Welcome to the September 2025 archive. In just a few minutes you’ll get the key takeaways from our latest posts. We break down the real numbers behind timeshares, show you how the 2% rule works (and when it fails), and run the math on buying a home on a $36,000 salary. No fluff, just straight‑forward advice you can use right now.
Our "Average Timeshare Cost Per Year" guide pulls together purchase price, annual maintenance fees, financing charges, and hidden expenses. The headline? Expect to spend between £1,200 and £2,500 a year, depending on location and the type of ownership. We also point out that many buyers underestimate resale value and the difficulty of getting out of a contract. To keep the budget in check, we suggest negotiating lower maintenance fees, choosing a points‑based system, and setting aside a small emergency fund for unexpected repairs.
The 2% rule says a property should rent for at least 2% of its purchase price each month. It’s a quick screen, but our deep dive shows where it breaks down – high‑interest rates, property taxes, and markets with low rent growth. We walk through a clear example: a £150,000 house that rents for £1,200 a month meets the rule, but once you add a 5% mortgage rate, the cash flow turns negative. We also share faster ways to judge a deal, like looking at net operating income (NOI) and using a simple cash‑on‑cash return calculator.
If you’re wondering whether timeshares are still worth buying, our "Do People Still Buy Timeshares in 2025?" article answers that straight away. The short answer: sales have dipped, and most new buyers are younger families looking for flexibility. We compare traditional timeshares with points‑based programs and resale options, highlighting the higher resale risk and limited use restrictions. For most people, a vacation‑rental property or a short‑term Airbnb yields better returns and fewer headaches.
Finally, the "How Much House Can I Afford on $36,000 a Year?" guide gives you a step‑by‑step affordability calculator. Using a 30‑year mortgage at 5% interest, a 20% down payment, and a 36% debt‑to‑income ceiling, you can realistically target homes between £95,000 and £135,000. We break down the impact of property taxes, insurance, and council fees, and provide a handy table to compare different down‑payment scenarios. The key tip: boosting your credit score and cutting non‑essential debt can push your price range higher without stretching your budget.
All four posts are designed to help you make smarter property decisions this fall. Whether you’re eyeing a holiday let, hunting a rental investment, or planning your first home purchase, the numbers don’t lie. Dive into each article for the full breakdown, spreadsheets, and real‑world examples that turn vague ideas into concrete plans.
