Bank of Mum and Dad – worth their weight in gold
Over half of fist-time buyers relied on family financial help in 2024 to get a foot on the ladder BoMaD support averaged £55,572 per buyer across 173,500 transactions Falling mortgage rates may reduce reliance on family, but not eliminate it altogether More than half of first-time buyers relied on family to get on the property […]
How the ‘great wealth transfer’ impacts you
Baby boomers hold over half of the UK wealth and should start legacy planning now Gen X can benefit from early financial advice to simplify future decisions and manage inherited wealth Millennials are motivated to build wealth and should start planning early to prepare for what’s ahead The UK’s ‘great wealth transfer’ will see an […]
Engaging with your pension – knowledge gaps revealed
Most UK adults lack essential knowledge about their pensions and how they’re invested A significant number don’t know their State Pension entitlement or how it’s calculated Many want to consolidate pensions but don’t know how to start New research1 has shone a light on the extent of pension knowledge gaps among UK adults. While 53% […]
Summer housing market update – records, challenges and changing trends
Average asking prices hit record highs, but growth is slowing, as analysts suggest we’re in a buyers market Moving costs have risen sharply across the UK due to changes in tax and associated fees First-time buyers see improved affordability supported by flexible mortgage products As summer begins, the housing and mortgage markets are experiencing a […]
Get Budget-ready this summer
Summer is the ideal time to review financial goals and investment strategies Utilising tax allowances now can protect your wealth from future policy changes Long-term investing remains key, even amid short-term market volatility Summer should bring a welcome shift in pace: longer days, warmer evenings, time off and the chance for some well-earned rest and […]
UK cities see strong property market growth
The UK property market experienced a boost in 2024, with nearly 50% of homes listed receiving offers or selling Cities like Sunderland, Leicester, and Liverpool saw notable increases in buyer activity, while London’s growth was subdued Rising buyer confidence, stabilising mortgage rates and positive market conditions are expected to keep demand strong The UK property […]
Four in five clients see financial advice as ‘value for money’
82% of advised investors believe they get good value from financial advice, up 10% from last year 96% of advised clients value their adviser’s accessibility, especially during market volatility Long-term market confidence is higher among advised investors, showing the benefits of expert financial guidance People with a financial adviser are more optimistic about their financial […]
Home Finance – In the news
Older borrowers are increasingly taking out ultra-long mortgages, with a 156% rise in the last five years Half of UK homes saw price increases in 2024, there’s a clear north-south divide in property values Rent costs for tenants under 45 hit a record £56.2bn due to rising mortgage rates Retiring with a mortgage With a […]
Why life insurance matters
50% of salaried employees and 33% of non-salaried workers lack life insurance Life insurance covers expenses like mortgages, bills and education costs should the worse happen Policies can start as low as a few pounds a month, offering affordable protection and peace of mind Taking out life insurance is a crucial step in protecting what […]
Flooding puts 6.3 million homes at risk
6.3 million homes face flooding threats, but the dangers are expected to rise significantly due to climate change 4.6 million properties are at risk of surface water flooding, a 43% increase since 2018 Taking proactive steps, including insurance, is key to protecting against flood damage A recent report from the Environment Agency has revealed that […]