19th November 2024

Equity release update

Data suggests that confidence is growing among new and existing equity release customers.  Equity release customers rose by 12% in Q2 of this year, with total lending increasing by 15% to £578m1. There was also a quarterly and annual increase in the average loan size, which indicates that customer confidence is being restored.  More taking […]

In the news

Equity fund inflows on the up  Statistics1 show that, during the first half of 2024, net inflows to equity funds were over £11.3bn, the best six-month recording for equity funds according to global fund network Calastone’s ten-year record. Of the most positive inflows, North America and global funds recorded £7.8bn and £7.2bn respectively, with emerging […]

12th November 2024

Which pension personality are you?

A recent study1 has identified several distinct pension personality types, each with its own strengths and challenges. Which one resonates with you?  Procrastination Pete and Paula are the most common type, often overwhelmed by the complexities of pensions. This group is likely to make poor decisions, such as hastily withdrawing a 25% tax-free lump sum […]

HNWIs on the rise – and their needs are changing

A new report1 suggests the wealth of ‘high-net-worth-individuals’ (HNWIs) – grew by 4.7% in 2023, with the HNWI population increasing by 5.1% to 22.8 million globally.  What’s behind the increase?  Global economic uncertainty, higher interest rates and rising political tensions led to significant declines in HNWI wealth (3.6%) and population (3.3%) in 2022. However, the […]

In the news

Northern cities surge in mortgage searches   As buyers consider more affordable housing options beyond the capital, the six major Northern cities of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle have witnessed a significant increase in purchase mortgage searches and now account for almost 11% of all mortgage search activity, up by two-thirds on last year1. […]

5th November 2024

Finding midlife balance

Midlife can be demanding. Having moved onto – and, perhaps, up – the housing ladder, started a family and settled down, you would think you might have earned an easy ride.  Yet midlife demands on your time and money can make you feel you are being pulled in a hundred different directions. Between supporting your […]

The new Renters’ Rights Bill – what does it mean? 

The Labour government has designed a Renters’ Rights Bill, aiming to improve the rights and protections for tenants.    Changes have already been made to improve rights in Scotland and Wales, so the proposed Bill will be applicable to renters in England, with some elements stretching to Wales.  No more no-fault evictions   The Bill will include […]