Budget incoming – keep calm and carry on
There has been plenty of speculation about what an Andy Burnham government could mean for the housing market It is important to distinguish speculation from policy as it is unlikely to help homeowners or buyers make decisions The sensible approach is to keep calm and carry on and wait for any relevant announcements That time […]
A more cautious housing market
Higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty continue to weigh as mortgage rates remain unpredictable Lloyds’ House Price Index showed the average UK property price was just 0.1% higher than a year earlier The autumn market is likely to remain price-sensitive, with affordability continuing to influence decisions As we move into autumn, the UK housing market […]
Start early, save smarter
Research highlights a crucial truth – delaying pension contributions can be far more expensive than most people realise Analysis shows that starting to save earlier in life can significantly reduce the required contributions Even small, consistent contributions early on can outperform larger amounts contributed later Whilst many younger adults are proactive on pensions, saving for […]
A new shape to homeownership
First-time buyers are now entering the market later than previous generations, around age 33 on average Longer mortgage terms and later entry naturally lead to borrowing extended well into later life Refinancing is now popular for older borrowers. Many are remortgaging to secure better rates or release equity The traditional journey of buying a home, […]
Why is life insurance back in focus?
Pension tax efficiency needs to be considered as it will start to fall within IHT from April 2027 Life insurance can play a valuable role by providing a lump sum on death to help cover the tax bill Acting early can help ensure that any cover is affordable and increase your options Changes to Inheritance […]
Retirement planning for the self-employed
Three in five self-employed workers could be missing out on crucial peace of mind and tax benefits Making regular contributions can be more achievable and build a bigger retirement pot than waiting for ‘surplus’ income Retirement saving can be more complex for self-employed workers. It’s never too late to improve retirement readiness Around 40% of […]
Remortgaging on the rise
Remortgage applications have risen sharply as pandemic-era fixed deals come to an end Shorter-term mortgage fixes are gaining popularity in uncertain interest rate conditions Landlords are increasingly refinancing to improve returns and release equity Remortgaging is firmly back in focus. Recent analysis1 shows applications surged by around 45% in Q1 2026, driving overall mortgage activity […]
Positive momentum in protection – but gaps remain
Data shows that around £21.9m is paid out daily in protection claims – a 10% increase in individual claim value There are also encouraging signs among younger consumers. Many are locking in lower premiums early While the trend is positive, protection should be part of a wider plan with the right level of cover in […]
Keep your cool in the housing market
Organisation and preparation are key to helping reduce stress throughout the homebuying journey Realistic budgeting and taking account of all costs helps avoid affordability issues and unexpected expenses Future planning can prevent the need for repeating the whole process again too soon and resulting in an unexpected move Few people imagine buying a house to […]
In the news
Many buyers remain positive but affordability pressures continue delaying home purchase decisions Property investors face lower profits, requiring greater adaptability in changing market conditions Multi-generational living is driving demand for flexible and independent home spaces Buyers hesitate despite market confidence Research1 shows that around 41% of prospective buyers are delaying their move while waiting for […]