Government launches consultation to ‘strengthen’ £100bn design sector September 4, 2025 The UK government has launched its most extensive review of design protection in decades, aiming to modernise the system, tackle abuse, and support the nation’s £100bn design economy. The consultation was launched by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) as a result of problems facing the sector, including its reputation as ‘David vs Goliath’ for smaller [...]
How likely are property tax reforms in the Autumn budget? September 3, 2025 Rumours have been swirling in Westminster about a variety of property tax changes Rachel Reeves might introduce in this Autumn’s budget – or further down the line – in an attempt to plug a £40bn gap in the nation’s finances while overhauling a complex system of levies and charges. The Treasury is reportedly looking into [...]
Autumn Budget set for 26 November as Reeves claims economy ‘not working well’ September 3, 2025 The Autumn Budget will be on 26 November, the Treasury has confirmed, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves admitting the UK economy was “not working well enough” for Britons. The confirmation now sets the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)’s preparations for its fiscal report in motion as it has ten weeks to draw conclusions on the health [...]
Business rates reform set to give boost to Greggs, B&M and Halfords September 1, 2025 The government’s proposed reform of business next year is set to give a boost to companies with a large number of small stores like Halfords, Curry’s and Dunelm, according to analysts. Despite significant backlash against the reform from large high street retailers, analysts at Panmure Liberum have suggested the move would, overall, be good for [...]
Why have house prices run out of steam this summer? September 1, 2025 The average price of a UK home dipped in August for the fourth time in six months, in a sign that the property market is under real pressure. The average price of a house in the UK fell to £271,079, down 0.1 per cent from the month before – a surprise to market watchers, who [...]
Stamp duty overhaul could save prime London buyers £500k September 1, 2025 Buyers of prime London mansions could see huge benefits from a move to an annual property tax, according to new data. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering replacing stamp duty with a new national property tax on homes, as well as replacing council tax with an annual property tax. Stamp duty, which is paid in bands tied [...]
Boost pension to avoid retirement poverty graduates warned September 1, 2025 Graduates entering the workforce have been urged to begin topping up their pension pot, as retirement poverty worries continue to loom large. Nearly 90 per cent of recent university graduates believe pension planning is important, but pressing financial matters have shifted their focus away from saving for retirement, according to research from insurance provider Standard [...]
There are no incentives to buy or move home, Rachel Reeves warned September 1, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned there are no incentives for people to buy or move home and that the Labour government needs to take action to ‘tackle the malaise’ in the building materials industry. John Newcomb, CEO of national trade body BMF (Builders Merchants Federation), added that “immediate intervention is now needed to thwart [...]
Voters oppose higher taxes and want Rachel Reeves sacked September 1, 2025 The majority of UK voters would be opposed to higher taxes despite pressures on public finances, a new poll has found. Analysis by economists has suggested that Rachel Reeves will have to raise taxes by as much as £50bn in the Autumn Budget, with property owners and pension pots reportedly set to be targeted by [...]
How to Buy an Apartment in London August 29, 2025 This guide explains everything first-time buyers need to know: from how much it costs to buy an apartment in London to new build developments, Shared Ownership, and essential tips to avoid costly mistakes. Saving for a deposit for an apartment in London For most first-time buyers, saving for a deposit is the biggest hurdle when looking [...]