The surprising property premium of some floral addresses

Research shows that floral street names can significantly boost the value of a property The biggest premium was found on ‘Bellflower’ streets, where the median sale price increased 199% Property experts suggest that flower-inspired names evoke charm, calm and a sense of natural beauty As spring edges into view, new research1 suggests that a floral touch may do more than lift the […]

The gradual retirement trend – making the right choices

Research shows that floral street names can significantly boost the value of a property Uncertainty around pension rules can affect confidence, leading to rushed or potentially regrettable financial decisions  Careful planning and professional guidance help ensure retirement choices align with long-term goals and lifestyle  New research1 highlights a growing preference among UK workers for a gradual […]

Residential Property Review – March 2026

Muted activity in housing market – according to RICS, new buyer enquiries declined further in February  Rental market becomes more balanced – competition for rental properties has slowed to a six-year low, according to Zoopla  Local housing markets rebound – research from Yopa indicates that about 70% of local housing markets are in recovery  Muted activity in housing market The UK housing market is […]

Commercial Property Review – March 2026

Office demand strong in London – research shows increased activity in the capital, reflecting shift back to office working  Industrial and logistics sector – according to Knight Frank the sector appears to be entering a more stable phase  Life sciences – figures from CBRE indicate total take-up was almost three times the level recorded in H2 2024  Strong demand for Central London offices Investment into the Central London office sector has […]

News in Review

All of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep rates unchanged – the first unanimous decision in over four years Last week the Chancellor announced a £2.5bn investment in AI, underlining the government’s focus on the tech sector In February, house prices rose annually by 1.6%, according to the latest figures from e.surv Chartered Surveyors […]

News in Review

The UK economy unexpectedly flatlined in January following a growth of 0.1% in December The price of Brent Crude increased by around 9% on Thursday, back above the $100-per-barrel mark The housing market outlook is mixed, mortgage rates have increased and some residential mortgage products removed “The near-term outlook is now dominated by heightened uncertainty […]

Entrepreneurs defy uncertainty with optimism and adaptability

An HSBC report shows that entrepreneurs remain remarkably optimistic despite policy shifts, market volatility and trade disruption  Entrepreneurial optimism tends to translate into investment, innovation and job creation across the broader economy  Entrepreneurs’ appetite to harness long-term trends, from AI to global wealth flows, underpins continued growth and resilience  Almost 3,000 entrepreneurs across 15 markets […]

News in Review

The International Monetary Fund’s latest statement on the Middle East conflict predicts an uncertain global GDP growth outlook China’s Q4 growth slowed to 4.5% due to issues including weak domestic consumption, property challenges and a shrinking population  According to the US government, a higher global tariff of 15% is likely to be implemented soon  ‘The situation remains highly fluid and adds […]

A shift in equity release priorities

Figures from the Equity Release Council revealed a 10% annual increase in borrowing in Q2 2025.  In H1 2025, making home adaptations or improvements was the top reason for using equity release.   More homeowners are taking out a lifetime mortgage to fund day-to-day living, highlighting cost of living pressures.   From property renovations to dream holidays, homeowners are increasingly using equity release to help […]