Home insurance premiums and claims increase
Home insurance premiums are up 8.5%, now averaging £231, as weather events and rebuild costs soar. With claims at record highs, securing the right policy matters more than ever. We can help you find smart cover.
Residential Property Review – July 2025
The UK housing market is stabilising after a bumpy start to 2025. Urban new-build demand remains strong, while buyer interest is returning post-Stamp Duty changes. Property flipping is slowing, with tighter margins and Stamp Duty dampening short-term investment returns in the South.
Residential Property Review – June 2025
May marked the busiest UK housing month since March 2022, signalling renewed momentum. Prime Central London softened amid tax changes, while outer markets stayed resilient. A £39bn pledge for affordable housing could significantly boost supply, though delivery challenges remain.
Why life insurance matters
Many UK workers, especially non-salaried employees, lack life insurance, with only 50% of salaried and 33% of non-salaried workers covered. Despite concerns over cost, policies can start as low as a few pounds a month, providing affordable protection and peace of mind for families.
Flooding puts 6.3 million homes at risk
One in four properties in England are at risk of flooding, with 4.6 million homes vulnerable to surface water flooding. Climate change is expected to worsen the situation, potentially putting 8 million homes at risk by 2050. It’s essential to take steps now to protect your property, including reviewing your home insurance coverage.
Residential Property Review – May 2025
UK house prices are forecast to rise by 3.5% in 2025 as rate cuts support demand. March sales surged ahead of Stamp Duty changes. Meanwhile, buy-to-let investors increasingly favour the north, drawn by lower costs and stronger rental yields.
Stamp Duty changes – tune in
From 1 April 2025, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates will revert to pre-September 2022 levels. First-time buyers will start paying SDLT on properties over £300,000, while all other buyers will pay on homes valued above £125,000. It’s important for buyers to factor in these changes when planning a property purchase.
Spring tips for UK homebuyers
Spring brings more listings and competitive pricing, with 70% of homes listed in February and March completing quickly. Buyers benefit from stable mortgage rates (4.75%) and a wider selection of homes, averaging 51 days to sell. Early preparation, including securing a mortgage agreement, is essential. Researching local prices ensures informed decisions in a competitive market.
Spring Statement 2025
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has cut the welfare budget further and boosted defence spending in a Spring Statement aimed at kick-starting the faltering economy. Meanwhile, the OBR – the government’s financial watchdog – halved its growth forecast for this year to 1%.
Now here’s a golden anniversary worth celebrating!
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act, which enabled women to secure mortgages independently. The number of primary female mortgage applicants has increased recently, however the gender pay gap still presents a home ownership barrier to women.