A move towards ‘living legacies’

Over-55s are increasingly looking to help their families out financially while they are still alive, rather than leaving everything in the form of an inheritance. Research1 has revealed a trend towards ‘living legacies’, due to increased life expectancy pushing up the average age at which younger generations inherit from their parents. People born in the …

Small steps to sell with success

Planning to sell? You already know there’s a lot of big things to think about. But don’t neglect the small details either. Seemingly minor changes can make a significant difference to how a property is perceived and, ultimately, its sale price. Here are three top tips for putting the finishing touches to your home before …

Economic Review – October 2022

Chancellor’s fiscal statement delayed The government has pushed back the date of its much-anticipated Medium-Term Fiscal Plan in order to ensure it is based on the “most accurate” economic forecasts available. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had been due to deliver his first fiscal statement detailing how the government plans to repair the country’s public finances on …

All eyes on COP27

As the world continues to emerge from the pandemic, although other headwinds exist, governments, businesses and the financial world are refocusing on what the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) describe as ‘the greatest threat to the wellbeing of humanity and to the ecosystems on which we depend’ – climate change.  According to the PRI, a …

Children’s pensions: Saving for their future

It may be an old adage, but definitely one that remains true – it really never is too early to start a pension. So, if you’re looking to help secure the long-term financial future of your child, or grandchild, saving into a pension on their behalf may be a suitable option worth considering, in addition …

More home moves than pre-pandemic

The number of home movers fell 35% year-on-year in the first half of 20221, a drop that was widely expected following last year’s uniquely busy pandemic-influenced market.  Still high  In total, 172,510 people moved house in the first six months of this year, well below the 266,270 who moved in the first half of 2021. …

Residential Property Review – October 2022

Mortgage turmoil shakes housing market A turbulent economic and political month has dramatically altered the outlook for the UK housing market. The government’s ‘mini-budget’, announced on 23rd September, caused interest rate expectations to soar, which led to lenders rapidly withdrawing products. A third of mortgage deals disappeared overnight on 27th September; within a fortnight, 43% …

Commercial Property Market Review – October 2022

Rising yields and flight to quality Most commercial property yields rose in September, according to the latest ‘Market in Minutes: UK Commercial’ report from Savills, leading to an average prime yield of 5.23%, compared to 4.95% the month before. A total of seven sectors saw an upward trend in September 2022, including shopping centres and …

Challenging waters ahead

Even experienced investors are likely to find the current investment environment a challenge, particularly when one considers the array of uncertainties in the post-COVID economy which are so fundamentally different to those faced during the last two years. Opportunities, however, are still available to investors who can steer a safe course through choppy waters. Uncertainty …

Keeping investment emotions in check

While Rudyard Kipling may not have been thinking about investments when he penned his famous poem ‘If’, his words will certainly resonate with investors at the moment. The current investment landscape undoubtedly presents a challenge, even for experienced investors, but those who can keep their head when all about are losing theirs definitely have the …