In the news

Row of colourful houses, home finance news 

 

Gazundering in a buyer’s market 

Research1 has found that, in 2023, there was a 97% increase in people googling the term ‘gazundering’ – when a homebuyer reduces their offer on a property at the last minute, often just before exchange of contracts. About a third of sellers were subjected to gazundering last year2, indicating the property market currently favours the buyer. Gazundering is less common in Scotland because, while it does still occur, Law Society of Scotland governs the activities of solicitors acting on behalf of property buyers. 

In the news

Coins falling into a sink, money in the news

 

Pension Tracing Service swamped 

People who think they could be missing out on thousands of pounds in pension savings have flocked to the phonelines to try and track down their lost money. Through a freedom of information request, it has come to light that The Pension Tracing Service received a total of 251,733 phone calls between July 2018 and August 2023. Figures suggest the average lost pension pot is worth £9,500. 

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.

Powering up your pension

Female looking at her pension and making an extra contribution

 

Paying a lump sum into a pension can be a particularly effective way to save for your future. If you have accumulated extra money from a windfall, work bonus or through saving, now could be the ideal time to power up your pension with a single contribution. 

In the news

Male looking at his phone at the Wealth news

 

Who wants to be an (ISA) millionaire? 

The number of ISA millionaires – i.e. people who have built up a tax-free pot of £1m or more by investing in stocks and shares ISAs – has almost quintupled since 2017, with the figure now standing at 2,7601. With the first ISAs introduced in 1999 aimed at encouraging more people to save, the data certainly suggests the objective is being satisfied for an increasing number, with the most recent data suggesting around 11.8 million adults were subscribed to an ISA in 2021/22, making £66.9bn deposits in that tax year. 

Prospects of stronger economic growth

Businessman with economic graph, prospects of stronger economic growth

 

As we enter a new year, the global economy sits in a relatively precarious position, with the long-term consequences of the pandemic, as well as ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions all hindering growth prospects. While such times can appear daunting for investors, the key to successful investing actually remains the same: focus on long-term goals and mitigate potential risks by maintaining a well-diversified portfolio.