The surprising property premium of some floral addresses

The surprising property premium of some floral addresses

Research shows that floral street names can significantly boost the value of a property The biggest premium was found on ‘Bellflower’ streets, where the median sale price increased 199% Property experts suggest that flower-inspired names evoke charm, calm and a sense of natural beauty As spring edges into view, new research1 suggests that a floral touch may do more than lift the […]

The gradual retirement trend – making the right choices

The gradual retirement trend – making the right choices

Research shows that floral street names can significantly boost the value of a property Uncertainty around pension rules can affect confidence, leading to rushed or potentially regrettable financial decisions  Careful planning and professional guidance help ensure retirement choices align with long-term goals and lifestyle  New research1 highlights a growing preference among UK workers for a gradual […]

Residential Property Review – March 2026

Residential Property Review – March 2026

Muted activity in housing market – according to RICS, new buyer enquiries declined further in February  Rental market becomes more balanced – competition for rental properties has slowed to a six-year low, according to Zoopla  Local housing markets rebound – research from Yopa indicates that about 70% of local housing markets are in recovery  Muted activity in housing market The UK housing market is […]

Commercial Property Review – March 2026

Commercial Property Review – March 2026

Office demand strong in London – research shows increased activity in the capital, reflecting shift back to office working  Industrial and logistics sector – according to Knight Frank the sector appears to be entering a more stable phase  Life sciences – figures from CBRE indicate total take-up was almost three times the level recorded in H2 2024  Strong demand for Central London offices Investment into the Central London office sector has […]

Secure your home and future

Secure your home and future

30% of UK adults could be forced to sell their family home if their partner unexpectedly died  60% of those with a mortgage don’t have a life insurance policy that includes mortgage protection  Life insurance provides loved ones with vital financial support – talk it through with your family and seek advice   The death of a partner can be devastating – […]

Entrepreneurs defy uncertainty with optimism and adaptability

Entrepreneurs defy uncertainty with optimism and adaptability

An HSBC report shows that entrepreneurs remain remarkably optimistic despite policy shifts, market volatility and trade disruption  Entrepreneurial optimism tends to translate into investment, innovation and job creation across the broader economy  Entrepreneurs’ appetite to harness long-term trends, from AI to global wealth flows, underpins continued growth and resilience  Almost 3,000 entrepreneurs across 15 markets […]

A shift in equity release priorities

A shift in equity release priorities

Figures from the Equity Release Council revealed a 10% annual increase in borrowing in Q2 2025.  In H1 2025, making home adaptations or improvements was the top reason for using equity release.   More homeowners are taking out a lifetime mortgage to fund day-to-day living, highlighting cost of living pressures.   From property renovations to dream holidays, homeowners are increasingly using equity release to help […]

Wealth – In the news 

Wealth - In the news 

77% of high-net-worth individuals began making significant charitable donations after surpassing £2m in personal wealth   High-net-worth individuals want their money to carry meaning, so philanthropy is becoming integral to wealth planning  Inheritance Tax receipts continue rising, with forecasts suggesting revenues could reach £14bn by 2030  Wealth milestones trigger significant giving  A study from Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management1 found […]

International Women’s Day – closing the gender wealth gap

Financial inequality leaves many women with fewer financial resources and less security in later years One of the most significant drivers of the gender wealth gap is the difference in pension savings There are opportunities at every stage to strengthen financial wellbeing and close the gender wealth gap Despite decades of progress, financial inequality between […]

Economic Review February 2026

Economic Review February 2026

Office for National Statistics reported subdued late-2025 growth, but PMI signals stronger first-quarter expansion  Inflation fell to 3.0%, raising expectations that Bank of England may cut rates soon  FTSE 100 reached record highs as public finances posted a surprise January surplus  Survey highlights signs of encouragement  Although Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released last […]