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“February’s figures highlight the delicate balance within the UK housing market” The most recent House Price Index data from Halifax released on Friday showed an unexpected fall of 0.1% in February; a Reuters poll of economists had expected a 0.3% uptick in the month. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax said, “The typical UK […]

News in Review

“We have a chance now to do the same for the 21st century” A trade deal between the UK and US could be agreed “very quickly,” President Donald Trump said at a White House press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The President suggested the UK may avoid the tariffs imposed on other trading partners, […]

Narrowing the gender protection gap

You’ve probably heard about the gender pay gap. You may even have heard about the gender pension gap. But did you know there is also a gender protection gap? Women are typically less likely than men to have insurance that protects them financially against the risk of being unable to work due to illness or […]

A reminder of recent property tax changes

The Autumn Budget made the headlines with a host of announcements, mostly on taxation. Housing did not play a large part in the key fiscal event, but there are a few points to be aware of. Second homes From 31 October 2024, people buying a second home pay an extra 2% of the entire property […]

Economic Review February 2025

Growth stronger than expected in late 2024 Data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the UK economy unexpectedly grew in the final three months of last year, although more recent survey evidence still points to a sluggish outlook. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) statistics showed that economic output […]

News in Review

“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission” The latest inflation figures released last Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics showed an unexpected surge, with the headline rate climbing to 3% in January from December’s 2.5%, marking the highest level in nearly a year. This increase surpassed the Bank of England’s […]

Residential Property Review – February 2025

The Bank of England cut Bank Rate from 4.75% to 4.5% in early February Housing market activity in January 2025 was around 13% higher than the same time last year The government has announced new plans to simplify the homebuying process Falling Bank Rate offers boost to mortgage holders The Bank of England cut Bank […]

Commercial Property Market Review – February 2025

According to Rightmove, demand In Q4 2024 for industrial listings was 72% higher than in Q4 2023 The market in Scotland in Q4 was strong with industrial (+41%), office (+12%) and retail (+6%) The RICS long-term outlook remains positive for the commercial property sector Industrial prowess helps commercial demand soar Demand for investment in commercial […]

News in Review

“I’m still not satisfied with the level of growth that our economy is achieving” The latest UK growth data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the economy grew by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of last year, exceeding expectations. A Reuters poll of economists had forecast that gross domestic product (GDP) would shrink […]

Money – In other news

One in five UK adults have been scammed in the past year, causing debt and financial strain. 38% of Brits in their 30s and early 40s are relying on their parents’ assets for financial security. There are an estimated 2.8 million missing pension pots in the UK, fuelling demand for the Pension Tracing Service. One […]