News

Almost one in five first-time buyers are searching for mortgages below 60% loan-to-value The Lifetime ISA will be replaced with a new savings product focused on first-time buyers Average mortgage payments are projected to fall to around 40-41% of gross salaries, lowest since 2021 Growing divide in first-time buyer deposits Almost one in five first-time […]

Average pension savings lag significantly behind comfortable retirement targets Changing pension rules and longevity trends demand proactive planning Reviewing contributions and investment strategy can reduce future shortfalls It can be easy to disengage when you see the statistics about how much you’ll need for a comfortable retirement, especially when you’re working hard and the demands […]

Over one-third of mortgage holders have no protection in place Nearly half would struggle within six months of losing income Income protection and life cover safeguard long-term home security Securing a mortgage can feel like the pivotal step in achieving financial independence. Yet, too many mortgage holders are taking on this major commitment without protecting […]

Market volatility is normal and often creates long-term opportunity Holding excess cash may hinder growth for long-term objectives Diversification and discipline help manage emotional investment decisions Investors are constantly navigating changing narratives. Last year markets rebounded to reach new highs following President Trump’s spring trade announcements, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. More recently, the […]

New BTL lending rose 22.7% year-on-year in Q3 2025 Average UK rental yields increased to 7.15% Northern cities and Wales are emerging as strong yield locations The number of new buy-to-let (BTL) loans advanced in the UK during Q3 2025 leapt by 22.7% year-on-year, new figures1 show. Which locations are driving this resurgence? Hint: it’s […]

Rising property values and frozen thresholds are drawing more families into IHT scope Pension rule changes from 2027 may alter estate planning strategies significantly Early awareness enables better family conversations and long-term legacy planning Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often viewed as something to think about later on in life. It can feel distant, complicated and […]

A third of UK workers feel confident about achieving a comfortable lifestyle when they retire There are some significant disparities across income groups, age and gender 60% of cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) savers would consider moving to a stocks and shares ISA Confidence in a comfortable retirement on the up A positive trend is […]

Equity release lending rose 11% year-on-year to £2.57bn Many borrowers use funds for home improvements or gifting family Housing wealth is increasingly integrated into retirement planning Recent lending figures1 for last year show equity release lending totalled £2.57bn, a significant 11% increase on £2.3bn recorded the previous year. Drilling down into the data, it seems […]

UK workers, especially Gen X, increasingly want time away from work to focus on health and wellbeing Affordability and lack of employer support are cited as major obstacles Property accounts for a significant portion of estate value across the UK, particularly in London Sabbaticals on the rise with Gen X leading Research1 has highlighted a […]

Buyers are negotiating more carefully in affordability-focused markets Agreements in principle strengthen credibility with sellers Preparation improves both buyer confidence and seller outcomes The difficulty in getting a foot on the housing ladder is no secret. In 2026, however, affordability in the housing market seems to be an even more central focus for buyers and […]