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 […]

Bridging the generational wealth gap: securing financial stability

The disparities in wealth accumulation between the generations are striking  Today, younger generations hold just 4% of total UK wealth  Almost half of UK adults worry they won’t have enough saved for retirement  Throughout our lives, we both give and receive support across generations, whether within our families or as part of society. This concept, […]

News in Review

The Bank of England held Bank Rate at 4.25%, citing economic uncertainty and softening in labour data  UK inflation remains stable, though food prices, especially chocolate, continue rising faster than other goods  Numbers of interest-only mortgages drop sharply, suggesting improved lending standards and lower exposure to risky loans  “The world is highly unpredictable”  Last week, […]

Commercial Property Market Review – June 2025

City of London investment triples year-on-year, led by State Street’s £382m office acquisition  The retail sector rebounded strongly in April, but inflation and falling confidence weigh on outlook  The Scottish property market is steady, with largest average deal sizes seen in nearly three years  City investment rebounds with biggest deal in over a year as […]