The hidden cost of retirement properties
In the glossy brochures often used to promote them, retirement complexes can look very attractive. With rising life expectancy meaning that many more of us are likely to live well into our 90s and beyond, they can be an appealing proposition, especially for those who don’t have immediate family to look after them. THE ADVANTAGES […]
Over £40m stolen from pensioners
Police reports show that since the introduction of the pension freedoms, more than £43m in retirement savings has been lost to fraud. Concerns have been raised in parliament, and the Work and Pensions Committee has held an inquiry that, amongst other things, heard evidence as to what might be done to prevent these potentially devastating […]
Borrowing age elevated by extra-long mortgages
The traditional 25-year mortgage may soon be a thing of the past as many firsttime buyers are choosing loan terms of 30, 35 or even 40 years. Data from estate agents Countrywide1, shows more than one third of mortgages taken out in 2017 are unlikely to be repaid until after the borrower has turned 65. […]
A game of endurance as disposable incomes hit six year low
The average household in Britain is currently enduring the lengthiest dip in disposable income for six years. Cash-strapped consumers are struggling with the combination of lacklustre growth in their wages, which is providing modest support to disposable incomes, and inflation, which is taking its toll on the pound in their pocket as the cost of […]
Read to invest? Here’s how to get started
If you’re looking to get a better return from your money than you can from your bank account, then the time might be right to think about investing for the future. Before you begin, here are some golden rules to consider. HOLD SOME CASH You’ll need to have ready access to a cash fund to […]
Economic Review August 2017
Our monthly economic review is intended to provide background to recent developments in investment markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future. It is not intended that individual investment decisions should be taken based on this information; we are always ready to discuss your individual […]
Residential Market Review August 2017
Our monthly residential market review is intended to provide background to recent developments in property markets, as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future. RICS SURVEY PAINTS A MIXED PICTURE Research published in August by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed significant regional variations […]
Property Market Review August 2017
Our monthly property market review is intended to provide background to recent developments in property markets, as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future. RECORD BREAKING TRANSACTION FOR THE WALKIE TALKIE Making it London’s most expensive property ever sold, 20 Fenchurch Street is to be purchased […]
Economic Review July 2017
POSITIVE UK ECONOMIC GROWTH IN Q2 According to initial estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the second quarter of 2017, the UK economy continued to grow. They calculate that the UK saw growth of 0.3% in the three month period ending 30 June, an improvement from the Q1 figure of 0.2%. However, […]
Residential Market Review July 2017
REMORTGAGE APPROVALS STEADY The Bank of England (BoE) reports that mortgage lending in the UK recorded an annual increase of 2.9% to May 2017. The BoE also records 65,202 house purchases for May, up marginally from the 65,051 seen in April, but still below the six-month average of 66,990. Remortgage approvals rose to 42,955, again […]