The proportion of homebuyers choosing to pay in cash has hit a 10-year high1, analysis has found. In 2023, cash buyers were responsible for a third (34.5%) of all property transactions – the highest percentage seen since data became available in 2013. This trend carried on into this year, as 32.8% of market activity was […]
Monthly archives: October 2024
Steady growth in an uncertain world
Reassuringly for investors, the latest batch of projections from economic soothsayers continues to predict a period of steady, if unspectacular, global growth. The forecasts also highlight a number of economic concerns including ‘sticky’ inflation, large budget deficits and geopolitical uncertainties, which could inevitably create some investment challenges. Growth rates beat expectations Economic growth figures released […]
News in Review
“Geopolitical concerns are very serious” Last Thursday, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey spoke in an interview about the pace at which interest rates are being cut. With two more Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings this year, the Governor said the Bank could afford to be “a bit more aggressive” with its rate reduction […]
Autumn housing market outlook
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 […]
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 […]
Divorces held back by financial considerations
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 […]
