The end of stamp duty relief isn’t the only cost going up for first-time buyers February 11, 2025 First-time buyers (FTBs) are facing higher costs across the board as they grapple with not only high stamp duty fees, but a low stock of affordable houses, more stringent lending requirements and higher upfront costs. First and foremost, stamp duty relief is set to end on March 31, which has driven a significant boost in [...]
Home repossessions rise as higher interest rates bite borrowers February 10, 2025 The number of homeowners with mortgages facing repossession rose in the fourth quarter of 2024 as buyers struggled with higher interest rates. UK Finance figures show that repossessions rose 12 per cent in the last three months of 2024 compared to the previous year and were up 54 per cent yearly. Overall, 1,030 residential houses [...]
What the Bank of England interest rate cut means for your money February 6, 2025 Consumers need “careful financial planning in the months ahead” after the Bank of England cut interest rates on Thursday, wealth manager Quilter has warned. Financial planner at Quilter Holly Tomlinson said the 25 basis point cut will be “good news” for borrowers, whilst savers will be stung by lower returns on deposits. Tomlinson said: “Banks [...]
FTSE 100 surges after Bank of England cuts interest rate February 6, 2025 The FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 surged higher today after the Bank of England moved to cut interest rates to 4.5 per cent in a bid to breathe life into Britain’s ailing economy. All of the Bank’s nine-strong monetary policy committee voted in favour of a reduction in rates, with two members of the group [...]
Nearly a million extra savers face shock tax bills January 28, 2025 Almost 1m more savers could be hit with shock tax bills this year, Shawbrook Bank has warned – unless they keep their cash in an ISA. More than 6m savers will pay tax on interest in 2025, up 800,000 from the number of savers who had to pay tax on interest last year. This is [...]
Interest rate calls from ECB and Fed to highlight Atlantic growth divergence January 27, 2025 The decisions will highlight the differing economic outlooks on either side of the Atlantic.
Demand for buy-to-let lending boosts Paragon Bank January 24, 2025 Paragon Banking Group reported a strong start to the financial year on the back of higher lending to buy-to-let landlords.
DFS: ‘Improved performance’ couched by rising national insurance, wages and rates January 17, 2025 DFS Furniture reported its group order intake was up over 10 per cent as it gained a higher than expected market share gains for both of its brands
FTSE 100 rises and gilts recover but Reeves isn’t out of the woods just yet January 15, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves was dealt some welcome good news after a surprise drop in inflation that saw gilt yields fall at the fastest pace in over a year on Wednesday, but some economists fear the development represents a temporary reprieve with inflation at risk of rebounding in the coming months. New figures from the Office [...]
Gilt yields stable ahead of crucial UK inflation data January 14, 2025 The yield on the 10-year gilt crept lower on Tuesday afternoon, leaving it on track to break six days of consecutive rises.