Who will inherit your pension?
1 in 6 people don’t know who their pension would go to if they passed away Cohabiting partners are especially at risk of missing out if not formally nominated Some still have ex-partners listed – regular reviews are essential One in six people with a partner admitted in a recent study1 that they ‘do not […]
Mortgage overpayments: small sums add up
A third of homeowners are currently making overpayments on their mortgage 40% of homeowners don’t have the confidence to overpay their mortgage Most lenders allow you to make overpayments of up to 10% of your mortgage balance each year without incurring any penalties UK homeowners could collectively save £2.3bn on mortgage interest each year by […]
‘Squeezed middle’ falling into ‘protection gap’
Only 30% of those aged 30 to 34 and 34% of those aged 35 to 39 have enough life cover to protect their family Households often insure mortgages but neglect cover for children and dependents The ‘squeezed middle’ must prioritise protection to avoid future shortfalls People in their 30s and 40s are falling into the […]
Financial empowerment for retirement control
Nearly 4 in 10 people in the UK are not on track for even a basic retirement lifestyle Understanding retirement income targets is key to building financial resilience Personal pensions offer flexibility, tax relief and control – ideal for employed and self-employed people. Building financial empowerment is all about the confidence that comes from knowing […]
Joint, dual, individual: understanding your life insurance options
40% of life insurance policies in the UK are joint rather than individual Joint life insurance policies can prove problematic when a relationship breaks down Dual life cover offers separate, flexible protection for both partners You’ve opened a joint bank account. You’ve signed up for a joint mortgage. So, a joint life insurance policy might […]
Economic Review – August 2025
UK GDP growth outperformed expectations in Q2, but fragile demand raises concerns over sustainability into autumn Bank of England cut rates to 4%, yet divisions among policymakers signal slower easing ahead Inflation climbed to 3.8% in July, with rising transport, food and energy costs fuelling pressure UK growth rate beats expectations Second quarter data released […]
In the News – Home Finance
A dressing room can boost your home’s value by up to £40,000 Over 65’s hold £2.9trn in mortgage-free property wealth in the UK House purchases now take 124 days on average – 41% longer than expected Dressing rooms – the new must-have Once seen as a luxury, dressing rooms are gaining popularity among everyday homeowners […]
Balancing family needs and your own financial freedom
12% of HNWI’s are financially supporting both children and ageing parents Many dip into pensions or restructure finances to fund family gifts Balancing generosity with personal financial security is essential for long-term freedom The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BOMAD) is well known to many aspiring or recent house buyers – but have you heard […]
Residential Property Review – August 2025
Bank Rate cut to 4% (lowest in over two years) but mortgage rates remain stable UK house price growth forecast has been lowered to 1% in 2025 as high supply prompts more competitive pricing Homes gained 20% in value since 2020, with northern regions leading growth while parts of London face declines Another reduction to […]
Commercial Property Market Review – August 2025
London’s data centre demand is set to hit record highs in 2025, driven by hyperscalers and AI providers Retail property investment rebounded strongly in Q2, with high-street demand at its highest since 2021 UK commercial property remains mixed, with stronger growth in Central London offices and industrial rental markets Take-up of data centres in London […]
