operation and sleek in looks, this sturdy bike is made with a 50mm thickened frame tube and it has 7 levels of magnetic resistance.

In terms of actual size, it’s fully adjustable to suit a range of users. Plus, it has an extra-wide seat to ensure comfort when using for long periods. It can sit at any height from 150cm to 195cm and in total, it weighs 42.6kg with a 136kg maximum weight limit. With caged toe pedals and adjustable straps, your feet will stay exactly where you need them to be for the entirety of your workout. The best part? It sits on wheels to make it easy to move around your home or room.

With a 16kg flywheel behind it, this bike ought to provide a tough home workout. You can track your stats as you sweat thanks to its digital monitor. Refer to this for your speed, time, calories and distance.  a dual groove multi-use holder to support things that you need for exercise (such as a tablet, mobile phone, water bottle, weights, and other things), 2 transportation wheels to move easily, and multi-grips handlebar to fulfill different workout position.

Other features we love include its multi-use holder for carrying your phone, water or even some weights. It also has an emergency stop button for safety purposes that’s within easy reach while you are pedalling. Just make sure that you have enough space inside your home to store it. This is, without a doubt, our best luxury pick for those who don’t want to spend more than £500 on an exercise bike.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4. Ultrasport F-Bike and F-Rider

The best cheap exercise bike under £200

Image credit: Ultrasport

Flywheel: 1.5kg
Resistance: 8
Programmes: 0

The Ultrasport F-Bike is feature-packed yet foldable. It’s also affordable and great for smaller spaces. It comes in a range of colour options to suit your home decor, too. We’ve been using this exercise bike for a few months now, and so far we’re enjoying it. It’s definitely best for beginners, but it’s undeniably great for those who are short on storage space – and on a budget.

Foldable and lightweight, this Ultrasport bike weighs 15.5kg and when folded it measures 131cm high and 45cm wide. It’s worth noting that this bike is not on wheels, and it has a maximum user weight of 100kg. It’s pretty easy to move around your home, though, and it can slot neatly behind or under furniture.

With eight levels of adjustable resistance and a 1.5kg flywheel, this bike is better suited for beginners – or those who will be using it for a light to medium-paced workout. Whether you choose to work your way up to resistance eight or work at this level for your entire workout is up to you. Saying that, resistance can easily be tailored to you by spinning the dial in between your legs. The bike’s seat is adjustable from 78cm to 86cm. Though be aware that at this price point you can’t expect the seat to be comfortable. After around 30 minutes it may start to become a tad hard. It also has an LCD display so that you can see your time, distance, speed, calories burned and heart rate. We found this display to sometimes be inaccurate, but we always use our trusty Fitbit to track our exercise.  There are hand pulse sensors to check your heart rate, and these always seem to be bang-on.

At just over the £100 mark, this exercise bike is a bargain. It has all of the features a beginner needs, and it’s foldable so it’s great for smaller spaces. 

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

5. JLL JF100 Exercise Bike

The best cheap exercise bike that’s compact

Flywheel: 4kg
Resistance: 10 levels
Programmes: 0

The JLL JF100 is affordable, compact and it’s great for all fitness levels – though it’s not the best option for those who love a spin class as you shouldn’t stand up on it. Makers of some of the best home gym equipment out there, rest assured that JLL products will last.

Compact in size although not foldable, this exercise bike is on wheels to make it easier to move around the home. With a max user weight of 100kg and a total weight of 18.1kg, an adjustable seat and pedals. 

Offering 10 levels of magnetic resistance for total control of how hard you work, this belt-driven bike has a 4kg two-way flywheel. Ideal for use by pros and beginners alike, just don’t stand up on this upright model. It has a six-function monitor so you can see stats such as time, speed, pulse, distance and odometer.

Price-wise, this exercise bike is a great investment when you consider its features and that it can be used by all fitness levels. It’s also definitely worth the money if you have a small home yet don’t want a foldable option.

Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars

6. Pro Fitness FEB2000 Folding Exercise Bike

The best cheap foldable exercise bike

Image credit: Pro Fitness

Flywheel: 3kg
Resistance: 8
Programmes: 0

This Pro Fitness exercise bike is without a doubt our best foldable option for those who have little to no floor space in their home to store an exercise bike inside. It’s also from Argso so that you can click and collect or get it delivered to your front door, while it comes in at a really reasonable price tag considering its features.

Foldable and compact when both upright or splayed out, this exercise bike is also on wheels – a big bonus when it comes to wheeling it into a cupboard for safe-keeping once you are finished sweating. It weighs a total of 16kgs with a 100kg weight limit. It also has an adjustable seat and self-levelling pedals. Those with an eager eye will have noticed that this bike seat comes complete with a back, for extra support when you need it the most. This means it can be used by anyone, at any age.

It also has a total of 8 levels of resistance and an impressive 3kg flywheel – this is double the weight of the Ultrasport F bike, making this bike a better option for those looking to push themselves a little harder. It’s still meant for beginners and occasional use, though you’ll probably be able to get more use out of this bike as you gain strength and get used to it. You can use this Pro Fitness bike to track your progress with help from its compact console. Here you can see everything from your workout time to distance, calories, speed and more. It also has sensors to monitor your heart rate as you work out.

In terms of price tag, this bike is only a tad more expensive than the other foldable options on our list. Something to think about if you’re tight on space and a tad more flexible with your budget. Similar to other foldable exercise bikes, we wouldn’t recommend them for everyday use but it’s undeniably perfect for occasional exercise and light use.

7. Opti Folding Magnetic Exercise Bike

The most affordable exercise bike that’s worth your money

Flywheel: 1.6kg
Resistance: 8
Programmes: 0

If you are a beginner and you don’t want to feel too overwhelmed by an exercise bike, then this Opti bike is the best option for you. 

Foldable to a very small size and also lightweight at 13.1kg, this exercise bike really is a smart buy for smaller spaces. Despite its small size and lightweight, it still has a maximum user weight of 100kg. Though it’s not on wheels…

Boasting a magnetic resistance system that can be controlled with a knob, it has a light 1.6kg flywheel. With pedal straps to keep your feet in place, as well as an adjustable seat and handlebars, it even has pulse sensors on the handles, too. A console sits in your eye line while working out, to tell you everything from your speed to the number of calories you have burned, the distance you have travelled and more.

There’s no doubt that this Opti exercise bike is worth every penny. At under £80, it’s even worth buying for sporadic use or just until gyms open again.

Ideal Home’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Black Friday exercise bike deals

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to invest in an exercise bike, then we can help you do so – and help you find one that’s worth your money. Whether it’s something for daily use or a bike for the entire family – perhaps you’re only planning on using it once a week? Here are the lowest priced exercise bikes on the web right now. Black Friday deals will be coming soon…

What should I consider before buying an exercise bike?

There are several things to consider before buying an exercise bike:

• Think about the size of the exercise bike before you buy, as well as how much space you will ideally need to use it at home. Some exercise bikes are foldable for when it comes to storing.
• Another thing to be mindful of is the exercise bike’s resistance. This is usually manual or electric. Ensure this can be adjusted by you so that the bike can be used by all fitness levels.
• Also have a look at how easy it is to change resistance, and where this can be done. Some exercise bikes will have a control on their console, while others may have a knob that will sit in between your legs.
• Consider the maximum user weight of each bike to ensure that everyone in your household can use it before you buy.
• All exercise bikes all have a flywheel – the heavier this wheel, the harder the bike will be to use. Beginner? You may want to choose a bike with a lighter flywheel.
• It’s worth noting if your new exercise bike is adjustable – we’re talking about its seat height and handlebars, as well as the pedals in some cases.
• Heart rate monitoring is another feature to look out for when choosing a bike. Some models have built-in sensors on the handlebars.
• Finding a bike that is on wheels will prove handy if you are going to be moving it back into a cupboard or corner of a room after use.
• The majority of exercise bikes have a display console so that you can see your stats while riding. If you have a fitness tracker, then you may not need this. Otherwise, this is handy as they usually sit in your eye line.

Where to buy a cheap exercise bike?

Where else to buy cheap exercise bikes? See below and click through to shop exercise bikes from low to high prices. You’ll be sure to find something to suit your budget.

• Argos cheap exercise bikes
• Amazon cheap exercise bikes
• eBay cheap exercise bikes
• Sweatband cheap exercise bikes
• John Lewis & Partners cheap exercise bikes
• Aosom cheap exercise bikes
• Decaathlon cheap exercise bikes
• OnBuy cheap exercise bikes
• Sports Direct cheap exercise bikes
• Powerhouse Fitness cheap exercise bikes

Read our exercise bike guide above to find the best option for you.

The post Best cheap exercise bikes – 7 affordable buys under £500 appeared first on Ideal Home.