If so, you’re part of 37% of the UK population who managed to put away more money during lockdown, as daily expenditure on commuting and leisure activities dramatically decreased. What’s more, it looks like Britain’s growing army of savers are here to stay, with 36% stating they aim to keep cutting costs post-lockdown. Could savings rates harm your goals? Unfortunately, …
Private pensions age rise is confirmed
In September, the government confirmed the private pension age will increase from 55 to 57 in 2028, meaning those retiring in the future will have to wait longer to access their pension.
How Equity Release has evolved
What has changed in the Equity Release market? Consumer interest in the later life lending sector has been steadily increasing over the past 10 years, with more than 19,000 plans taken out in the first half of 2020 compared to just over 10,000 in the first half of 2010, according to data from Key. How has lending on Equity Release …
Extra time for Help to Buy scheme
Due to construction delays caused by the pandemic, over the summer the government announced an extension to the Help to Buy equity loan deadline. Previously, new homes had to be finished by the end of December 2020, which has been extended to 28 February 2021, enabling homebuyers to benefit from the scheme despite the construction of their new homes being …
Government launches new model for Shared Ownership
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced a new model for shared ownership to help more people onto the property ladder by vastly reducing the minimum initial share, and launching a consultation to ensure new homes deliver the accessibility that families need. The new shared ownership model will reduce the minimum initial share you can buy in a property from 25% …
NS&I Premium Bonds direct payment to bank accounts
NS&I has announced that, from the December 2020 Premium Bonds prize draw, they are stopping prize payments by warrant (like a cheque) and will be paying prizes straight into customers’ bank accounts instead. It’s quicker, easier, and safer than waiting for a cheque to arrive in the post. They will be doing this in phases, and by March 2021 will …
Stamp duty update
The government introduced an immediate temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday in England and Northern Ireland until 31 March 2021 by raising the threshold above which the main rate of SDLT is payable from £125,000 to £500,000. For second homes, the 3% additional rate will continue to apply. The Scottish Government has since announced that they have increased the …
Investment Webinar
Last year Aaron Tawny held an Investment seminar at the Park Hotel in Kettering. This year sadly COVID-19 has put the dampers on our plans. As we are all having to think outside the box in these challenging times, we decided we would bring the seminar to you in the version of a webinar. We have two brilliant speakers from …