news & insights

New buyer enquiries fell for a third consecutive month in July, the RICS report showed, with a headline rate of -25%. This is comparable to June’s reading (-27%) and means the market has now endured the longest stretch of falling demand since the early pandemic days.

At the time of writing this we continue to face challenging times. As we have emerged from the pandemic, we have entered a period of instability with the war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis at home.

Most of us assume we would be delighted to receive a substantial sum of money. It’s fun to make that mental list of extravagant purchases such as holiday homes or your dream two car garage. However, while it’s a nice problem to have, it can be daunting. This is particularly true where the money is unexpected.

While everyday financial pressures can make saving challenging, it’s imperative not to neglect your pension and retirement plan. Diligent planning at the earliest opportunity can make all the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and enduring a regretful one. After all, you reap what you sow.

The images used in retirement marketing often show deck chairs on sunset beaches, golf courses and cruises. It is often portrayed as ‘the longest holiday of your life.’ However, behavioural research continues to challenge that reality.

There has been plenty of coverage in the financial media about retirement freedom and how you can now spend your pension fund as you see fit. However, more freedom and more choices mean you now have more decisions to make.

Over the past couple of years, we have all been affected by the chaos the pandemic has left in its wake. Although the property market was no exception, there are some signs of normality returning to the market.

When the general price of goods and services increase in an economy, we call this inflation. We should expect a low level of inflation in a healthy and growing economy, however it is always important to consider the effects of inflation when making or reviewing your financial plan.

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.

The latest gross domestic product statistics show that the UK economy unexpectedly grew in May although forward-looking indicators still point to a deteriorating outlook.

In this week’s Between the Lines update we cover China’s long march, the gas price crisis and the UK inflation.

Our monthly property market review is intended to provide background to recent developments in property markets.