Buy-to-let slump benefits first-time buyers, plus the best broadband firms

The withdrawal of landlord buyers has left the market freer for first-time buyers without pushing up prices. Photograph: Getty Images/Westend61

Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

Buy-to-let slump puts first-time buyers in the driver’s seat

Theresa May weighing up cheaper ‘double lock’ for pensions

Asking prices for homes rise to record average of £313,655

UK gas and electricity customers face price rise double whammy

Which? survey reveals best and worst UK broadband providers

Feature

Put just £40 a week aside to enjoy a happy retirement

Newly retired households (aged 65-plus) spend £26,500 each year until they reach 75, according to a survey by financial planner Tilney. Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo

In pictures

Lakeside homes

Once a rectory, this property in Tal-y-Llyn, Gwynedd, lies at the foot of one mountain overlooking another across a Snowdonian lake. Photograph: Onthemarket

In the spotlight

The rich used to show how much they could spend on things they didn’t need. Today, a public display of productivity is the new symbol of class power, writes Ben Tarnoff

Apple CEO Tim Cook says he starts each day at 3.45am, while Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has talked about her 130-hour working week. Photograph: Guardian Design Team/Getty Images

Consumer champions

Bovis keeps delaying the completion date for our new home

NatWest closed my child’s savings account without telling me

Automated phone calls to ADT landed me with an alarming bill

Virgin Trains refused to refund £293 after I forgot my railcard

I’m all shook up by my Miele washing machine’s vibrations

Money deals

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