Author archives: charlie

News in Review 

“Taking the action wasn’t always easy, but we’ve got there and inflation is back to target”  Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that for the first time in almost three years, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation had returned to the 2% target in the 12 months to May, […]

Residential Property Review – June 2024 

Housing market update  The UK housing market continues to show modest signs of recovery, according to the latest data from Savills.   Despite some house price growth, a significant upturn is considered unlikely until mortgage affordability improves.   Buyer activity continues to improve, as the number of sales agreed in May was 10% higher than the 2017-2019 […]

Commercial Property Review – June 2024 

Commercial trends of 2024  Flexibility, sustainability and diversification are key trends in the commercial property market so far this year, according to PropertyWire.  Flexible workspaces are increasingly in demand, reflecting the shift to hybrid working since the pandemic. Co-working spaces, quality buildings and adaptable offices are more popular, as are those in prime locations.   Sustainability […]

News in Review

“While there was no growth in April, it’s important to focus on the broader trend”  The UK economy did not grow in April, official data released last Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed. The headline figure followed a month of wet weather, with ONS suggesting that the rain might have affected consumer […]

News in Review

“As consumers gear up to spend more… there’s a brighter outlook for the coming months”  Last Tuesday, figures from the latest Barclays Consumer Spend Report revealed that consumer card spending fell to a three-year low in May. As households continue to feel the squeeze, overall spending grew by just 1.0% for the month, its lowest […]

News in Review

“The market appears to be showing signs of resilience”  The UK experienced a modest rebound in house price growth in May, according to the latest Nationwide House Price Index, released on Friday. Prices rose by 0.4% month-on-month to reach an average house price of £264,249. The annual growth rate picked up to 1.3%, from 0.6% […]

Economic Review – May 2024

UK growth rate at two-year high  Last month’s release of first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) statistics confirmed the UK economy has now exited the shallow recession entered during the latter half of last year, while survey evidence suggests private sector output has continued to expand across the past two months.  The latest GDP data published […]

News in Review

“I will fight for every vote”  Last Wednesday, hot on the heels of fresh inflation data, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to a rain-soaked Downing Street podium to announce the date of the General Election – which is due to be held on 4 July. The countdown is on. The statement signals the start of […]