UK inflation unexpectedly rose to 3.6% in June, reducing hopes of imminent interest rate cuts Retail sales showed strong annual growth of 3.1%, led by food sales and resilient online spending Unemployment hit 4.7% and vacancies continued to fall, signalling persistent labour market softness and caution “This surprise uptick in CPI to 3.6% is a […]
Monthly archives: July 2025
Residential Property Review – July 2025
City of London investment volumes are rising, with May hitting the highest deal count so far in 2025 Owner-occupier demand is increasing as mortgage costs undercut commercial rents by up to 37% Scottish commercial investment fell 20% in H1 2025, though hotels led performance and private buyers remained active A smoother end to 2025? The […]
Commercial Property Market Review – July 2025
City of London investment volumes are rising, with May hitting the highest deal count so far in 2025 Owner-occupier demand is increasing as mortgage costs undercut commercial rents by up to 37% Scottish commercial investment fell 20% in H1 2025, though hotels led performance and private buyers remained active City investment market outlook The City […]
News in Review
According to the Bank of England, global financial uncertainty is increasing, but the UK banking system is strong and well-capitalised The UK economy unexpectedly contracted in May, raising concerns about momentum following strong Q1 growth In her Mansion House speech, the Chancellor confirmed no immediate changes to Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowances or structure “Our […]
Summer pension round-up – managing your wealth
Nearly half of over-50s are worried about running out of money in retirement Many retirees withdraw pension lump sums impulsively, without understanding tax or long-term consequences Career progression, early retirement and smart planning shape your future pension outcome. With life moving fast, demands on our time and finances never-ending, it’s easy to push pensions down […]
Summer housing market update – records, challenges and changing trends
Average asking prices hit record highs, but growth is slowing, as analysts suggest we’re in a buyers market Moving costs have risen sharply across the UK due to changes in tax and associated fees First-time buyers see improved affordability supported by flexible mortgage products As summer begins, the housing and mortgage markets are experiencing a […]
Get Budget-ready this summer
Summer is the ideal time to review financial goals and investment strategies Utilising tax allowances now can protect your wealth from future policy changes Long-term investing remains key, even amid short-term market volatility Summer should bring a welcome shift in pace: longer days, warmer evenings, time off and the chance for some well-earned rest and […]
Economic Review June 2025
The UK economy grew modestly in Q2, recovering slightly after April’s sharp GDP contraction of 0.3% The Bank of England held interest rates at 4.25% but signaled likely cuts from August Retail sales slumped by 2.7% in May, with supermarkets and clothing stores citing weak consumer demand Survey points to modest second-quarter growth Data released […]
News in Review
Realistic pricing is essential as the housing market faces seasonal price dips and increased regional competition UK consumer confidence dips due to inflation and job concerns, leading to cautious spending and economic pressure Early summer heat boosts spending, especially among Millennials, despite growing reliance on credit and uneven financial planning “Realistic pricing will remain key […]
UK cities see strong property market growth
The UK property market experienced a boost in 2024, with nearly 50% of homes listed receiving offers or selling Cities like Sunderland, Leicester, and Liverpool saw notable increases in buyer activity, while London’s growth was subdued Rising buyer confidence, stabilising mortgage rates and positive market conditions are expected to keep demand strong The UK property […]