News in Review

The World Economic Forum highlighted US-China trade friction amidst calls for “win-win”         solutions UK consumer confidence hits -22 as economic sentiment worsens across all measures Shoreditch leads in the London rental market with 6.6% growth, underscoring robust market trends 

“Believe in yourself and most importantly, tell others that you do” 

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos wrapped up on Friday after an eventful week. Coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump, the talking shop for world leaders and business bosses featured prominent discussion around trade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate action. 

Trade was, unsurprisingly, a hot topic, against the backdrop of new tariffs set to be imposed by the US on countries including Mexico and China. President Trump addressed four global CEOs in a virtual event on Thursday, saying that “under the Trump administration, there will be no better place on Earth to create jobs, build factories, or grow a company than right here in the good old USA.” Two days earlier, Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of China, had delivered a speech in which he stressed that his country was looking for a “win-win” solution to trade tensions. 

On climate solutions, Johan Rockström, Director of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), told an audience there are no extreme weather events that fail to have a human signature. Notably, tensions between AI advances and climate action were apparent. In his virtual address, Trump stated that “we need double the energy we currently have in the United States for AI to be as big as we want to have it, because it’s very competitive.” 

In a week dominated by happenings in the US, Europe took a back seat. A headline moment for Europe came from Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), telling an audience on Friday, “my advice to my fellow Europeans is more confidence. Believe in yourself and most importantly, tell others that you do.” The message was backed up by Larry Fink, CEO of Blackrock, expressing his belief that there is too much pessimism around Europe. 

A major development in the UK involved an announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that she will amend plans to abolish non-dom status. Specifically, a facility to help non-doms repatriate their funds to the UK will be made more generous. Dave Doogan, the SNP’s Economy Spokesperson, called the concession a “Davos deal for millionaires,” adding that the Chancellor should be “listening to the concerns” of those who had been “hit by her Budget, instead of the millionaire few who have been lobbying her in places like Davos.” 

UK confidence down across the board 

Consumer confidence in the UK fell to -22 in January, according to the long-running GfK Consumer Confidence Index, with all measures down in comparison to last month’s figures. 

The overall five-point fall comes from decreases in perceptions of personal financial situation (past and future), the general economic situation (past and future) and whether now is the right time to make major purchases. 

Commenting on the release, Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director, NIQ GfK, said, “New Year is traditionally a time for change, but looking at these figures, consumers don’t think things are changing for the better. This month’s results show a decline in all five measures that make up the Overall Index Score.” 

He continued, “There are particularly steep falls in consumer views on the wider UK economy, both looking back a year (down seven points) and at what’s in store for the next 12 months (eight points lower). These figures underline that consumers are losing confidence in the UK’s economic prospects.” 

Gloomy sentiment in UK manufacturing  

Sentiment across the manufacturing sector also fell at its fastest pace in more than two years in January, according to data released last Thursday by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). 

Despite the gloomy mood, the release showed that output volumes dropped less sharply in the quarter to January than they had in the quarter to December, although output is expected to fall further in the three months to April. CBI’s Industrial Trends Survey pointed to increased cost pressures and deteriorating investment intentions for the year ahead as causes for the slowdown. 

London’s top-performing rental market 

Rents in London grew by an average of 4.3% in 2024, according to internal data released last week by Benham and Reeves. Shoreditch (6.6%) and Canary Wharf (5.9%) experienced the highest growth; other strong performers included Ealing (5.9%), Kew (5.8%) and Hampstead (5.7%). 

Here to help 

Financial advice is key, so please do not hesitate to get in contact with any questions or concerns you may have. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. 

All details are correct at time of writing (29 January 2025) 

Taking steps to avoid a retirement overspend

A fifth of respondents to a survey1 have consistently spent more than they expected to during their retirement so far. Moreover, 11% of the over-55s surveyed also said their overspending had occurred early on in their retirement. 

So, what were the biggest reasons behind the overspend? Cost of living (28%), housing costs, including mortgage payments and maintenance costs (21%), travel (14%), supporting family (7%) and leisure (6%). 

Having worked hard all your life, the feeling of emotional and financial freedom that often accompanies retirement is enough to lead some retirees to spend more than they should. With reserves to draw upon and plenty of free time, it can prove a challenging financial situation for those who are less strategic with their money. 

Plan for future expenses 

To avoid a retirement overspend, we can work with you to understand what your spending needs might be and develop a plan that supports your desired lifestyle. 

1PensionBee, 2024 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning. 

Dive into ’25 on top of key tax changes

A couple of months have passed since the Autumn Budget, a significant milestone for the Labour government. A comprehensive set of measures impacting individuals and businesses were announced, featuring £40bn in tax increases. Key announcements involved Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, domicile status, VAT on private school fees, Stamp Duty and Income Tax thresholds. 

Inheritance Tax (IHT) 

Following weeks of speculation, changes to IHT were widely expected. The freeze on IHT thresholds at £325,000 has been extended to 2030 and, from April 2027, pension pots will be considered part of taxable estates. This significant shift is likely to mean that more estates will be subject to IHT from the 2027-28 fiscal year, impacting those who have relied on pensions as a tool for inheritance planning. Reviewing your retirement and estate planning now, ahead of this change, is advisable. 

Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) are also seeing changes. From April 2026, the first £1m of combined business and agricultural assets will not be subject to IHT; for assets over £1m IHT will apply with 50% relief at an effective rate of 20%. This reduction could impact succession planning, particularly for small business owners and family farmers. 

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) 

CGT increases were announced, with the basic rate moving from 10% to 18% and the higher rate from 20% to 24%. These changes were effective from 30 October 2024. Additionally, the CGT rates on carried interest will rise to 32% from April 2025, with further reforms scheduled from April 2026. 

The rate for Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors’ Relief will increase to 14% from 6 April 2025 and then to 18% from 6 April 2026. The lifetime limit for Investors’ Relief was reduced to £1m for all qualifying disposals made on or after 30 October 2024, matching the lifetime limit for Business Asset Disposal Relief. 

Non-domiciled (non-dom) status  

The familiar non-dom tax regime will be phased out from April 2025, to be replaced by a residence-based scheme. This includes ending the use of offshore trusts to shelter assets from IHT and scrapping the planned 50% tax reduction for foreign income in the first year of the new regime. Individuals who opt in to the regime will not pay UK tax on foreign income and gains (FIG) for the first four years of tax residence. To incentivise investment, the Temporary Repatriation Relief will be extended to three years, offering reduced rates on gains and income for wealthy investors considering bringing assets into the UK. 

VAT on private school fees 

As indicated in the Party’s election manifesto, the Chancellor confirmed plans to introduce VAT on private school fees (except for children below compulsory school age) from January 2025 and to remove private schools’ business rates relief from April 2025. 

Stamp Duty 

The Stamp Duty surcharge on second homes and investment properties will increase from 3% to 5% above standard residential rates, effective immediately. This change is expected to temper demand in second homes and the buy-to-let market, particularly in high-value areas like London. 

Income Tax 

The Income Tax Personal Allowance and higher rate threshold remain at £12,570 and £50,270 respectively until April 2028. From April 2028, these personal tax thresholds will be uprated in line with inflation. 

Investments 

  • The annual subscription limits will remain at £20,000 for ISAs, £4,000 for Lifetime ISAs and £9,000 for Junior ISAs and Child Trust Funds until 5 April 2030. The government has confirmed it will not proceed with the British ISA due to mixed responses to the consultation launched in March 2024 
  • The starting rate for savings will be retained at £5,000 for 2025/26 
  • The Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes have now been extended to 2035. 

Bottom line 

If you have any questions, please get in touch. We’re here to help you understand the impact these changes could have on your specific circumstances and to help you adapt your financial strategies to ensure you stay on track towards your goals. With the 2024/25 tax year end ticking round, we can talk it through. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning. Income Tax rates and allowances are different in Scotland. 

A few months left to maximise your State Pension

The government is encouraging individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to maximise their State Pension by filling gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records for the period between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018. 

By making voluntary contributions, people can potentially increase their future State Pension payments. This option is available until the deadline of 5 April 2025. 

Since the launch of the government’s digital service in April 2024, over 10,000 payments, totalling £12.5m, have been made. The online tool allows individuals to check for any gaps in their NI record, assess if making payments could improve their pension and make the payment if they choose. 

Analysis indicates that most users (51%) opted to top up one year of their NI record, with an average payment of £1,193. In some cases, users have increased their weekly State Pension by as much as £107.44. After the April 2025 deadline, voluntary contributions will only be permitted for the six most recent tax years. 

Minister for Pensions, Emma Reynolds, urges people to use this service, “We want pensioners of today and tomorrow to enjoy the dignity and support they deserve in retirement. That’s why I urge everyone to check if they could benefit by filling gaps before the deadline passes. Using our online tool means only a few clicks could make a huge difference to your future.” 

So far, 3.7 million people have accessed the online tool to view their State Pension forecast. You can check your State Pension here www.gov.uk/check-state-pension 

During the Autumn Budget, the government committed to maintaining the State Pension Triple Lock for the duration of this Parliament, meaning that the basic and new State Pensions will increase by 4.1% in 2025/26, in line with earnings growth (£230.30 a week for the full, new flat-rate State Pension and £176.45 a week for the full, old basic State Pension). 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.  

News in Review

“In a world shaped by policy uncertainty and trade tensions, developing economies will need bold and far-reaching policies” 

The global economy is projected to expand by just 2.7% in 2025 and 2026, according to a report released last week by the World Bank, with developing countries set to bear the brunt of geopolitical and economic headwinds. By growing at the same pace as in 2024, the world economy would flatline at its joint weakest rate since 2019. 

Developing economies, the World Bank cautioned, are especially vulnerable to slower growth over the next couple of years and possibly longer-term. 

Analysts pointed to the risks of fresh US tariffs hitting trade as a key factor holding back growth. Donald Trump, who has threatened a wide set of import tariffs on goods entering the US, was sworn in for a second term as US President on Monday. World leaders from Beijing to Brussels are concerned by the prospect of more expensive trade duties. The prospect of interest rates being held higher for longer and increased policy uncertainty denting business confidence are two more potential risk factors. 

M. Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist, commented on the forecasts, “In a world shaped by policy uncertainty and trade tensions, developing economies will need bold and far-reaching policies to seize untapped opportunities for cross-border cooperation.” 

Trump 2.0 starts with trade tensions but no tariffs (yet) 

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, taking control of the world’s largest economy in a ceremonial transfer of power at the US Capitol Rotunda. 

In his inaugural address, President Trump declared himself “confident and optimistic.” As well as declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, he repeated pledges to “tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.” However, he defied some expectations by not imposing any tariffs on day one; instead, he issued a presidential memorandum calling for a review of unfair trade practices. 

Investors breathed a sigh of relief at the tariff respite. Later on Monday though, the newly inaugurated President said he was thinking about imposing tariffs of 25% on Mexico and Canada, adding that this could happen at the start of February. Global financial markets were largely calm in reaction to Trump’s return to the White House. US markets were closed for the Martin Luther King holiday. 

“The golden age of America begins right now,” President Trump declared in his inauguration speech. 

Small return to growth for UK economy 

The UK economy expanded for the first time in three months, according to figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

Despite the return to growth, the recorded uptick of 0.1% disappointed analysts who had been betting on a larger boost. Strong trade for pubs, restaurants and the construction industry drove the economy into positive territory, though falls in accountancy, business rental and leasing tempered this overall growth. 

Interest rate cuts on the cards as inflation falls 

Also last week ONS released much anticipated inflation figures, which revealed an unexpected drop in UK price growth in December 2024. Prices rose by 2.5% in the year to December, down from 2.6% the month before. 

This first fall in inflation for three months prompted analysts to predict an interest rate cut when the Bank of England (BoE)’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meet again next month.  

Falling hotel prices, along with slower increases for tobacco products and restaurants, tempered inflation. In response to the latest figures, UK borrowing costs dropped, having hit their highest level for 16 years days earlier.  

Retail sales 

Rounding off a bumper week for UK data releases, ONS announced that shop sales in the UK unexpectedly fell in the run up to Christmas. 

A “very poor month” for food sold in supermarkets, according to ONS Senior Statistician Hannah Finselbach, saw overall sales fall by 0.3% in December to reach their lowest level for more than 10 years. This drop under-performed expectations of a 0.4% rise. One bright spot saw clothing and shoe shop sales climb by 4.4% following falls in the two previous months.  

Here to help 

Financial advice is key, so please do not hesitate to get in contact with any questions or concerns you may have. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. 

All details are correct at time of writing (22 January 2025) 

On your agenda – end of tax year planning

As we head into a new year with hope and optimism – it’s a good time to reflect on your personal financial circumstances. With the 2024/25 tax year drawing to a close, don’t leave it to the last minute to get your finances in order – that includes using your tax-efficient allowances. 

You might want to make some pension contributions, use your Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or Dividend Allowance, embark on some Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning or even maximise your investments using tax-efficient vehicles including Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) and Junior Individual Savings Accounts (JISA) and – for the more seasoned investor – Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs). 

There’s not long to go until the end of the tax year (5 April 2025), so let’s get organised! 

As a reminder, during the Autumn Budget: 

  • The freeze on IHT thresholds has been extended to 2030, and from April 2027 pension pots will be considered part of taxable estates 
  • CGT increases were announced, with the basic rate moving to 18% and the higher rate to 24%, the CGT allowance remains at £3,000 for individuals 
  • Annual subscription limits remain at £20,000 for ISAs and £9,000 for JISAs until 5 April 2030. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning. 

Residential Property Review – January 2025

What to expect in 2025… 

Property experts Savills are hopeful that 2025 will be a positive year for the housing market, despite some challenges.    

The average house price is expected to increase by 4% over the course of this year, partly due to improved mortgage affordability restoring confidence among potential buyers. In 2024, performance in London was better than expected; more people returned to work in the capital, reversing the pandemic’s ‘race for space’. As a result, house price growth in the South West, and East of England is expected to fall below London in 2025.   

Challenges are expected to persist for the rental market because demand continues to exceed supply. Savills expect that rents will increase by 4.0%, outpacing income growth. Also, the prime housing market is likely to display slower recovery due to the abolition of the ‘non-dom’ tax status plus the increased Stamp Duty surcharge on second homes.  

  

Uptick in property listings in January 

The number of property listings surged at the start of 2025, according to online estate agents Yopa.  

There is often a spike in housing stock in January, as many homeowners make new year’s resolutions to move. This year was no exception, with 25,837 new homes listed within the first week of 2025. Bristol experienced the most significant rise, with the number of properties for sale going up by 12.3%. There was also a notable increase of 9.4% in both Merseyside and Norfolk. This flurry of activity could be attributed to the upcoming Stamp Duty deadline, which is expected to prompt a busy Q1.  

On the other hand, the City of London has seen the weakest seller activity of 2025 thus far, with property listings increasing by only 2.3%. Similarly, Cornwall (3.3%) and Cumbria (3.6%) experienced marginal rises in owners putting their homes up for sale.    

  

How long do people live in their homes?  

Zoopla has revealed the average time spent in a property before moving out.  

According to Zoopla’s research, the typical UK homeowner will live in their home for nine years. Of the homes sold over the last 18 months, two trends were found. Firstly, there was a peak in sales from owners who moved in between 2005-2007, before the global financial crisis. Also, there was a spike in activity amongst sellers who bought their homes three to six years ago (before or during the pandemic). The key factors motivating people to move are changes to lifestyle, fire safety issues and affordability challenges.  

The length of time spent in a property varies depending on region. Those living in Scotland and the North East are more likely to sell within five years because the cost of moving is cheaper, meanwhile Londoners stay put the longest.  

 All details are correct at the time of writing (16 January 2025) 

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission. 

Commercial Property Market Review – January 2025

Commercial property outlook for 2025 

According to Savills, the outlook is for increased stability in the UK commercial property market for 2025, following a 20% rise in investment volumes for the office and industrial sectors in 2024.   

With two Bank Rate reductions and expectations of further cuts, borrowing costs look set to decrease, enhancing investor confidence. Economic growth is projected to accelerate, benefiting commercial real estate and driving occupational markets, which have shown resilience with low vacancy rates and above-average prime rental growth.  

Savills predict renewed institutional interest in UK retail sectors, including prime shopping centres and retail parks, due to rising rents and increased consumer confidence. The office sector is also expected to experience significant growth, with limited new supply and improving business demand leading to strong rental growth across various quality segments. Overall, Savills expresses cautious optimism for a commercial real estate recovery in 2025.  

A new industrial revolution  

According to research by JLL, the new industrial revolution, driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the push for sustainability, is significantly reshaping the UK’s commercial property market.  

As industries adopt cutting-edge technologies, there is a growing demand for modern facilities equipped to support automation, AI integration and energy-efficient operations. Warehousing and manufacturing spaces are evolving to include smart infrastructure capable of enhancing productivity while aligning with net-zero carbon goals. 

This shift is transforming investment strategies in the industrial real estate sector. Developers are prioritising properties that incorporate renewable energy solutions, adaptive designs and advanced digital systems. Additionally, urban locations with access to strong transportation networks are increasingly sought after to facilitate efficient supply chains and rapid delivery services. 

The research concludes that the changes brought about by this industrial revolution are not only redefining the physical requirements of commercial spaces but are also influencing the broader economic landscape, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the UK. 

A ‘year of opportunity’ for Scottish commercial property  

Scotland’s commercial property sector is poised for a promising 2025, with experts predicting a ‘year of opportunity.’ Lismore Real Estate Advisors report that Q4 2024 saw £406m in investment transactions, a 6% increase from the same period in 2023, though 4% below the five-year average.  

Notably, Scotland remains ‘on the radar’ for overseas investors, with interest in office, industrial and retail warehousing. The market is expected to stabilise in 2025 and while interest rates are anticipated to decline gradually and inflation may stay slightly elevated, substantial yield compression is unlikely. Early 2025 is expected to see investors prioritising income potential over yield shifts, with momentum building as the year progresses.  

Despite challenges like economic contraction and budget pressures, nearly 90% of respondents view 2025 optimistically, with fund and investment managers particularly positive. Lismore’s Director, Simon Cusiter, notes that after a challenging period, the market shows clear signs of recovery, with rising investment volumes, easing interest rates and returning confidence. 

Commercial property predictions for the year ahead 

Colliers has set out the key trends it expects to see in the commercial property sector for 2025. Retail is expected to see heightened competition for prime locations, though higher business rates on properties valued over £500,000 may challenge large retailers’ profitability.  

Student housing and build-to-rent properties will likely undergo significant refurbishments, addressing the demand for upgraded, modern facilities. Hotels are poised for growth as tourism continues to recover, despite current development hurdles.  

Dr Walter Boettcher, Head of Research at Colliers, said, “The challenges of recent years have laid the groundwork for a reimagined industry – one where creative investment strategies, bold occupier decisions, and the ability to adapt to evolving demands will set the pace.”  

Demand for industrial and logistics spaces is predicted to stabilise, aligning with pre-pandemic levels. Across the sector, the emphasis will be on sustainable and flexible solutions to meet evolving market needs and drive investor confidence in the year ahead.  

All details are correct at the time of writing (16 January 2025) 

News in Review

“Brits are planning to prioritise memorable moments in 2025”

UK consumer card spending was flat in December 2024, according to a report released last week by Barclays Bank. With year-on-year growth at 0.0%, consumer card spending lags significantly behind the latest inflation figure of 2.6%. 

The report, which combines millions of customer transactions with consumer research, found that essential spending was the main category driving the slowdown. Consumers tightened their purse strings in December, cutting back on necessities by -3.0%. Lower petrol prices also contributed to this drop, as fuel spending fell (-11.6%). 

The reduction in essential spending, however, was offset by growth in discretionary spending. Entertainment (up 6.0%) led the way. Travel (up 4.7%) helped too, with cold weather perhaps prompting holidaymakers to start planning summer getaways. Indeed, spending with airlines rose by 3.6% year-on-year in December. 

Although higher discretionary spending is a welcome boost for the economy, analysts pointed to survey responses showing that a large majority of consumers are still concerned about rising food costs (86%) and household bills (87%). 

Jack Meaning, Chief UK Economist at Barclays, commented, “As 2024 closed, consumers remained cautious, in line with muted confidence, elevated uncertainty and high rates of saving. In 2025, we expect household consumption to grow by less than 1%, ahead of further interest rate cuts from the Bank of England.” Karen Johnson, Barclays’ Head of Retail, added, “Brits are planning to prioritise memorable moments in 2025.”  

UK borrowing costs hit new heights 

Long-term government borrowing costs reached their highest levels since 1998 last week, prompting economists to warn that rising costs could lead to further tax increases or spending cuts. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to borrow hundreds of billions of pounds to fund higher public               investment and spending, yet the government has also promised not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending. In response to an urgent question in the Commons, Treasury Minister Darren Jones said there was “no need for an emergency intervention.” The government remains committed to seeing debt fall as a share of national income by the end of this parliament, he confirmed. 

Top pay rises in technology and engineering 

Firms operating within the engineering and manufacturing, technology, legal, and finance sectors delivered the highest pay rises in 2024, according to research released last week by recruitment firm Hays. 

Specifically, fabricators and welders received the highest pay increases in 2024, with a 9.5% average rise. That took the average salary for these roles to £33,500, with each employee enjoying a pay packet roughly £3,000 larger than a year previously. 

Following close behind, risk surveyors saw an increase of 9.2%, an increase of almost £5,000 in a year. Industrial engineers, technology cyber managers (operational) and site supervisors all also saw rises of 8% or higher. 

Lifetime ISA scrutinised by Treasury Committee 

Almost a decade after it was created, the Treasury Committee has launched a call for evidence on the Lifetime Individual Savings Account (LISA) to decide if it remains an appropriate financial product. 

The LISA is a savings product for retirement or homeownership, into which under 40s can contribute up to £4,000 per year. On top of this, savers receive a 25% bonus from HMRC. In return, savers are only able to withdraw their money if they are buying their first home, terminally ill with less than 12 months to live or aged 60 and over.  

The review seeks to find out whether the LISA remains fit for purpose in its current design. Specifically, the Committee will look at whether the combined savings purposes of house purchase and pension saving still makes sense. 

Property listings increase across England 

Some 26,000 homes were newly listed for sale across England in the first week of 2025, according to analysis from Yopa, as the new year property market got off to a robust start. Following this listings bonanza, stock levels rose by 6.4% to reach an estimated 427,200 properties currently for sale. 

Regionally, Merseyside, Norfolk, West Sussex and Essex all saw notable rises above 8%. Bristol experienced the biggest increase, with a 12.3% boost in listings. “With yet another Stamp Duty deadline looming, we’re anticipating a very busy few months for the property market,” commented Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa. “Those contemplating a sale need to be acting now to take advantage of this increased level of market activity” she added. 

Here to help 

Financial advice is key, so please do not hesitate to get in contact with any questions or concerns you may have. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. 

All details are correct at time of writing (15 January 2025) 

 

Nurture your financial wellbeing in 2025 – get your life plans in place with smart planning

As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to set your financial plans in order. With changes on the horizon – like many pension pots becoming subject to inclusion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations from April 2027 – it’s wise to prepare early. 

Financial wellbeing involves having a positive relationship with your money, feeling secure and in control of your finances, enabling you to make the most of your money while also being able to cope with the unexpected. Here are some essential steps to help secure your financial future, protect your loved ones, and improve your wellbeing – all great resolutions for 2025! 

Pension contributions 

How’s your retirement plan coming along? Thinking about your pension, the underlying assets, your risk tolerance and the level of contributions you make is a good starting point to set you on the right track to enjoy the retirement you deserve. 

Plan ahead for IHT 

Tune into gifting rules and allowances, and consider gifting assets now to benefit from the seven-year IHT rule, where gifts made seven years before passing away are usually IHT-exempt. This can significantly reduce the tax burden on your estate. 

Update beneficiary forms  

Ensure your pension and other beneficiary forms are up to date, reflecting your latest wishes. Even though there is no IHT between spouses, including pension pots, keeping beneficiaries current will prevent complications. 

Place life insurance in trust 

This simple move keeps the payout outside of your estate, making it IHT-free for beneficiaries. It’s an easy way to maximize the benefit your loved ones receive. 

Engage the whole family in financial planning 

Discussing financial plans with family helps ensure everyone understands the long-term strategy. By involving your family, you can clarify intentions, avoid misunderstandings, and foster a sense of shared financial responsibility. We can help with intergenerational financial planning and conversations. 

Think long term 

Avoid hasty decisions. Focus on a stable, long-term financial strategy and work with us to navigate complex issues like IHT. By following these steps, you can create a well-rounded financial plan, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family. 

We believe in the importance of taking control and talking things through. Life is demanding, focusing on a few small changes can make a big difference, let’s tackle 2025 head-on together. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.