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Ten tips to survive a property downturn

It’s the news that every homeowner has been fearing – house prices are definitely falling.

Halifax says prices fell 2.5 per cent in February and Nationwide has reported that prices have moved lower every one of the last five months. With mortgage lenders withdrawing deals left, right and centre, there could also be plenty more bad news to come.

But there is no need to panic. Falling house prices bring opportunities for buyers. There is also plenty that sellers can do to ease the pain. Here are ten tips to help you ride out the property downturn

Most annoying financial ads ever: Times Money's official list

Two weeks ago, we asked Times Online visitors to nominate the most annoying and funniest financial TV advertisements ever. And nominate you did. Here is the top 10 - in order of irritatingness.

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Funniest and most irritating financial TV ads ever

After Halifax's new adverts featuring Howard-replacement Thomas Yau provoked complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority for being too annoying, Times Money thought it would be fun to compile a list of all those financial ads that are indelibly etched on our brains, either for making us roll around in fits of laughter or for making us want to throw stuff at the TV.

So, if Michael Winner's patronising: "Calm down dear, its only a commercial", is still ringing in your ears from the esure ads, or if you are just longing for Howard to make a comeback, let us know below. A list of the top 25 ads, chosen by you, will feature in two weeks here on Money Central.    

Ten collectibles of 2030

Alternative investments are especially attractive when stock markets are in turmoil. So Times Money asked five antiques experts to name their best bets for collectibles of the future. We wanted contemporary items that could be bought online or in mainstream shops for £100 or less and should increase in value – hopefully significantly – by 2030. Their tips are supplemented by our own choice and by two suggestions from Christie's for bigger spenders. To realise the best price in a future sale, all items should be kept in original condition, with all packaging. Note that predicted prices are in today's terms and do not take inflation into account.