With 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 40 national scenic areas (NSA) across Scotland, British house hunters are spoilt for choice. Now, research1 has revealed the top beauty spots prospective homebuyers are currently itching to move to, as well as ranking them by the most to least …
Author archives: servicedemoevolvesites
Investment terms trigger emotional response
Jargon is common in the world of investments and pensions, which can make them seem impenetrable and intimidating. If the thought of ‘Equities’ and ‘Investment ISAs’ makes your heart race, you’re not alone, new research1 has shown that financial terms really do make people anxious. Jar-gone Researchers used a variation of the Emotional Stroop Test, …
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Economic Review February 2022
Interest rates rise again In February, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced an increase in its main interest rate for the second meeting in a row as the Bank continues to grapple with a rapid rise in the cost of living. At its latest meeting held in early February, the MPC sanctioned …
Commercial Property Market Review – February 2022
Upbeat mood for regional office activity The regional office investment market remains upbeat, according to the latest quarterly update from Avison Young, after office demand across the ‘Big Nine’ returned to ‘normal’ activity in H2 2021. A strong second half brought the year’s total take-up across the Big Nine cities to 8.1 million sq. ft, …
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Residential Property Review – February 2022
Promising signs in the UK housing market Following a record-breaking 2021, continuing strong numbers of agreed sales and approved mortgages suggest transactions are likely to stay high over the next few months. Net mortgage debt by individuals decreased slightly to £3.6bn in December 2021, according to the Bank of England. However, agreed sales and approved …
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Climate disclosures – high on corporate agendas in 2022
To protect investors from greenwashing, the IMF is urging regulators to do more to prevent financial companies from making misleading claims concerning their environmental credentials – ‘Proper regulatory oversight and verification mechanisms are essential to avoid greenwashing.’ Achieving the scale of expansion needed to meet the goal of reducing worldwide carbon emissions to net zero …
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Saving for your child’s future
Many parents give their children a flying financial start by saving or investing throughout their childhood. A new survey1 shows mothers typically take the lead in this area, while cash remains disproportionately popular. Mum’s the word The research shows responsibility for children’s savings is particularly borne by mums: 60% of those actively contributing to a …
Property ‘catfishing’ – new word, old trend?
Catfishing – it’s a term from the online dating world referring to somebody who presents themselves somewhat differently online to when you meet them in person. And it seems that a lot of prospective homebuyers are suffering the catfishing experience at property viewings, too. An unpleasant surprise A recent survey1 of homebuyers suggested that the …
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Climate concern – consumers and investors tune in
Despite over half (57%) of consumers wanting their pension to be invested responsibly to help tackle climate change, only one in seven people who have a pension currently invest it responsibly1. UK consumers rank climate change as a bigger concern than COVID-19 or the economy, according to a new study2. Climate change is a top …
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Economic Review January 2022
Economy regains pre-pandemic size The UK economy grew strongly in November to move beyond its pre-COVID level, with increasing momentum recorded across all industry sectors prior to the arrival of the Omicron variant. Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the economy grew by 0.9% in November. This was much stronger …
