Several retirement reports have hit the headlines recently with a consistent message: if you want a comfortable retirement, you should plan early and be flexible. Could a phased retirement approach work for you? Research from Standard Life1 suggests a ‘gradual transition’ into retirement could be one of the best ways to boost your pension pot. […]
Author archives: charlie
Economic Review – September 2024
UK economic growth forecast upgraded An updated forecast published last month by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggests the UK will be the joint-second fastest growing economy among the G7 nations this year. According to the OECD’s latest projections, the UK economy is set to expand by 1.1% across the whole of […]
News in Review
‘The global economy is starting to turn the corner’ Last week the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its latest forecast, which outlines global growth prospects of 3.2% both this year and next. In its interim economic outlook, the well renowned think tank concluded, ‘The global economy is turning the corner as growth […]
News in Review
“Inflation held steady in August as various price fluctuations offset each other” Last week, the latest UK inflation data for August came in as anticipated at 2.2%, still marginally above the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) target level of 2%. The rate, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), was unchanged from July. Services inflation, […]
Residential Property Review – September 2024
Recovery in the residential market Recent data indicates that the residential property market is continuing to recover. According to TwentyCi, in the period from June to August 2024, sales agreed were only 1% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Promisingly, the number of new property listings was up 3%, indicating growing confidence among sellers. Meanwhile, Bank of […]
Commercial Property Market Review – September 2024
Growth expected in commercial property market Savills expects to see growth in the UK’s commercial property market in Q4. The sector had a good start to 2024, as cross-border investment hit $14bn in H1, with the UK attracting more capital than the USA or any European peers. Investors were given a further boost by the […]
News in Review
“I’ve been really clear that the Budget… will require difficult decisions” Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who faced criticism over the Winter Fuel Payment vote, said the Budget on 30 October is set to involve “difficult decisions,” on key areas such as spending, tax and welfare. Her cautionary tone came hot on the heels of […]
News in Review
“While the UK economy will perform better this year, it’s unlikely to be heading into the fast lane any time soon” The UK economy will now grow at a faster rate than previously thought in 2024, according to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released last week. The upgrade to 1.1% for […]
Landlords taking steps to up their EPC game
Research has found that some landlords are improving the energy performance of their properties even though it is no longer a potential legal requirement. Keen landlords Last year proposed regulations for all private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C were shelved. However, 37% of portfolio landlords are still upgrading their properties […]
News in Review
“Shop prices fell into deflation for the first time in nearly three years” Fashion retailers trying to shift stock through summer sales helped shop prices to record their first annual fall for nearly three years, according to research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Prices in August were down 0.3% from a year ago, the […]