“ Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built“ Just two days after appointing her fifteenth Prime Minister, the world was shaken by the news on Thursday of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle, in Scotland. Speaking at Downing Street on the evening of the Queen’s […]
Author archives: charlie
Strengthening demand for energy-efficient properties
A growing proportion of house hunters are focusing on energy-efficient considerations when looking to buy a new home. Research1 suggests that rising energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis are having a significant impact on how buyers prioritise various desirable features, with an increasing number focusing on aspects related to energy efficiency. Key features Cavity wall […]
News in Review
“I will deliver a bold plan to cut taxes and grow our economy, I will deliver on the energy crisis…” As widely expected, Liz Truss was announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister on Monday afternoon at the QE2 conference centre in the capital. The Foreign Secretary was […]
Economic Review – August 2022
Retailers report sales growth Online discounts and the hot summer weather have encouraged an uplift in retail sales, with the latest official statistics showing a rise in July and survey data pointing to further growth in August and September. Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that total retail sales volumes rose […]
Sandwich generation: time to come first for a change
The sandwich generation are certainly used to challenges and putting other people’s needs before their own. However, cost-of-living challenges looks set to heap further pressure on this group which makes it vitally important they seek advice before taking any rash decisions which could sacrifice their financial futures. Stiff upper lip Research1 suggests that, although many […]
News in Review
“With the right support in place and with regulator, government, industry and consumers working together, we can find a way through this” Last Friday, Ofgem, the government regulator for the electricity and downstream natural gas markets in Great Britain, confirmed the energy price cap will increase from £1,971 to £3,549 a year from 1 October. […]
New build buying considerations
Demand for new builds is on the up due to more people seeking energy efficient homes, but research1 has revealed other factors people wish they had considered before purchasing a new build. Top of the list (36%) is researching the property manager as well as the developer, closely followed (35%) by checking out the parking […]
Divorce and your pension
Research1 suggests that nearly one in five people are, or will be, financially worse off due to their divorce, and that many divorcees struggle to make ends meet after separating from their partner. The statistics make for worrying reading. A third of divorced respondents said they were forced to take money from their savings to […]
JISA to adult ISA transition period – tune in
Currently a Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) can be held by a child until the day they turn 18, the annual allowance for which is currently £9,000. On their 18th birthday, the child can open an adult stocks and shares ISA, the annual subscription which is currently £20,000. All pretty straightforward. Now, for the interesting […]
Residential Property Review – August 2022
Slowing market as demand dips again The UK residential market continues to slow at a steady pace, the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Survey and Savills’ Housing Market Update both indicate, as demand wanes and supply remains low. New buyer enquiries fell for a third consecutive month in July, the RICS report […]