Pensions and IHT – the shake-up many are missing
Research indicates nearly nine in 10 adults are unaware that pensions will fall within IHT from 2027 Fraudsters are already exploiting confusion around the new rules, offering risky solutions to avoid IHT While the 2027 reforms will reshape how pensions are treated on death, immediate action is not always advisable From April 2027, a significant […]
Selling this summer? Follow the seven-day rule
Initial early pricing decisions can have a lasting impact on whether a home sells quickly or not Marketing, presentation, photography and property details have an influence on engagement before viewings occur Having mortgage arrangements in place early can put you in a stronger position for the right property The first week a property is listed […]
Financial habits stuck in the past? Life moves on – have your finances?
Research reveals that nearly a third of UK adults haven’t updated financial plans despite major life changes Over half worry they have missed opportunities to grow their wealth and 28% admit they are saving even less A summer financial reset doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul – small updates now can strengthen your future […]
Freeze the higher rate tax burden
Research suggests 4.8 million more people will be paying higher rate tax by 2031 than in 2022 An efficient way to reduce your tax take is to increase your pension contributions with salary sacrifice It is important to get tailored advice to work out the best ways to adjust to your unique circumstances While workers were […]
Summer housing market snapshot
House price performance varies significantly across regions, with northern areas outperforming parts of the south Borrowers are increasingly favouring tracker and shorter-term fixed mortgages amid rate uncertainty Market activity remains steady, although affordability and pricing sensitivity continue influencing buyer decisions As we enter the summer months, the UK housing and mortgage markets are showing a […]
Balancing family support and retirement goals – take time to reflect this summer
New research has found that 61% of parents with children over 18 are providing financial support Helping children financially works best when it sits within an agreed, sustainable plan and clear boundaries Talk it through – a fresh perspective can help balance generosity today with security tomorrow As we settle into the summer, many of […]
Economic Review – June 2026
The Monetary Policy Committee voted 7–2 to leave Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% at its June meeting Official figures suggest consumers returned to the high street during May, with warmer weather helping lift retail activity UK Consumer Price Index inflation held steady at 2.8% in May, defying analyst forecasts of 3.0% rise Bank of England […]
Protection policies – just 42% hold one
Only 42% of UK consumers hold life, income or critical illness protection Affordability and lack of awareness are key reasons for underinsurance Major life events often trigger protection decisions, sometimes too late Have you got protection in place? A survey of over 14,000 UK consumers1, has discovered that just 42% have protection policies arranged, including […]
Sea view or swimming pool? The top property searches
Garages and annexes were the most searched property features in 2025 Rural homes and large gardens gained popularity Swimming pools ranked above sea views in buyer demand What features do you think of first when you imagine your new property? If your mind went straight to a garage or annexe, you are not alone: new […]
Residential Property Review – June 2026
Housing outlook – Savills has predicted house prices will fall by 2% this year House sales – according to Rightmove, 44% of UK homes for sale failed to sell in the last three years Property hotspots – Bootle, Merseyside, has emerged as the UK’s top seaside property hotspot for summer 2026 Revised outlook for 2026 […]
