MPC maintains monetary stance Following its latest meeting held on 22 June, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) judged that the existing monetary stance remains appropriate, despite inflation rising above the Bank of England’s target level. Data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate – which compares prices in the Read More
Residential Property Review – June 2021
Renting less expensive than buying a property Research from estate agency Hamptons, suggests that renters are better off than buyers for the first time in five years. The study found that, just prior to the pandemic in March 2020, the average buyer with a 10% deposit was better off than renters by £102 per month. In May 2021, however, buyers Read More
Commercial Property Market Review – June 2021
Shopping centres on the brink In another blow to the ailing retail sector, research from Local Data Company (LDC) has revealed that potentially 70 of Britain’s 700 shopping centres are in line for demolition. In a sector already negatively impacted by the rise in online retail, rising costs and changing habits, the fact that most centres are inside facilities and Read More
Pandemic leads to growing ESG awareness
The inclusion of ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues within mainstream investment strategies has been gaining in prominence during the pandemic, according to new research – and it’s a trend that’s set to continue. The global rise of ESG – a megatrend here to stay ESG investment has been increasingly catching the interest of investors across the globe for several Read More
Economic Review May 2021
BoE upgrades growth forecast The Bank of England (BoE) has significantly increased its 2021 growth forecast, as survey evidence continues to highlight a strong economic rebound, fuelled by the easing of lockdown restrictions and rapid vaccine rollout. In early May, the BoE revealed its latest predictions for the UK economy, which included a growth forecast of 7.25% for 2021. This Read More
Residential Property Review – May 2021
Queen’s Speech is ‘significant‘ for housing market A key announcement in the Queen’s Speech on 11 May was a new Planning Bill, which aims to simplify and speed up the planning process using a digital, map-based service, allowing more active public engagement in the development process. The reforms should allow homes, schools and hospitals to be delivered at a faster Read More
Economic Review April 2021
Stronger recovery predicted The UK economy returned to growth in February and survey evidence suggests a strong recovery is imminent, as lockdown restrictions ease and the vaccine rollout continues at pace. Data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the economy grew by 0.4% in February, as businesses prepared for the lifting of the third national lockdown. Commenting Read More
Residential Property Review – April 2021
Spring sees the busiest ever housing market Growing optimism due to the vaccine rollout, the return of low-deposit mortgages and the Stamp Duty holiday extension for England and Wales, have contributed to make this spring the best time to be a property seller in a decade, according to property website Rightmove. The online property portal reported a record 9.3 million Read More
