Property news roundup: Is this the cheapest castle for sale in the UK?

It's true that most castles for sale are not available at bargain basement prices, but it's still possible to live like a king or queen for under £400,000.

Kilmartin Castle is a semi-fortified three bedroom 'house' dating back to the late 16th century, just to the north of the village of Kilmartin, Argyll. It has attractive round towers, atmospheric stairway, and impressive vaulted dining room and kitchen, plus a great hall on the first floor.

Other castle-living features include a gravel driveway, enormous lawns and fantastic rural views.

It's on with Knight Frank for offers over £375,000.

Five year high for homeless families in temporary accommodation

The number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation in England has risen to 43,750, the highest since June 2009 according to new government figures which show that the number of homeless children living in temporary accommodation is now 80,950.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive said: "Behind these horrendous statistics are families who've lost the battle to stay in their home, forced to pack up their belongings and leave everything they know behind. We speak to families every day putting on a brave face for the kids while they move into an emergency bed and breakfast for what could be weeks or even months."

Shelter's own research indicates that almost two thirds of rent or mortgage payers are struggling with payments.

The government figures also show that the number of homeless families in England housed outside their borough has gone up by close to 20 per cent in the last year and is now just below the 12,000 mark.

London is world’s fifth most expensive city for high-end rental property

The capital comes second in Europe after Moscow according to ECA International, with rents for an unfurnished, three-bed apartment in a sought-after area of the city now averaging £5,000a month. Hong Kong is still the most expensive location at £7,350 per month with Caracas in Venezuela in third place.

Mortgage protection

Only 2.7 per cent of people taking out new mortgages and 5.4 per cent of existing borrowers have financial cover to ensure continuity of their payments if they become unemployed, suggests a report from British Money.