Economic Review – April 2024

UK economic recovery gains momentum Official statistics published last month showed the UK economy returned to growth in the first two months of 2024, while more recent survey data suggests the recovery from last year’s shallow recession continues to gather momentum. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the economy Read More

Residential Property Review – April 2024

Upcoming election has not discouraged potential movers A survey by Savills has found that the prospect of the UK General Election has not put off the majority of home movers. According to the report, 79% of respondents have not changed their intentions to move because of the UK election; in fact, 13% said that they were even more intent on Read More

Economic Review – March 2024

Short-term growth forecasts upgraded New economic predictions produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the UK economy is set to grow by more than previously expected over the course of the next two years. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the independent fiscal watchdog’s latest forecasts during his Spring Budget delivered to the House of Commons on 6 March. The Read More

Residential Property Review – March 2024

RICS responds to the Spring Budget The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a statement in response to the Spring Budget. On 6 March, the Chancellor announced that twenty more towns will join the Long-Term Plan for Towns, each receiving £20m. RICS was supportive of this investment, as well as the government’s deeper devolution deal with the North Read More

Economic Review – February 2024

Survey suggests recession already over Official statistics released last month showed the UK economy fell into recession during the second half of last year, although more recent survey data does suggest the recession could already be over. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the economy shrank by a larger than Read More

Residential Property Review – February 2024

Positive start to the year for the housing market Increased demand from buyers and sellers is helping to get the housing market back on track this year. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the data on new buyer enquiries is consistent with a gradual recovery, which shows a 7% uptick in January, the most positive reading since Read More

Economic Review – January 2024

UK economy rebounds in November Official statistics show the economy returned to growth in November, although analysts believe it remains a close call as to whether or not the UK will once again manage to avoid a recession. Figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy grew by 0.3% in November following a Read More

Residential Property Review – January 2024

Falling mortgage rates bolster housing market Hope seems to be on the horizon for the housing market as the year gets off to a promising start. The decision from many mortgage lenders to reduce rates seems to have had the desired effect, as buyer interest has noticeably increased. Lenders are competing to offer the best deals. At the end of Read More