Unspent pensions to be included in IHT from 2027
Unspent pensions will be subject to IHT from 2027, changing inheritance rules significantly Double taxation risks arise, as pensions inherited post-75 may face both income tax and IHT Planning tools such as gifting, trusts, and insurance can help mitigate future IHT liabilities The government has confirmed it will move ahead with plans to include unspent […]
Women lag behind with pension savings – time to make amends
For every £1 in a man’s pension pot, a woman has just 42p Career breaks, part-time work and lower wages widen the gender pensions gap Purposeful contributions and proactive planning can help women build stronger retirement security Nearly 40% of women in the UK risk not having enough funds for a comfortable retirement, according to […]
The cost of home insurance
Average home insurance costs vary depending on property type and size The most common reasons for claiming are water damage and accidents Renewing policies early, ideally 25 days before expiry, can help reduce costs The latest home insurance statistics compiled by one industry source1 have revealed the trends and patterns of 2025. The average buildings […]
The retirement landscape – hybrid working changes the scene
Hybrid working helps employees phase gradually into retirement while supporting wellbeing Working part-time after 66 can smooth the retirement transition and boost pension savings Seek advice as pensions, investments and tax payments could all be impacted Higher productivity. Better quality of life. Greater satisfaction. These are just some of the potential benefits of hybrid working; […]
Gen Z – betting on an inheritance – time to stand on your own two feet?
Relying on inheritance to fund retirement is risky as it can’t be guaranteed Starting early with small, regular pension contributions can help you benefit long-term compounding Take advantage of employer contributions, combine pension pots and maximise tax relief Retirement can seem an age away when you’re in your twenties and thirties, but it’s never too […]
Selling through the seasons
Buyers can be swayed by seasonal features depending on when they’re buying Winter buyers prioritise warmth, so would pay more for a fireplace and insulation Summer buyers are drawn to gardens, pools and air conditioning when purchasing Thinking of putting your home on the market? The time of year you do it could affect how well your […]
Online fraudsters target UK investors
Many UK investors use social media to help make their financial decisions To protect investors from misleading advice, the FCA is taking decisive action Professional guidance helps investors make safe, informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes Social media finfluencers. Internet searches. AI chatbots. A growing number of people in the UK are turning to unregulated – […]
Economic Review – October 2025
UK GDP edged up 0.1% in August, supported by stronger manufacturing output and improving private sector confidence Inflation held steady at 3.8%, fuelling expectations of another potential interest rate cut by year-end Global equities rose as US tech earnings impressed and a US-China trade truce boosted market optimism UK economy returns to growth Figures published […]
Commercial Property Market Review – October 2025
Prime yields remain stable at 5.9%, signalling resilience and predictability in a cautious investment environment Hotel investment surged 28% year-on-year, driven by strong single-asset deals and renewed investor confidence in London Scottish market investment dipped 21% but quality assets and international buyers continue to drive solid demand Monthly market update The latest data from Savills […]
Residential Property Review – October 2025
The housing market remains subdued, with buyer demand, listings and sales activity all slipping amid pre-Budget uncertainty Landlord exits drive a sharp fall in rental supply, prompting RICS to forecast a 3% rent rise next year The government plans to make reforms to speed home sales and cut fall-throughs, including digital property packs and conditional […]
