The summer was largely positive for the housing market due to a boost in confidence following the General Election and the reduction to Bank Rate. So, where are we now and what does the autumn have in store? Lenders and buyers alike were already showing signs of confidence before the election, as mortgage approvals steadily […]
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Autumn retirement round-up
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. […]
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 […]
Financial considerations delaying divorce
New research1 has found that one in ten married people in the UK have considered splitting up but decided against it, with the financial burden of divorce most commonly given as the main reason. A challenging time While respondents to the survey did cite other reasons for not divorcing a partner, for instance the effect […]
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, […]
Using your pension to pass on wealth
If you thought your pension was just your retirement savings then think again. As well as ensuring your financial certainty when you want to stop working, a pension is a great way to support future generations. This is because defined contribution pensions are one of the most tax-efficient ways of passing on your wealth. No […]
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 […]