Passing on wealth – the essentials of IHT
Estates above £325,000 may face 40% IHT, with additional residence allowances available Lifetime gifting and trusts can reduce estate value but require careful structuring Professional advice helps navigate complex rules and avoid unintended tax liabilities Gifting and trust strategies can have tax implications and may not be suitable for everyone. The value of investments can […]
Salary sacrifice – things to consider
Current salary sacrifice rules allow full Income Tax and National Insurance efficiency National Insurance relief will be restricted above £2,000 annually from April 2029 Forward planning could maximise pension contributions under existing rules Salary sacrifice is one of the most effective pension planning tools available, particularly for higher earners. It allows you to exchange part […]
You’ve got a mortgage! Now protect it
Over one-third of mortgage holders have no protection in place Nearly half would struggle within six months of losing income Income protection and life cover safeguard long-term home security Securing a mortgage can feel like the pivotal step in achieving financial independence. Yet, too many mortgage holders are taking on this major commitment without protecting […]
Economic Review – May 2026
The annual rate of UK inflation fell more sharply than expected, down to 2.8% in the year to April Britain’s economy grew by 0.3% in March, defying expectations of a slight contraction linked to global conflict According to ONS, the unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.0% in the three months to March Inflation eases, but […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
