AS THE cold snap continues, British Gas is urging householders to take precautions to prevent the misery of burst pipes. Some of the lowest temperatures during the winter are often low enough to freeze the water in badly insulated pipe-work and damage the pipes.

The company advises householders to check that all exposed pipes and storage systems are properly lagged, especially those in loft spaces and other areas which are exposed to freezing temperatures.

British Gas offers plumbing and drains cover to customers from as little as £4.95 per month.

Existing three-star customers can also take out plumbing and drains cover in addition to their central heating cover.

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HILLREED HOMES is urging people to consider moving to a new home in 2002. The company points out the mortgage rate is at its lowest for 37 years and recent figures show that in October, 2001 mortgage business was up by nine per cent on the same month the previous year.

Property values are continuing to rise, particularly in the South East, and a figure of around eight to 10 per cent is considered attainable this year. Compare this to the average bank or building society interest rate of around four per cent and it is apparent that an investment in property is the way to keep your finances safe and increasing in value, said a Hillreed spokesman.

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UK House prices rose by 2.9 per cent in December, according to the Halifax House Price Index. It was the largest monthly increase since October, 1999.

The index also revealed that the annual rate of house price inflation in the UK rose to 15.5 per cent. The figure largely reflects a bounce back in confidence from the lows seen in the aftermath of September's terrorist attacks in America.

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CLIVE EMSON land and property auctioneers will be holding their first auction of 2002 at the Great Danes Hotel, Hollingbourne, on Wednesday, February 20. The December auction resulted in more than £3m being raised from the 51 lots offered on the day. Some achieved well above their reserves.

Clive Emson can be contacted on 01622 630033 or by visiting www.cliveemson.co.uk