The Autumn Budget made the headlines with a host of announcements, mostly on taxation. Housing did not play a large part in the key fiscal event, but there are a few points to be aware of. Second homes From 31 October 2024, people buying a second home pay an extra 2% of the entire property […]
Author archives: servicedemoevolvesites
Economic Review February 2025
Growth stronger than expected in late 2024 Data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the UK economy unexpectedly grew in the final three months of last year, although more recent survey evidence still points to a sluggish outlook. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) statistics showed that economic output […]
News in Review
“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission” The latest inflation figures released last Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics showed an unexpected surge, with the headline rate climbing to 3% in January from December’s 2.5%, marking the highest level in nearly a year. This increase surpassed the Bank of England’s […]
Residential Property Review – February 2025
The Bank of England cut Bank Rate from 4.75% to 4.5% in early February Housing market activity in January 2025 was around 13% higher than the same time last year The government has announced new plans to simplify the homebuying process Falling Bank Rate offers boost to mortgage holders The Bank of England cut Bank […]
Commercial Property Market Review – February 2025
According to Rightmove, demand In Q4 2024 for industrial listings was 72% higher than in Q4 2023 The market in Scotland in Q4 was strong with industrial (+41%), office (+12%) and retail (+6%) The RICS long-term outlook remains positive for the commercial property sector Industrial prowess helps commercial demand soar Demand for investment in commercial […]
News in Review
“I’m still not satisfied with the level of growth that our economy is achieving” The latest UK growth data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the economy grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of last year, exceeding expectations. A Reuters poll of economists had forecast that gross domestic product (GDP) would shrink […]
Money – In other news
One in five UK adults have been scammed in the past year, causing debt and financial strain. 38% of Brits in their 30s and early 40s are relying on their parents’ assets for financial security. There are an estimated 2.8 million missing pension pots in the UK, fuelling demand for the Pension Tracing Service. One […]
Why financial procrastination can harm your health (and your finances)
Financial procrastination – delaying financial tasks – can negatively impact both your finances and health. Signs of financial procrastination include fear of mistakes, lack of confidence, and unclear financial goals. Combat procrastination by setting clear financial goals, seeking expert advice, and taking proactive action. We all know that putting things off is all too easy. […]
News in Review
“Low and stable inflation is the foundation of a healthy economy” In their latest meeting on 6 February, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a 7 to 2 majority to cut Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.5%, in a widely expected move. The two dissenting voices wished to reduce Bank Rate by […]
Family tensions over money talks – time to break the taboo
Many wealthy individuals hesitate to discuss financial planning due to fears of family disagreements, with 10% avoiding the topic altogether and 27% finding it uncomfortable1. However, this reluctance to have a discussion could lead to future misunderstandings, as family members may have unrealistic expectations about their inheritance. Only 12% of wealthy individuals said they regularly […]
