Economic Review – August 2025
UK GDP growth outperformed expectations in Q2, but fragile demand raises concerns over sustainability into autumn Bank of England cut rates to 4%, yet divisions among policymakers signal slower easing ahead Inflation climbed to 3.8% in July, with rising transport, food and energy costs fuelling pressure UK growth rate beats expectations Second quarter data released […]
Read More
In the News – Home Finance
A dressing room can boost your home’s value by up to £40,000 Over 65’s hold £2.9trn in mortgage-free property wealth in the UK House purchases now take 124 days on average – 41% longer than expected Dressing rooms – the new must-have Once seen as a luxury, dressing rooms are gaining popularity among everyday homeowners […]
Read More
Balancing family needs and your own financial freedom
12% of HNWI’s are financially supporting both children and ageing parents Many dip into pensions or restructure finances to fund family gifts Balancing generosity with personal financial security is essential for long-term freedom The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BOMAD) is well known to many aspiring or recent house buyers – but have you heard […]
Read More
News in Review
Retail sales volumes fell for the eleventh straight month, with weak demand and rising costs pressuring sector confidence FCA scam reports surged to nearly 5,000 in early 2025, with fraudsters impersonating regulators to steal money UK house price growth slowed to 2.1% in August, as affordability challenges continue to weigh on buyers “Retailers endured another […]
Read More
Residential Property Review – August 2025
Bank Rate cut to 4% (lowest in over two years) but mortgage rates remain stable UK house price growth forecast has been lowered to 1% in 2025 as high supply prompts more competitive pricing Homes gained 20% in value since 2020, with northern regions leading growth while parts of London face declines Another reduction to […]
Read More
Commercial Property Market Review – August 2025
London’s data centre demand is set to hit record highs in 2025, driven by hyperscalers and AI providers Retail property investment rebounded strongly in Q2, with high-street demand at its highest since 2021 UK commercial property remains mixed, with stronger growth in Central London offices and industrial rental markets Take-up of data centres in London […]
Read MoreUK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, driven by soaring air fares and continued food price increases Government borrowing fell to £1.1bn in July, the lowest figure for that month in three years Average mortgage rates dipped below 5%, offering potential relief as more fixed-rate deals approach renewal “These figures underscore the intensifying financial squeeze […]
Read More
News in Review
GDP grew 0.3% in Q2, exceeding forecasts, but underlying conditions show fragility and weak confidence Ukraine peace talks progressed with US-led NATO-style security guarantees, though no ceasefire agreement has yet been reached UK data centres are set to rise nearly 20%, driven by AI demand, raising environmental and cost concerns “The strong growth seen earlier […]
Read More
In the news – Wealth
IHT revenues are expected to hit £9.1bn in 2025/26, rising to over £14bn by 2030 Higher-rate taxpayers could miss out on £97,000 in extra pension wealth by not claiming full tax relief through self-assessment Scrapping non-dom tax status may risk public revenues rather than boost them IHT receipts continue to rise HMRC figures1 show the […]
Read More
Why ‘keep calm and carry on’ pays off for investors
Trying to time the market often leads to missed opportunities A well-diversified portfolio helps wealthier short-term volatility Staying invested long term is key to building lasting wealth April’s surprise tariffs announced by Donald Trump on ‘Liberation Day’ unsettled global markets and caused a sharp sell off from panicked investors. Trump announced a 90-day pause of […]
Read More