As we step into 2025, now is the perfect time to set your financial plans in order. With changes on the horizon – like many pension pots becoming subject to inclusion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations from April 2027 – it’s wise to prepare early. Financial wellbeing involves having a positive relationship with your money, […]
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Preparing for the longevity megatrend in an uncertain world
As a new year dawns and we ponder what the next 12 months may hold for us as individuals and investors, one thing is for certain – some familiar challenges lie ahead. The International Monetary Fund (IMF)1 unveiled its latest economic assessment the week prior to the US election, proclaiming a period of ‘stable but […]
Record sales in 2024 and a surge expected in early 2025
In the latter part of 2024, the UK housing market experienced robust sales momentum, driven largely by higher disposable incomes and easing rates on some mortgages. What can we expect for the housing market as we enter 2025? Last year marked the highest level of new sales since late 2020, with house prices rising modestly […]
How to align wealth and purpose
Purpose has lately become a buzzword for investors and companies. Whether ‘mission-oriented’ investing excites you or makes you want to run for the hills, aligning your wealth with your values and interests can bring rich rewards. Give and grow Historically, wealthy people wanting to make a difference have done so through philanthropy. In response to […]
Ambitious sellers beware!
Selling a house is the biggest financial deal many people will ever make. Understandably, sellers want to get the best possible price; new research1 has cautioned, however, that aiming too high is not without risk. Discount dangers Analysis by Rightmove of sales over the past five years has revealed the risks associated with pricing your […]
Hopeful FTBs consider buying with friend or sibling
Did you know that 46% of aspiring first-time buyers would consider buying a home with a friend or sibling to help them get onto the property ladder?1 Most people (62%) would ideally like to purchase a home with a partner; however, many have been forced to look at alternative options. The main reason for considering […]
Get into the savings habit to enhance your wellbeing
A report from UK Savings Week shows that having a savings habit improves wellbeing. Savers on the lowest incomes were found to benefit the most from regularly putting money aside, with 53% of this group reporting that they are satisfied with their life. However, only 40% of low-income non-savers could say the same1. Interestingly, low-income […]
Residential Property Review – December 2024
Property market trends in 2024 As we approach the new year, Zoopla has highlighted trends in the UK property market in 2024. It is expected that, by the end of the year, there will have been 1.1 million sales completed – 10% more than last year. Meanwhile, January was the busiest month for visitors to […]
Commercial Property Market Review – December 2024
Robust demand for Scottish hotels The Scottish hotels market continued to show resilience in Q3 according to Colliers. Hotel investment in Scotland hit £110m in quarter three – £40m more than Q2 and 150% higher than the five-year quarterly average of £44m. The year-to-date investment total is £200m – up 18% when compared with the […]
Buy-to-let market update: Trends and insights
The UK buy-to-let (BTL) market has seen notable changes recently. The number of new BTL mortgages granted has decreased sharply. This decline is largely due to higher interest rates and stricter taxation measures, which have served to cool investor enthusiasm. Additionally, the overall size of the BTL mortgage market has contracted. Investors are encountering more […]
