News

Getting a foot onto the property ladder has always presented challenges. Research suggests FTBs could currently be experiencing the most expensive conditions in 70 years1.  Who is most affected?  In the current property market, a successful first purchase often requires two high incomes plus financial support from family members. Therefore, those who are buying alone, […]

Research1 has found that people in their 30s and 40s could be slipping through the net when it comes to protection cover. The data highlights that those in this age bracket are more likely to have inadequate protection cover for their mortgage, should the worst happen.   Has your protection caught up?   Many people experience significant […]

Research has found that some landlords are improving the energy performance of their properties even though it is no longer a potential legal requirement.    Keen landlords    Last year proposed regulations for all private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C were shelved. However, 37% of portfolio landlords are still upgrading their properties […]

Have you ever made an irrational or impulsive purchase you’ve later regretted? We all make decisions based on our emotions or personal biases, but when it comes to investing, such mistakes can be very costly.  What is behavioural investment?  Behavioural investment is an approach that acknowledges how our emotions and our biases can sometimes make […]

Are you thinking of buying a new  build? The good news is there are more  regulations than ever that protect  buyers of newly built homes. It can be  difficult to keep up with these changes,  so here’s what you need to know.    Codes of conduct    Most developers are signed up to a code which lays […]

According to research1, 81% of the UK’s wealthiest individuals are ‘stressed’ about their finances, suggesting financial wellbeing is about more than just the totality of your wealth. So, virtually everyone has concerns about what their financial future will look like.  Planning for the future  The prime concerns for individuals centred around future planning and retirement, […]

Location, location, location  Homeowners are willing to pay more for convenience, as a short walk to a town centre or high street could boost a home’s value by more than £80,0001.  In England, homes that are close to a town are worth 27.6% more than the average property.  Interestingly, proximity costs an extra 14.2% in […]

Receiving a bonus at work as a reward for a job well done is highly satisfying, but with bonuses subject to Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions, you face losing a significant portion of your hard-earned money. A bonus may even push you into a higher tax band, meaning that you receive an even smaller […]

Financial goals fall by the wayside  A poll has found that 57% of adults had money-related goals for 2024, such as reducing debt and wanting more disposable income1. However, two-thirds (67%) had given up on achieving their financial aims by the end of Q1; 16% said this was due to having unrealistic expectations, and 10% […]

According to a lifetime mortgage lender, one in five of their new equity release plans in Q1 were taken out by homeowners with properties worth over £550,0001.  When asked why they were releasing equity, 22% of customers said they planned to spend the unlocked cash on improving their home. Less than 20% of borrowers wanted […]