Kickstart the new tax year with confidence

Kickstart the new tax year with confidence

With the new tax year allowances in place, now is the time to make smart financial decisions  Taking time to review and refine your financial plan can help you stay on track for the future  Ensure you’re making the most of the opportunities available – your future self will thank you!  The beginning of the […]

Spring tips for UK homebuyers

Spring typically offers an uptick in listings, with 70% of homes listed in February and March completing quickly  Buyers have benefited from stable mortgage rates and a wider selection of homes to offer on  Early preparation is crucial for making informed and successful decisions in a competitive market  As spring gets under way, the UK […]

Start the new tax year strong

Start the new tax year strong

The new tax year is a great opportunity to take charge of your finances and set yourself up for financial peace of mind by knowing you have a plan in place.  By planning ahead and making the most of available allowances, you can optimise your wealth, reduce tax liabilities and work towards long-term financial security. […]

Time for a spring clean? How about ‘death cleaning’ your finances?

Time for a spring clean? How about 'death cleaning’ your finances?

Could your finances benefit from a spring clean? You could take your cue from the Swedes. They believe in ‘döstädning,’ or ‘death cleaning.’ It sounds pessimistic, but it involves decluttering your belongings to reduce the burden you leave behind to loved ones.  The philosophy gained international prominence through a 2018 book called The Gentle Art […]

When is the right time to buy your first home? 

Changes to Stamp Duty and mortgage rates may make now a good time for first-time buyers.  House prices are predicted to rise in 2025, though at a slower pace than before.  Lower mortgage rates have boosted first-time buyers’ budgets, but personal circumstances should guide decisions.  There is a lot to think about when purchasing your […]

Protection insurers pay out record sum

In 2023, protection insurers paid out a record £7.34bn in claims in, supporting those facing bereavement, illness and injury.  The total value of critical illness claims rose to £1.2bn, with cancer the most common reason for claiming.   Over 1,660 income protection claims have been paid out for more than 10 years, highlighting the value of […]

Spring Statement 2025

“A serious plan for growth” On 26 March, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement unveiling updated economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), announced further reductions to welfare spending and confirmation of a rise in defence spending. The Chancellor reiterated her commitment to “just one major fiscal event a […]

Residential Property Review – March 2025

Residential Property Review – March 2025

Housebuilding falls to seven-year low as planning delays persist   Housebuilding in England has dropped to its lowest level since 2017, excluding the pandemic period, with just 217,911 new homes completed in 2024.   This marks a 6% decline from 2023’s total of 231,000 and continues a four-quarter trend of falling completions, according to Energy Performance Certificate […]

Commercial Property Market Review – March 2025

Commercial Property Market Review – March 2025

Regional office investment rebounds as confidence grows  Investor sentiment in the regional office market has improved, with total investment reaching £2.9bn in 2024, up 10% from 2023, according to Savills.   The Big Six regional cities saw office take-up of 4.6 million sq. ft, 15% above the five-year average and the highest since 2019. Opportunistic investors […]

Advised investors are ‘less vulnerable’

Advised investors are ‘less vulnerable’

Investors who receive financial advice are four times less likely to be vulnerable than the general population, according to analysis1.  The study looked at a cohort of more than 5,000 advised investors, assessing them using a psychometric financial wellbeing questionnaire. Designed by an in-house behavioural psychologist, the questionnaire was designed to find and evaluate indicators […]