The Kajoku Property Blog

Thousands of Barclays customers across the UK faced major banking disruptions on January 31, 2025, due to a widespread outage affecting mobile banking, online banking, and payment processing services. The issue, which began around 9 a.m. GMT, left users unable to access their accounts, make transactions, or receive payments.   Barclays Banking Outage Hits Customers at Critical Time    The outage came at an inconvenient time, coinciding with the UK’s self-assessment tax return deadline. Many customers took to social media to express frustration over failed transactions, delayed payments, and general banking issues. Some users also reported difficulties accessing essential services, raising concerns over Barclays' reliability.   Barclays Acknowledges Technical Issues, No Timeline for Fix   In response to the outage, Barclays issued a statement acknowledging the problem:   We're aware that some of our customers are experiencing technical is...

  The year has just started and you already have a huge to-do list! Join the gym (actually use the membership this time), improve your skillset with advanced training, start a new course, embark on your new book reading regime, update your CV or LinkedIn profile, start an entrepreneurial venture, make travel arrangements, buy a new home, invest in property ventures, start a blog, Youtube channel or podcast or even write a book, the list goes on and on Let’s take a look at three important real estate aspects relating to beginners, experienced investors and property owners thinking of selling. Beginners - We Got You Covered!! I know what it is like. I was there in 1992/93 wanting desperately to get my foot on the property ladder, fed up with renting and just having the burning desire to have my very own property. But don’t despair, here are a few tips that helped me and I’m sure will help you too. Have a very strong why . Here are some thought starters… Financial freedom, security, p...

  As families face rising living costs, the economic climate is putting pressure on household budgets, particularly for parents with increased VAT on private school fees and higher mortgage rates. This guide offers practical tips to help manage these challenges and improve your financial stability. 1. Manage the VAT Increase on School Fees With VAT rising on private school fees, it’s essential to adjust your budget. Here are some tips: Update Your Budget : Reassess your budget to account for the new VAT expense and identify areas where you can cut back. Apply for a Bursary : Many private schools offer bursaries for families facing financial strain. Apply early and provide comprehensive financial details to increase your chances. Explore Funding Alternatives : Consider education-specific loans, consolidating existing debt, or setting up a dedicated savings account for school fees. Consider Public Schools : If private school costs are too high, look into public schools with strong ac...

The UK housing market is demonstrating remarkable resilience, with property prices climbing once again despite the challenges posed by high mortgage rates.  Nationwide's latest statistics reveal growth on both a monthly and annual basis, signaling a significant "rebound" in the market.  This upward trend underscores the strong buyer demand that persists, even in the face of ongoing affordability issues. According to Nationwide's report, the increase in house prices reflects a robust appetite among buyers, driven by various factors such as limited housing supply and continued demand for property.  This demand is maintaining momentum in the market, countering the dampening effect of elevated mortgage rates. Despite the financial pressure from higher borrowing costs, many buyers are still eager to secure homes.  This trend suggests that the market's fundamentals remain strong, supported by factors such as stable employment rates and the enduring appeal of property in...

Embarking on your journey as a new investor in the UK property market can be both exciting and daunting. While the prospect of securing your first property deal is filled with promise, it's essential to approach the process with careful planning, diligence, and a solid understanding of the market dynamics. In this guide, we'll share valuable tips to help new investors navigate the complexities of completing a successful property deal in the UK. 1. Define Your Investment Goals: Before diving into the property market, take the time to define your investment goals, including your desired return on investment, target property type, preferred location, and investment timeframe. Clarifying your goals will guide your decision-making process and help you focus your efforts on properties that align with your investment objectives. 2. Educate Yourself About the Market: Knowledge is power in the world of real estate investing. Take the time to research and familiarize yourself with the UK...

In the fast-paced world of real estate, uncovering hidden property gems can be the key to finding unique investment opportunities and securing coveted assets in the UK. While traditional methods can yield results, innovative techniques can provide a competitive edge and unlock hidden treasures that others may overlook. In this guide, we'll explore innovative techniques tailored to the UK market to help you uncover hidden property gems and gain a strategic advantage in your search. 1. Drone Technology and Aerial Surveys: Harness the power of drone technology and aerial surveys to gain a bird's-eye view of potential property opportunities. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can capture aerial footage and images of properties, land parcels, and development sites from unique perspectives. Use aerial surveys to identify hidden gems in remote or inaccessible locations, such as coastal properties or rural estates. 2. Data Mining and Machine Learning: Utilize advanced data mi...

In recent years, real estate crowdfunding has revolutionized the way people invest in property, offering an accessible and innovative avenue for wealth creation. If you're curious about this burgeoning investment strategy, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll delve into the world of real estate crowdfunding in the UK, exploring how it works, its benefits, and essential tips for success. Understanding Real Estate Crowdfunding: Real estate crowdfunding allows individuals to invest in property projects by pooling their resources with other investors through online platforms. These platforms typically offer a range of investment opportunities, from residential developments to commercial properties, providing investors with access to a diverse portfolio of real estate assets. Benefits of Real Estate Crowdfunding: One of the primary benefits of real estate crowdfunding is its accessibility. Unlike traditional property investments that require significant capital...

Economic downturns can be daunting, but they also present unique opportunities for savvy investors to capitalize on market disruptions and emerge stronger than ever. In this guide, we'll explore actionable strategies to transform economic crises into profitable ventures in the UK property market, turning adversity into opportunity. 1. Identify Emerging Trends and Shifts: During economic downturns, consumer behavior, market dynamics, and industry trends undergo significant shifts. Stay vigilant and identify emerging trends such as changes in housing preferences, shifts in demand for rental properties, or new market niches created by economic challenges. 2. Leverage Market Dislocations: Economic downturns often lead to market dislocations, creating opportunities to acquire undervalued assets or distressed properties at favorable prices. Keep a watchful eye on distressed sales, foreclosures, or motivated sellers who may be willing to negotiate flexible terms or discounted prices. 3. F...

Welcome to the rental revolution! As a first-time investor in the UK property market, you're embarking on an exciting journey into the world of real estate investment. With the demand for rental properties on the rise, now is the perfect time to seize the opportunity and build your investment portfolio. In this guide, we'll share valuable tips and insights to help you navigate the rental revolution and set yourself up for success as a first-time property investor in the UK. 1. Educate Yourself About the Market: Before diving into the rental market, take the time to educate yourself about the current market conditions, trends, and opportunities. Research different areas, rental yields, vacancy rates, and property prices to identify potential investment hotspots. Stay informed about regulatory changes, economic indicators, and demographic shifts that may impact the rental market. 2. Define Your Investment Strategy: Clarify your investment strategy and objectives to guide your dec...