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Properties in Cyprus are not seriously affected by the credit crunch because the island does not rely heavily on international buyers, it has been claimed.

Such news may be welcome to those Britons who have secured a loan to buy a home overseas and are worried how far their money will go.

The market in Cyprus is not reliant on British buyers because many people who live there buy second homes for themselves, therefore bolstering the market from within, claims Cybarco.

"Cyprus now attracts a variety of buyers. Up until the autumn of last year, the British buyer was a major percentage; a very strong element in the purchase of properties in Cyprus," states Jonathon Salsbury, manager of Cybarco.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' European Housing Review 2008, Cyprus appears to have the highest housebuilding rate per 1,000 populations in the EU, which could encourage Britons with secured loans who have the intention of buying a Mediterranean property.

Secured loans may be granted above other loans because of the security provided to a lender, which could be in the form of a current property.

Lending needs to be kick-started again in order to provide a boost for the property market, it has been noted, which may mean that those looking at getting a loan could find that banks are more willing to provide one.

This lack of funding is a particular problem for first-time buyers, says Helen Adams, managing director at FirstRungNow.com, although it could be said homeowners wanting to get a loan may be unwilling to do so if they believe that the banks are not keen.

"We've seen recently the mortgage companies incentivise savers to get more money into their coffers and that will in turn, in time, lead to mortgages being made more available," Ms Adams states.

But people may want to make home improvements rather than move house, after Hometrack found that property prices have fallen by 1.3 per cent during October 2008.

Whether it is an extension, new kitchen or even a bigger car to park on the drive, homeowners may wish to look into secured loans to cover such ventures, although they may want to be aware that the lender could be given security in the form of a property.

Although the credit crunch is upon many families and people may be worried about job security, some may be heartened to know that the situation could provide the opportunity to start up a new venture, which could be boosted by a loan.

Steve Moseley, co-director of Steadfast Solutions Ltd, started his own business after being made redundant and built it up from just one machine bought with some savings.

"If you've got the skills there and the commitment, then the key to it all is hard work and controlling the costs," Mr Moseley advises those people considering following in his footsteps.

Mr Moseley says it was the ability to be financially in control that proved to be the most testing in the beginning, although it could be said secured loans could provide a stable footing for a business.

Secured loans may be used for a variety of expensive projects, including starting up a business and may ease the financial pressure off new entrepreneurs with a lower annual percentage rate than other loans.

Homeowners who have taken out a loan in order to pay for home improvements may be wise to follow advice which states that property experts should not be forgotten about when doing a house up.

Commenting on findings from Lloyds TSB research, Phil Spencer - who has presented Location Location Location - said that professional opinion should be sought by those who are unsure about any aspect of renovation.

Furthermore, this move could save a household money in the future, he continued, which could mean those with secured loans may be wise to spend some of it on expert help.

"There are options for all price brackets but anything that you do in this market needs to be appropriate to the property," Mr Spencer added, stating that people should think carefully about how home improvements would be funded.

One way that they could be paid for may be through secured loans, which could see the lender taking the circumstances of a borrower into account, including current outgoings and existing credit.

The Court of Appeal is continuing to hear the case between the Office of Fair Trading and the UK's leading banks today (October 29th), about whether or not charges for going overdrawn are fair.

Commenting on the practice of banks charging customers for unauthorised withdrawals, Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith, says: "It's extremely disappointing that instead of looking for ways to make their customers' lives easier during these difficult times, the banks are piling on the misery by continuing to hit them with unfairly high unauthorised overdraft fees."

Such news may persuade some to consider paying for large investments with a loan, rather than continuing to tot up bank charges for not having enough money in an account.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury's Finance has found that 13.26 million Britons said that they had a combined total of £165 billion in accounts which impose penalties for taking out the cash.

Rather than face costly bank charges, people may want to pay for projects such as adding an extension or paying for a wedding with secured loans.

Such loans may have a lower annual percentage rate than others, which could result in lower monthly repayments.

Croatia could be the perfect destination to invest in, it has been claimed, which may interest homeowners who have a loan and are looking to buy an overseas property with it.

With relatively low prices, good transport links and an increasing popularity with tourists, buying a property in Croatia could be an attractive venture, Andrea Marston, general manager at Investment Group Croatia, reports.

"Now that you can fly there much easier and there is a motorway connecting it to central Europe, more people are seeing it as a good long-term investment," she says, which may mean using secured loans to fund such a deal could be wise.

The Croatian Bureau of Statistics reveals that 2.92 million people visited the country in August 2008, while the average price of new apartments per square metre during the first half of 2008 was £1,492, a figure which may be comfortably covered with a loan.

Britons looking for a way to pay for a home abroad may want to research secured loans.

An adverse credit history may affect an application, although such loans may be granted on the basis that the lender has security in the form of a current property.

People are becoming increasingly thrifty during the credit crunch and may apply for loans in order to tide them over, it has been said.

Britons realise when they are overspending and are cutting back on unnecessary luxuries in order to save themselves that extra bit of cash, spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service Tom Howard claims.

"It is always advisable to live within your means whenever possible, even if this means tightening the belt," he continues.

Furthermore, while getting a loan may be a solution for some, Mr Howard says people need to be financially aware whether or not they can make repayments and should take into account that their circumstances might change.

According to research commissioned by MoneyExpert.com and carried out by YouGov, 25.8 million adults in Great Britain have applied for a financial product in the past six months, which may have included secured loans.

Such loans may be used for a variety of things including starting up a business and structural home improvements.

Factors that may be taken into consideration by a lender includes the value of the borrower's home and the amount of mortgage currently in place.

The prime minister has announced that the government will support and encourage banks to make new loans in order to boost the economic growth of the UK, it has been reported.

Speaking to business leaders about a new economic programme, Gordon Brown said: "It is to enable banks to start lending again by whatever means are necessary and we will continue to discuss that with them."

He also stated that loans would be available to small businesses, which may be of interest to those who have considered secured loans to finance a large investment and are worried whether financial organisations would grant their application.

Furthermore, he noted how he had received a letter from one woman who could not sleep because she was so worried about the financial crisis, a scenario many people may have found themselves in.

But lenders should be aware of the individual circumstances of a borrower to ensure that financial lifelines are not cut off, claims Tom Howard, a spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service.

Secured loans may help a family through difficult times and could have a lower annual percentage rate than other loans because it may be secured against a current property.

Lenders should pass on interest rate decreases to homeowners who are struggling with repayments, it is claimed, which could be welcome news for those who have a homeowner loan and are worried about debt.

People could then benefit from the lower rate of borrowing, claims Al Elliot, advisor at the Homeowners Advice Centre, which may free up money needed for other ventures such as building an extension or investing in a bigger car.

With the Council of Mortgage Lenders revealing that 42,000 mortgages were approved in August 2008, compared to 48,000 in the previous month, secured loans could be the answer for those struggling financially and needing to find a large sum of money to pay for projects.

Furthermore, such loans could be spread further after Mr Elliot states that there has been government action such as increasing stamp duty tax bands, which could allow more money from a loan to be spent on big investments.

People could consider secured loans which may be used for any purpose, although the lender may be given surety in the form of a property should the borrower stall on repayments.

People who are approaching the retirement age may not want to adopt the pipe and slippers image and may wish to set up their own business instead, it is claimed, a venture which could be funded by secured loans.

Attitudes have changed towards retirement and people can now do all the things that they could not do because they were working, says a spokesperson for Age Concern.

Expensive activities, which may include traveling the world or buying a vintage car, could be funded by a loan to cover the costs of living a retirement to the full.

Setting up a business could be an option for the 12 per cent of those who told AEGON that they wanted to try out a different career in their retirement, while 22 per cent claimed that running out of money was a concern to them.

For those people who are considering a new direction or thinking about setting up a business, secured loans could cover the costs and allow a retirement to be enjoyed more fully.

Businesses feeling the economic turbulence are resorting to technology in order to cut down on company travel, it is claimed, although those who own a firm may want to consider a loan to further develop their resources.

While a loan may be used to start up a new company, those already running a firm may want to invest in technology such as video conferencing to replace business flights and train fares, the Business Travel Magazine reports.

"If they're non-essential, non-face-to-face meetings, then video conferencing works really well as technology has improved and it is much cheaper to set up," Gill Upton, editor of the magazine, advises.

And while making such changes may be a daunting prospect, Ms Upton adds, managers looking to save money could be wise to use a loan - which could be secured loans - to fund any new venture.

The Business Travel Coalition October 2008 report found that 25.5 per cent of businesses had brought in emergency travel cutbacks as a direct result of the credit crunch.

But those firms struggling financially, or looking to venture into the technology arena, may want to research secured loans as a way to fund such moves.

People living in Doncaster and Bristol using a loan to make home improvements may want to add some extra features to their property, after a study has found that these places are more at risk from burglary.

Meanwhile, seven out of the top 20 postcodes most likely to suffer from theft and burglary belong to London, moneysupermarket.com found, which could convince people to spend some of a loan on bolstering their home's security.

"As the evenings are drawing in and the clocks go back tomorrow night (October 25th), I urge homeowners to be extra vigilant when it comes to security for their homes," says Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com.

Furthermore, opportunistic thieves may take advantage of darker nights making home insurance as important as ever, he continues.

Replacing walls, buying new fencing and installing new front and side gates, as well as additional door and window locks, are all things that Norwich Union advises homeowners to do, which could be paid for by secured loans.

The value of a house may be taken into consideration when a lender decides how much a borrower can have.

People who have taken out a loan to pay for home improvements may be wise to spend some of it on making a property more secure, it is claimed.

With October through to December being the popular time for thieves to strike, Saga claims, people may want to use their homeowner loan to add the final touches to a house, including strong padlocks on sheds.

Furthermore, while an extension or new kitchen could add value, people may want to spend that extra bit of cash on protecting their house by installing light sensors and secure window locks, the insurance firm continues.

And you may want to buy such equipment fast after their research found that people are 24 per cent more likely to be burgled in November than February, although such additional home improvements could be paid for with secured loans, which may have already gone towards more expensive projects.

Moreover, such home improvements may increase a seller's confidence in what the property could sell for after the National Association of Estate Agents revealed that estate agents are worried about market conditions.

Secured loans may be the wise option for those wanting to add value to their home and wondering how to pay for such work.

People who have taken out a homeowner loan for renovation on a UK property may want to switch locations, after it has been reported that Florida properties are selling for 50 per cent below market value.

According to Homesgofast, high-end real estate is also being offered on online auction sites, which have seen properties sell for half of what they are worth.

"Some auctions are offering no reserve so in theory investors could buy a home for a few dollars," states Nick Marr, chief executive officer of Homesgofast, which could leave plenty of money left over if a person uses secured loans.

Commenting on properties in Western New York State, Mr Marr continues: "Unbelievably, the houses start from about £8,500 and investors are very sceptical and want to know what the catch is."

For those who fancy a new home abroad, secured loans may finance the move and could be more available than regular loans, because the lender is provided security in the form of a current property.

Changes in planning permission rules mean that people who are unsure of moving house in the current economic climate may want to consider adding an extension instead, it is suggested.

The new rules mean that those wanting a loft conversion or a rear extension - which may be covered by a loan - no longer need planning permission, so long as they keep within certain guidelines.

"You could add a couple of rooms on, go up in the roof, or can refigure the interior, make a big room into two smaller rooms. You can maybe put a little en-suite into a bedroom area," comments Andrew Leech, director of the National Home Improvement Council.

Such changes may be paid for by a homeowner loan, a move some may want to consider after hearing that 92 per cent of members of the National Association of Estate Agents believe that adding an extension can potentially increase a property's value.

And the new planning permission rules came into affect on October 1st.

Those looking to add value to their home may consider secured loans to pay for an exntension, which could come with a lower annual percentage rate than other loans.

Half a million expectant parents are set to receive free advice from the Financial Services Authority (FSA), it is claimed, which could lead some people to compare secured loans in order to finance a new car, a property extension, or other expensive investments which may be required.

The FSA is to distribute a pack called the Parent's Guide to Money, which it hopes will reach 1.5 million people by 2011.

Bringing up a child to the age of 18 can cost over £150,000, the FSA says, but loans could pay for a variety of things along the way including education fees and family holidays.

Furthermore, people often do not understand the jargon that surrounds money issues and are sometimes unsure who to turn to for help, the FSA continues.

Meanwhile, the Green Party has advocated raising the minimum wage in order to better cover the living costs a family has to pay out for.

Another option for parents concerned how to pay for large investments such as a new home or car could be secured loans, which may be secured against a property as protection for the lender.

As winter approaches people may be wise to follow the advice that homeowners should make their houses storm-proof to prevent expensive damage further down the line, although such improvements could be covered by a loan.

"With the weather seemingly breaking new records each year, we would urge every homeowner in the UK to take steps to prevent storm damage right now," warns Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting for esure home insurance.

Falling trees, dislodged roof tiles and falling masonry can all be consequences of a storm, the group says, which adds that there are a number of ways people can protect their home, a move which secured loans could pay for.

Guttering should be cleared and checked for any damage and loose or rotten tree branches should be looked at by a professional, as a person may be liable if a branch damages a neighbour's property, the insurance firm continues.

The Environment Agency claims that five million people in the UK are at risk from flooding, while the cost of damage can be millions.

People worried about the financial consequences of flooding could pay for comprehensive home improvements with secured loans, which could see the money needed received within days.

The Lonely Planet's Best in Travel guide 2009 has named Glasgow one of its top ten destinations tourists should visit, it is claimed.

Recent investment in the city has led to it becoming a "hidden gem", Stewart Daniels, general manager for the Scottish Tourist Guides Association states, although people looking for a break may want to also visit the other nine destinations, which could be paid for with a loan.

"Glasgow has a variety of attractions to offer; the warmth of its people, its heritage and also the architecture of the city is simply stunning," Mr Daniels continues.

The city can be regarded as unique, bolstered by it recently being named as the most Scottish of cities north of the border, he adds.

A breakdown of every country in the world is featured in the 2009 Lonely Planet guide, which also features a travel planner, while a loan may be expedient in turning these travel ideas into reality.

Secured loans may be used by people who need a large amount of cash, while raising money this way could result in releasing the capital in the value of a home.

Those considering using a homeowner loan to buy land or a house may be wise to invest their money this way, after it is claimed the construction and property industries could well prosper within the next few years.

"You could argue you could negotiate some really good deals given the weaknesses in the current market, as you're not going to have much competition," says Selwyn Lim, director at Mouseprice.

And people wondering which houses are currently the most affordable for a loan could consult Mouseprice's index, which shows that Oxford Street, South Elmsall, in Yorkshire and the Humber, has a 2008 average house price of £25,600.

In second place is Tower Green in Middlesbrough, which stands at £27, 400, while another North East residence - Warwick Street, South Bank - comes in third with an average house price of £28,000, Mouseprice states.

People considering such investments may want to finance them with secured loans, which could have a lower annual percentage rate than other loans because the lender may be given security against another property.

An unconventional way to spend a loan could come in the form of buying a house won in a raffle, as such methods may make sellers stand out in the market, it is claimed.

In the current economic climate, selling a house this way may be a good route to take, while it could become a sustainable practice in the long term, Shaun Duncan, founder of UK Housing says.

"But as long as the seller goes into it with his eyes open and attaches a caveat which says that if they don't reach x number of ticket sales all bets are off, there should be no problems," he adds, which may be welcome news for those looking for a new home and funding the move with secured loans.

The Gambling Commission has found that a downturn in the housing market has led to a growing number of homeowners using competitions as a way of highlighting the value of their home, which could be a unique way to spend a loan.

Secured loans could be an option for homeowners wanting to move, as the monthly repayments could be lower than other loans because the lender may have security in the form of a property.

People in Britain are spending an average of £254 a month supporting adult children - aged over 21 - according to a survey, which could mean that parents turn to loans in order to pay for that investment for themselves.

And nearly one million people are supporting elderly relatives, at a cost of £254 a month, Unbiased.co.uk reports, which could leave little money for a new car, a deposit on a house or even that long-awaited holiday abroad.

David Elms, chief executive of the website says: "As the credit crunch continues to hit, these costs are only set to increase and for the Sandwich Generation - the 250,000 people who are supporting both adult children and elderly relatives - this could result in many facing immense financial pressure."

And spending money helping others could mean people are missing out on their pensions, after the Fair Investment Company found that women pay 50 per cent less in to their pension pot each year.

For those who decide it is time to invest money in other areas, secured loans could finance a large buy, which could see a property being used as security for the lender.

More people are considering owning a property abroad as an investment, with those doing so spending that little bit extra, it is claimed, although secured loans could provide the finances to enable those who wish to invest their money to do so.

The credit crunch has "reinvigorated people who are either making a very fixed lifestyle change to move abroad or who are more sophisticated investors", claims Mark Bishop, chairman of Brooklands group and co-founder of A Place in the Sun Live and A Place in the Sun Magazine.

Furthermore, as people get older they have more knowledge and may make more sophisticated acquisitions, Mr Bishop adds, investments which could be paid for by a loan.

And the age group most likely to buy a property abroad is the over-45s, as according to the Cater Allen bank, 17 per cent of those are likely to buy overseas within the next two years.

Whatever a person's age, they may want to consider taking out secured loans to fund an investment, although the amount available to borrow may depend on their credit history.

More people are choosing to go on holiday in Britain as they try to lower their spending amid the credit crunch, a study has found, although larger breaks abroad, or short UK trips, could be paid for by secured loans.

Seaside visits, holiday cottages and caravan holidays are now increasingly popular among Britons, Paul Havenhand, marketing director for Towergate Bakers, says.

"Increased mortgage costs, food prices, fuel bills all contribute to the drop in confidence for the 12 months ahead," he claims.

And this will result in people being more cautious about their spending over the next year, Mr Havenhand adds, although secured loans could be a responsible choice for those wanting to go away this year.

Research from Towergate Bakers reveals that 65 per cent of Britons will go on cheap UK holidays over the year to beat the economic downturn.

During 2007, 11,646 motor homes were registered in the UK, according to Bounty.

Those wanting to buy a motor home, caravan or pay for a holiday, may want to consider secured loans which could have a lower annual percentage rate than other loans.

More and more tenants are demanding rented property, a trend which may continue over the next year, a report claims, although landlords faced with the need for more space may want to consider secured loans to invest in more property.

Over half of landlords say that tenant demand increased during the third quarter of 2008, according to research by Paragon Mortgages, while the annual average of empty properties or rented rooms continues to fall.

"The private rented sector is playing an important role in providing housing for those people that can't or aren't prepared to get on the housing ladder," says John Heron, Paragon Mortgages managing director, who adds that despite the credit crunch, tenant demand does not appear to show signs of tailing off.

And landlords still considering whether to take out secured loans may be interested to know that Mr Heron believes that an unfavourable tax regime will not stop people investing in property.

Whether a person is looking to buy more property or move house, secured loans could finance such a move, although borrowers may want to know that the loan could be secured against a property to act as surety for the lender.

Young people can not afford to live in the countryside, according to research, although those who do already own a home may want to consider a secured loan to pay for a move to a greener place.

While 17 per cent of people questioned by NFU Mutual thought that young families will want to bring children up away from more urban places, 19 per cent believe that cities and towns are still favoured by the younger generation.

"A lack of affordable homes, lower wages and higher costs of living could all be to blame," says Laura Wood from NFU Mutual.

Furthermore, the "impossible dream" for young families of moving to the countryside could have consequences for the future of rural Britain, she adds.

But all is not lost for those looking into secured loans to move their family to the sticks, as the study reveals that the average annual income per household in rural areas is £28,608, higher than that of urban areas which stands at £26,674.

Families wanting to move to the countryside may want to look into secured loans, where the amount available to borrow could depend on the amount of mortgage already owed.

People will pay more than a £20,000 premium to secure the ideal location when moving home, research has found, with being close to the countryside the most important factor when looking at new houses.

A home in the country can have £35,000 extra added to the price tag, Halifax reports, which those who always wanted to live near green fields may cover by taking out secured loans.

Next in the poll of features which could make people spend that bit extra is proximity to work, with 17 per cent of people listing this as the most important factor, while being close to transport links came third at 15 per cent, the research reveals.

"Although other factors such as budget, property specification and availability play an important part, most people begin their search for a home by looking at geographic location first," says Gordon Edwards, managing director for Halifax Estate Agents, adding that equally, those selling a property should carefully research the best features of the area to promote to potential buyers.

Those with their heart set on a country cottage may want to consider secured loans, which may have a lower annual percentage rate than other loans, which could mean lower monthly repayments.

Building an extension rather than moving house was the message TV property expert Kevin McCloud was hoping to get across at the Grand Designs Live show in Birmingham.

Not only that, but people should pay for a professional who understands the tight spaces involved with family properties, Mr McCloud states, while such help along with the cost of the materials could be paid for with secured loans.

"Don't just think about extensions simply as opportunities to provide yourself with more space, but to change what you do," he says, adding that if treated as an architectural project, an extension could make a property and people may therefore be unwilling to move.

Furthermore, a conservatory can add value to a house, while extending out the back can change the direction of a building so that the sun can heat it more efficiently, he claims, although such home improvements could be funded by secured loans.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in June 2008 said that the average cost of home improvements had risen by 20 per cent in the past two years.

One way to pay for an extension on a home - which could potentially add value - is by secured loans, which may use a property as security for the lender should the borrower stall on payments.

For those who think that the drama of the credit crunch is not the sort of adventure they are after, they may be pleased to hear that people are getting more daring when it comes to booking a holiday, a report says.

Brits now prefer to go on a long haul holiday rather than to Europe, according to research by the Cater Allen bank, which secured loans could finance.

"Like lots of other areas of travel, people are getting more adventurous, looking for new and exciting worldwide destinations," says Rob Yandell, managing editor and publisher of Group Leisure Magazine, who adds that the world is now a smaller place with a vast amount of options, meaning secured loans could provide some with the holiday of a lifetime.

While ten per cent of Britons want to go on a safari, 11 per cent think a trip to the rainforest could be the antidote to the credit crunch blues, says Cater Allen.

Secured loans may be one way to pay for such a trip, which could provide an interest rate lower than the typical APR if a person has a good credit history.

Homeowners worried about the news of bank insecurities and whether or not now is the right time to apply for secured loans, may be relieved to hear that HM Treasury reassured savers, depositors, businesses and borrowers that they will be protected from any financial turmoil.

The banking system should now have sufficient funds to allow lending to consumers, after the government announced a billion pound security package to stabilise UK lenders, the Treasury reports.

"In these extraordinary market conditions, the Bank of England will take all actions necessary to ensure that the banking system has access to sufficient liquidity," the Treasury states, which for consumers could mean that financial firms including Lloyds TSB, HBOS, Abbey and Barclays could be more willing to provide people with secured loans now they have government backing.

HSBC, Standard Chartered, Nationwide and the Royal Bank of Scotland are also covered under the scheme, the Treasury adds.

Such news may be of interest to people who were considering secured loans to pay for large investments, which may include a holiday, a car, or a new home.

Landlords looking to make a property more energy-efficient need to be aware that there is financial help available for such home improvements, it is claimed, which could also be partnered with secured loans to pay for the upgrades.

Furthermore, such financial support should mean that landlords do not have to pass home improvement costs on to their tenants, Nancy Baynes, spokeswoman for the Energy Saving Trust says, which could help landlords stay ahead of the competition when combined with secured loans to cover costs.

"The recent change in legislation has brought the environmental benefits of renovating rental properties to the fore. The government is currently running an advertising campaign to alert landlords to the recent changes," Ms Baynes adds.

Benefits of a greener property include an increased sale price, more interest from tenants, a higher monthly rent rate and the opportunity for renters to save money on energy bills, the London Climate Change group claims.

People interested in renovating their property may want to consider secured loans, where the amount available to borrow could depend on the value of a property against which the loan is secured.

More people are asking for advice when it comes to managing their secured loans, a report claims, which could influence people with such a loan and worried about repayments to seek help.

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) saw 35 per cent more secured loans arrears and mortgage problems over the last 12 months, compared with the previous year, the CAB claims, which could highlight that although secured loans could be a solution for those needing to borrow, it is important that they keep on top of their finances.

"If you are falling behind with payments on a mortgage or secured loan you should speak to your lender straight away," CAB chief executive David Harker says, adding that lenders should negotiate with borrowers who are having problems.

Over half of those seeking help about secured loans and mortgages are aged 35 to 49, 18 per cent are single parents, while 49 per cent have dependent children, the CAB study reveals.

Secured loans could be a solution for many people who need a longer repayment period than other loans may give them, however it could be wise to make sure finances are organised in order to meet repayment deadlines.

Local property prices are boosted by high performances of schools in the area, research has found, which could be a claim parents may want to take into consideration if they plan to move so their child could get a better education.

For every ten per cent improvement in GCSE pass rates, local property prices can rise up to three per cent, a study by Halifax uncovers, so secured loans could be an option for parents who wish to move into the catchment area of a well regarded school.

"The research is significant in that it confirms the long held suspicion that living next to a good school adds pounds to the value of your home," says Martin Ellis, Halifax chief economist.

During the study of seven cities in England between 2001-07, Halifax found that in Greater London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham, a ten per cent improvement in GSCE performances leads to a one per cent increase in property prices closest to the best school, the study claims.

Parents who want to move house to be closer to a school could consider secured loans to finance the venture, which could use a property to give the lender security should the borrower default on repayments.

People considering investing in a property abroad may want to consider Spain, although despite the euro being strong against the pound, there are reasonable prices on the market, it is claimed, which could be welcome news for those currently thinking about buying abroad, funded by secured loans.

Those looking for a holiday home, somewhere to escape at the weekends or even considering a permanent move may be interested in what the country has to offer, spokesman for Spain Magazine Oliver Chandler says.

"It's really cheap to fly, especially with some of the cheaper airlines and it's really accessible and the weather is good," he claims, which could mean that money from secured loans may end up going further.

Over a quarter of all foreign property bought by UK buyers in 2007 was in Spain, while 17 per cent was in France, the Association of International Property Professionals found.

For those who could be persuaded to buy a holiday home, secured loans could provide the money to fund the investment, which may be an option for homeowners who need to borrow more than £25,000.

People considering secured loans to buy a new house may be pleased to hear that the current low number of homebuyers could mean property can be sold for close to the asking price, which could be a relief for those worried about selling their house during the present economic climate.

And some new housing stock is realistically priced, says Gareth Samples, sales director at Your Move, which could mean a loan to buy a property may not have to be as high as first thought.

"You've got developers and private sellers, all with different varying levels of motivation, so some of it is overpriced but some is realistically priced," Mr Samples claims.

The average asking price for a home stood at £227,438 in September 2008, the Rightmove house price index shows, which is a one per cent drop compared to August and a 3.3 per cent drop from the same point last year.

People considering moving home, after taking into account the above news, may want to consider secured loans, where security could be given to a lender by way of the borrower's mortgage.

The credit crunch has not affected the numbers of those playing online poker and gambling on horse racing, a business expert claims, but although betting may appear to be a way of quickly winning money to pay for life's essentials, secured loans could prove the more responsible option.

Growth of users is continuing to increase, although people are playing bingo less frequently, Robin Le Prevost, head of e-commerce development for the state of Alderney claims.

A study by ICM research, published by the Gambling Commission, reveals that an annual average of 8.8 per cent of people say they have participated in at least one form of remote gambling - through a TV, mobile phone or computer - in the previous month.

But the over 90 per cent of people questioned who claim they have not taken part in remote gambling could be a sign that people are turning to other ways to manage their finances and secured loans could be one of the solutions.

Rather than taking a chance on gambling, people may want to consider researching secured loans, which could allow them to borrow up to 125 per cent of the value of their home.

Over a third of people think it makes financial sense to consider extending their family home in order for other relatives to live with them, research has discovered.

While 43 per cent say they will build an extension so they can look after parents - which could be paid for by secured loans - 11 per cent claim they want as many members of their family living with them as possible, the survey by the Halifax reveals.

"The current economic and social climate in Britain is showing a shift towards several generations living together under one roof. This is something that used to be relatively common in the past," says head of underwriting at Halifax Home Insurance, David Rochester.

A shift towards multi-generation households is because of financial pressures, which counters the move away from the trend, Mr Rochester adds.

People in the south-east are more likely to consider buying a larger home or extending a property, a move which could be financed by secured loans, which could have lower rates because the lender may have security against the borrower's property.

The credit crunch has not stopped people buying property abroad, but they are now taking more time to research homes and get the most for their money, it is claimed.

Quality rather than quantity is now favoured and people take the time to ask the right questions, said Amanda Lamb, presenter of A Place In The Sun, which may interest those considering secured loans to finance such an investment.

Speaking at the programme's exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, Ms Lamb stated: "The days of making a fast buck quick are over for now so I think if you are thinking of buying abroad you have got to be in it for the mid to long term," adding that people now think twice when it comes to organising their finances.

Over three million people are expected to buy property abroad within the next two years, according to the private bank Cater Allen, with 42 per cent of those planning to use the overseas home as an investment opportunity, which secured loans could help pay for.

For those interested in an overseas property, secured loans could help pay for the purchase, which could use a house as security for the lender.

People who want a high quality of life and lower cost of living may want to consider moving to New Zealand, research has uncovered.

Cheaper food and fuel, as well as lower average property prices, make the country a popular destination with expats, the survey by Alliance & Leicester found, which may persuade those fed-up with Britain to consider secured loans to finance a move.

Furthermore, the highest tax band is 39 per cent - lower than France, which stands at 48 per cent and Australia at 50 per cent.

"Costs and quality of life are often not the primary reason that many UK citizens decide to move abroad, particularly if work takes them to another country," says Simon Ripton, acting managing director of Alliance & Leicester International.

New York is bottom of the poll for its quality of life, because of the long working week and crime rate, the survey says.

People considering living abroad, but needing to organise their finances in the UK to ensure they are not in debt before they move, may consider secured loans, which could be available to the self-employed and those who have recently changed jobs.

Women are more willing to take up the risk of setting up a business, but want to combine it with spending more time with family, an entrepreneur expert claims.

Furthermore, running their own business means women are in charge of their own glass ceiling and can work fewer hours if they wish, Tanya Hine, president of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs says.

"The one thing you have to understand is that you are going to have to invest your time for a few years before it is going to bring you a huge profit," she adds, although secured loans could fund a new business and cover potential costs resulting from the career move.

Men and women aged between 25 and 34, as well as those aged between 35 to 49, had the highest employment rates, the Office for National Statistics found.

Women considering setting up their own business may want to research secured loans as a way to finance potential start-up costs and cover any drop in income that may occur while the company finds its feet.

Motorists are being forced to consider having one car per household because of the increase of running costs, research has found.

And 71 per cent say they will not buy a new car because of the credit crunch, esure reveals, although some families could need more than one car in order to go to work.

Over half of people surveyed say the drop in the value of cars means they will have to keep their current vehicle for longer, although secured loans could be one option for families who need to buy a new car.

"With the combined effect of rising motoring costs, high fuel prices and the credit crunch adding strain on motorists' pockets, it comes as no surprise that UK drivers are opting to reduce the number of vehicles they own," says Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure car insurance.

But it could be men taking the secured loans route after over 70 per cent of woman say they will keep their current car, compared to 67 per cent of men.

People who need to buy a new car could consider secured loans, which may also help with the running costs and maintenance.

Are you worrying about how to pay for Christmas before the first bit of tinsel has even hit the shops?

Well you could enjoy the festive season with all the trimmings thanks to secured loans.

But people might be wise to also plan how to spend their money wisely to avoid falling into financial trouble.

"One, keep a diary for 30 days so that you know where all your money is going. Two, prioritise what is important," independent financial expert Alvin Hall advises people who are considering borrowing.

Secured loans could be a solution for those who want to sit back and relax and start planning Christmas.

Over a fifth of British homeowners plan to make major structural changes to a property, which could increase its value, research has found.

Between May 2008 and May 2009, up to 5.3 million owners say they will make such changes, while 1.3 million claim they are planning on converting their loft or roof, a survey by Sainsbury's Bank reveals, with such modifications potentially paid for by secured loans.

However, of those who are planning a roof or loft conversion, 37 per cent did not know their home buildings insurer had to be notified about the work, which could become an expensive problem.

"We want to make sure that homeowners are aware that they could be left underinsured or even invalidate their insurance entirely in the event of an incident during or after the works if they have not informed their insurer first," Neil Laird, Sainsbury's home insurance manager warns.

People in the north-west are planning more loft or roof conversions than anywhere else in the UK, with 260,000 claiming they will undertake such a project, the survey reveals.

Homeowners who are thinking about carrying out work on a property could pay for the improvements with secured loans, which protect a lender if the borrower fails to pay because they can be secured against a home.

Spending money on making a home more energy-efficient should first go on basics such as insulation, a report says.

While secured loans may be considered to pay for green technology such as solar panels, the first steps should be buying basic installations that guarantee financial returns, Mike Malina, an energy efficiency specialist advises.

"For example, you can look at cavity wall insulation, draft stripping, thermostatic radiator valves; individual valves that you can fit to radiators that control them individually. Those are the kinds of things that you should be doing first," Mr Malina says.

Such home improvements may be of interest to people who have taken secured loans to pay for work, rather than sell their house in the current economic climate.

The average cost of double glazing has risen to up to £1,930, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors claims.

Homeowners who are deciding to make improvements to a property, rather than sell it during the credit crunch, may want to consider secured loans to pay for work which could reap financial returns.

Energy Performance Certificates can lead to significant savings as well as helping to cut down on carbon emissions, an energy expert claims.

The certificates are essential for commercial property sold or leased and businesses also need to comply with the new law, Alex Matthias, energy management leader at RSA says.

"Energy Performance Certificates in many cases can lead to significant cost benefits as they can highlight where savings can be made," he claims, which may interest those people considering secured loans to pay for home improvements, including taking advice based on the certificates.

Mr Matthias cites an example of a property owner who, after obtaining a certificate, carried out a full energy audit of the air conditioning unit.

While the unit needed £31,900 worth of work on it, this would lead to a £27,000 saving per year, which may interest homeowners considering secured loans to make their house more energy-efficient.

Furthermore, the annual carbon emissions were reduced by 126,700 kg, Mr Matthias adds.

Homeowners wanting to cut heating bills by making energy-efficient improvements could consider secured loans to pay for the work and new installations.

Travel insurance is essential to avoid costs that could reach into the thousands if something unfortunate should happen on holiday, it is claimed.

Whether the trip is worldwide or within Europe, people should always buy insurance when they go away, account manager at Endsleigh Insurance John Boyles says.

"If you travel abroad without insurance then in my opinion you must be crazy. The costs can be enormous and nobody is exempt or immune from something untoward happening to them," he states, however secured loans could be an option to consider when deciding how to pay for the costs of a holiday, including the insurance.

Despite the credit crunch, travel insurance should not be ignored and a policy should be read carefully to see what it covers, Mr Boyles says.

Up to 14.5 million people in Britain could have to pay thousands for medical fees and repatriation, after they admitted to American Express that they plan to travel without insurance this year.

One way to pay for a holiday and all related costs including travel insurance could be secured loans, which can use a house as surety in case the borrower stalls on repayments.