The Autumn Budget is on 26 November, with speculation over new taxes as borrowing costs hit 25-year highs The UK services sector grew strongly in August, reaching its highest activity level since April 2024, easing earlier concerns Retail sales rose 0.6% in July, but mortgage borrowing dipped, signalling subdued growth risks for the economy “Britain’s […]
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Financial empowerment for retirement control
Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people. Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]
Joint, dual, individual: understanding your life insurance options
40% of life insurance policies in the UK are joint rather than individual Joint life insurance policies can prove problematic when a relationship breaks down Dual life cover offers separate, flexible protection for both partners You’ve opened a joint bank account. You’ve signed up for a joint mortgage. So, a joint life insurance policy might […]
Economic Review – August 2025
UK GDP growth outperformed expectations in Q2, but fragile demand raises concerns over sustainability into autumn Bank of England cut rates to 4%, yet divisions among policymakers signal slower easing ahead Inflation climbed to 3.8% in July, with rising transport, food and energy costs fuelling pressure UK growth rate beats expectations Second quarter data released […]
In the News – Home Finance
A dressing room can boost your home’s value by up to £40,000 Over 65’s hold £2.9trn in mortgage-free property wealth in the UK House purchases now take 124 days on average – 41% longer than expected Dressing rooms – the new must-have Once seen as a luxury, dressing rooms are gaining popularity among everyday homeowners […]
Balancing family needs and your own financial freedom
12% of HNWI’s are financially supporting both children and ageing parents Many dip into pensions or restructure finances to fund family gifts Balancing generosity with personal financial security is essential for long-term freedom The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BOMAD) is well known to many aspiring or recent house buyers – but have you heard […]
News in Review
Retail sales volumes fell for the eleventh straight month, with weak demand and rising costs pressuring sector confidence FCA scam reports surged to nearly 5,000 in early 2025, with fraudsters impersonating regulators to steal money UK house price growth slowed to 2.1% in August, as affordability challenges continue to weigh on buyers “Retailers endured another […]
Residential Property Review – August 2025
Bank Rate cut to 4% (lowest in over two years) but mortgage rates remain stable UK house price growth forecast has been lowered to 1% in 2025 as high supply prompts more competitive pricing Homes gained 20% in value since 2020, with northern regions leading growth while parts of London face declines Another reduction to […]
Commercial Property Market Review – August 2025
London’s data centre demand is set to hit record highs in 2025, driven by hyperscalers and AI providers Retail property investment rebounded strongly in Q2, with high-street demand at its highest since 2021 UK commercial property remains mixed, with stronger growth in Central London offices and industrial rental markets Take-up of data centres in London […]
News in Review
UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, driven by soaring air fares and continued food price increases Government borrowing fell to £1.1bn in July, the lowest figure for that month in three years Average mortgage rates dipped below 5%, offering potential relief as more fixed-rate deals approach renewal “These figures underscore the intensifying financial squeeze […]
