Latest Office for National Statistics data show inflation slowed to 2.8% in April, down from 3.3% in March The UK agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council is estimated to add £3.7m to the economy and remove £580m in tariffs per year Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now postponed the Fuel Duty increase until the end […]
Monthly archives: May 2026
Residential Property Review – May 2026
Slowing momentum – affordability pressures and cautious consumer sentiment are likely to temper activity in the months ahead Rental market – a 9% annual increase in previously rented properties up for sale in the year up to March UK house sales – research shows the average house sale period is one day longer than the […]
Commercial Property Review – May 2026
Market sentiment – figures show a sharp deterioration in market sentiment as geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East BTR investment – figures highlight the resilience of residential rental markets as investors remain attracted to stable income streams UK holiday let market – overall demand remains stable, despite travellers becoming increasingly selective Geopolitical uncertainty hits […]
News in Review
In the three months to March, UK GDP grew by 0.6%, the largest contribution coming from the services sector Key parliamentary proposals announced last week included reforms to social housing, flat leaseholds, the NHS and police No major policy deals emerged from President Donald Trump’s China visit, while US inflation continues to rise “Growth picked […]
The power of participation – markets move – participation matters
Market volatility is normal and often creates long-term opportunity Holding excess cash may hinder growth for long-term objectives Diversification and discipline help manage emotional investment decisions Investors are constantly navigating changing narratives. Last year markets rebounded to reach new highs following President Trump’s spring trade announcements, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. More recently, the […]
BTL lending leaps–where are the hotspots?
New BTL lending rose 22.7% year-on-year in Q3 2025 Average UK rental yields increased to 7.15% Northern cities and Wales are emerging as strong yield locations The number of new buy-to-let (BTL) loans advanced in the UK during Q3 2025 leapt by 22.7% year-on-year, new figures1 show. Which locations are driving this resurgence? Hint: it’s […]
News in Review
The average property price now stands at £299,313, which is 0.4% higher than April 2025 Last week’s local elections indicated a changing political landscape with Reform gaining considerable ground The Q2 manufacturing sector improvement was largely due to a rise in output, new orders and employment “The housing market continues to display the resilience that […]
Building wealth today, planning for tomorrow
Rising property values and frozen thresholds are drawing more families into IHT scope Pension rule changes from 2027 may alter estate planning strategies significantly Early awareness enables better family conversations and long-term legacy planning Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often viewed as something to think about later on in life. It can feel distant, complicated and […]
In the news
A third of UK workers feel confident about achieving a comfortable lifestyle when they retire There are some significant disparities across income groups, age and gender 60% of cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) savers would consider moving to a stocks and shares ISA Confidence in a comfortable retirement on the up A positive trend is […]
Equity Release continues to grow in popularity
Equity release lending rose 11% year-on-year to £2.57bn Many borrowers use funds for home improvements or gifting family Housing wealth is increasingly integrated into retirement planning Recent lending figures1 for last year show equity release lending totalled £2.57bn, a significant 11% increase on £2.3bn recorded the previous year. Drilling down into the data, it seems […]
