New research suggests that many UK adults significantly overestimate the cost of life insurance. According to a recent survey from L&G, respondents believe that life insurance typically costs £79.50 per month. In reality, the average policy was £27.95 in 2024, meaning that people are overestimating the cost of cover by an average of 184%. This substantial gap highlights the lack of public knowledge about the true price of insurance. Misconceptions about cost The report revealed that the biggest barrier to insurance was the cost, with 27% believing that it is too expensive. But the findings suggests that many people may be basing their decisions on inaccurate assumptions. Perhaps if more UK adults knew the real cost of life insurance, they would feel confident enough to take out protection. The attitudes of different age groups The research also highlighted differing opinions depending on age group and region. Brighton residents aged 45-54 were the most concerned about the price of life insurance. Younger adults shared similar worries; 18–24-year-olds also viewed life insurance as ‘too expensive’, despite this group being particularly engaged with their finances, reviewing them around 35 times a year on average. Motivation is also a barrier among younger generations, with 24% saying that they don’t have plans to take out life cover. Meanwhile, 13% of respondents said they ‘haven’t had time to look into it’. Don’t wait for big milestones Previous research from L&G found that many adults are waiting to reach key milestones before taking out products such as life insurance. However, with people getting married and buying houses later in life, many could be delaying having important conversations about financial security. Life insurance is not just applicable to those who have experienced a major life event. If you rent a property, have you considered how others in your household would keep up with payments if you were no longer around? Or if you have other dependents who rely on you financially, such as an unwell family member, it’s important to get cover. Don’t put it off Securing life insurance provides long-term peace of mind that your loved ones will be financially supported at a difficult time. It’s understandable that younger adults may not want to think about what will happen in the event of their death. However, getting protection now could result in cheaper premiums in the long run, as it is generally more expensive to take out a policy when you’re older. We can help you source a policy that fits your budget and meets your specific needs. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/uk-adults-overestimate-life-insurance-costs-by-184.html

In 2024, insurers paid out £585m in insurance claims for weather-related damage. Here’s how to prepare your home for winter so you can minimise your chances of making a claim. In the colder months, there are many reasons why you might need to make a claim on your home insurance policy. While you can’t completely stop damage from happening, there are precautionary measures you can take to reduce the risk. Common claims in winter Water pipes can freeze over, resulting in water leaks or burst pipes. Make sure to get your boiler serviced annually and cover exposed pipes so they stay insulated. It’s important your house doesn’t get too cold, especially if you’re going away - if you have a smart thermostat, the anti-frost setting can help with this. Winter storms are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. Remember to secure your garden furniture and fences so they don’t blow away. Clear your gutters, check for any loose roof tiles and trim any trees and branches. You may think that fire is less of a hazard when it’s cold. But heaters, candles and Christmas lights could all pose a risk if left unattended. Ensure that any electrical items are turned off overnight and test your smoke alarm regularly. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/2/more-action-needed-to-protect-properties-as-adverse-weather-takes-record-toll-on-insurance-claims-in-2024/ https://www.tescoinsurance.com/home-insurance/guides/prepare-your-home-for-winter

Research has highlighted a significant protection gap among manual workers in the UK. Almost a quarter (23%) of manual workers believe they are likely to experience an accident at work within the next three years, higher than the national average of 19%. But this demographic is one of the least insured groups – only 4% have income protection in place and 1% have accident-only income protection. Despite the occupational hazards, 36% of manual workers have not considered how they would cope financially if they had a non-fatal accident. A quarter (24%) wouldn’t know what to do in this situation – this is notably higher than the national average of 15%, therefore indicating a knowledge gap within this occupation. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/mind-the-gap-why-manual-workers-are-falling-through-the-cracks-in-income-protection.html

Data from the Bank of England shows that UK borrowers are currently favouring two-year fixed-rate deals. In Q2 of this year, half of new mortgages were two-year deals, with only 35% opting for five-year terms. Borrowers are probably hoping to remortgage to a cheaper deal if Bank Rate keeps falling over the next two years. This marks a change in attitude since 2022 - interest rates were beginning to rise, so buyers were hoping to keep mortgage costs low by choosing a five-year fixed deal. A longer mortgage deal is still worth considering, despite hopes that interest rates will ease in the coming years. Analysts do not anticipate mortgage rates to fall to the record lows seen in 2021; instead, they expect that mortgage rates will settle at a higher level, potentially around 3.5%. Also, potential cuts to Bank Rate are taken into consideration when pricing fixed rate mortgages, so some experts believe that current rates are the best that we will get for a while. Deciding on your next move? It’s essential to seek advice so you can make an informed decision about the mortgage deal that’s right for you. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage Sources:  https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/half-of-mortgage-borrowers-fix-for-two-years-are-they-being-too-optimistic-about-rate-cuts/ar-AA1OWSr5 https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15128641/HALF-mortgage-borrowers-fix-two-years-optimistic-rate-cuts.html

A survey from LRG has revealed the three most influential factors when buying a property, excluding price and location. Updated kitchens and bathrooms were the important features, with 77% of respondents citing these as key influencers. Meanwhile, an attractive garden (55%) was more favourable than exterior presentation (23%), suggesting that kerb appeal is currently less of a priority among buyers. But presentation inside the home does seem to matter, with 49% of respondents citing cleanliness as a key influence. Bold interior colour schemes were the bottom of the priority list, with only 4% looking for this in a potential home. Kevin Shaw at LRG commented, “Buyers are clearly telling us that a spotless, well-maintained property can be highly persuasive.” Sources: https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/homebuyers-prioritise-upgraded-kitchens-and-bathrooms-over-kerb-appeal-says-lrg.html

A survey has found that 30% of UK households would need to sell their family home if their partner or co-owner were to die unexpectedly. Affording mortgage repayments was the biggest financial worry in the event of an unexpected death, with 27% saying this would be their primary concern. Despite this, 60% of borrowers don’t have life insurance that covers their mortgage, leaving them without a safety net at a time when they may need it most. Moreover, 80% don’t have any savings in case of a financial emergency. Many UK households would therefore be in a precarious financial position if they experienced an unexpected bereavement. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/uk-households-unprepared-for-unexpected-bereavement-as-30-would-need-to-sell-the-family-home.html

Savills has published its latest five-year outlook for the UK housing market, including predictions for house price growth between now and 2030. The report predicts that house price growth will be subdued in the short term, with the average home expected to rise in value by just 1.0% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026. This slow pace is due to ongoing uncertainty about the economy and weak demand from buyers. However, the landscape is expected to gradually improve as interest and mortgage rates ease. Savills predicts house price growth of 4% in 2027 and 5% in 2028, with a peak of 5.5% in 2029. Across the five-year period, property values are anticipated to rise by a total of 22.2%. Regional forecasts Regional variations in house price growth are expected to persist. The strongest growth is forecast in the North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber, where prices are predicted to rise by 28.8% by 2030. On the other hand, weaker growth is expected in London and the South of England, where houses are less affordable. In the capital, home values are only expected to increase by 13.6% over the next five years. Need support navigating the changing property market in the coming years? Contact us for advice. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15256621/House-prices-rise-22-2-five-years-adding-80-000-typical-value-says-Savills.html

A report has revealed that only a quarter of working adults in the UK have an income protection (IP) policy. According to research from LV, only 27% of the working population have a financial safety net to protect their income if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. Despite this, half of those surveyed said they would feel more financially resilient if they had appropriate IP cover. The most financially vulnerable group Interestingly, the survey found that couples are the most likely to be financially vulnerable, with 45% relying on both partners’ incomes to cover monthly expenses. This is more prevalent among the younger generations, as 70% of working couples aged 18-24 depend on both salaries to keep up with monthly bills. Limited savings increase vulnerability The average working adult has three people who rely on them financially. But many survey respondents had a limited savings pot. A third have under £5k in savings, nearly a quarter have less than £1k and one in ten have no savings at all. This is particularly worrying considering that household debt reached an average of £20,640 in 2023-24. Don’t leave it to chance – we can help you source the right cover for your circumstances. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/lv-finds-only-27-of-working-adults-in-the-uk-have-ip-policies.html

Millions of UK homeowners are choosing to renovate their existing home instead of moving. In England and Wales, about 1.7 million homes (one in 15 properties) have undergone significant renovation work. These homes are marked with ‘official improvement indicators’, showing that they have had major structural changes, such as an extension or loft conversion. Legally, Council Tax cannot be increased on homes with improvement indicators until the property is sold or there is a general revaluation of all domestic properties. The growing preference for renovation over relocation is likely due to the rising costs associated with moving home, including Stamp Duty charges, mortgage rates and property prices. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/data-millions-of-brits-renovate-homes-rather-than-move-to-avoid-costs/ar-AA1MzVrw

Research has revealed the best UK commuter towns, offering lower house prices whilst being in proximity to major cities. Remote working became the ‘new normal’ during the pandemic, but now three-quarters (76%) of employees are back working in the office at least three days a week. Many people can’t afford to live in London, where the average house price is £588,300. Peterborough was ranked the best commuter town near the capital; it’s a 50-minute train to King’s Cross and the typical home costs £238,800. In Edinburgh, the average property costs £287,110; however, Wishaw is located 45 minutes away by train and offers lower prices of £111,670. In Cardiff, homes are typically £280,760, but in New Tredegar, the top commuter town, properties are less than half the price at £108,600. Sources: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/best-commuter-towns/

Data shows that the number of people buying a home with a Lifetime ISA (known as LISA) increased in the 2024/25 tax year. According to the statistics, 82,750 account holders withdrew money from their LISA to buy their first home, which is about 30,500 more than in the previous tax year. Also, the average withdrawal for a property purchase increased by around £857 to £15,782 in 2024/25. The increase is likely due to FTBs rushing to complete their transaction before the stamp duty changes came into effect in April 2025. More incur withdrawal charges While many are using LISAs for their intended use, there are some account holders who are paying the price for dipping into their savings. Money can be withdrawn from a LISA when buying your first home (costing £450,000 or less), when you are aged 60 or over, or if you are terminally ill (with less than 12 months to live). If you withdraw funds for another reason, there is a charge of 25%. In the year 2024/25, there was £102m in LISA withdrawal charges, up from £75.3m the year before. It's important to explore alternative options before making an unauthorised withdrawal from your LISA. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/lifetime-isa-savers-clobbered-102-104936374.html?guccounter=1

New data indicates that first-time buyers (FTBs) are taking out longer mortgages to help them move straight into their ‘forever home’. In August, a third (33.5%) of FTBs bought a semi-detached property, up 1.7% when compared with the same month in 2024. Meanwhile, only 19% purchased a flat, representing a 2.7% annual decline. The most popular property type among new homeowners was three-bedroom properties, which accounted for 46% of all FTB purchases in August. Looking for the long-term Historically, FTBs would enter the market by buying a smaller property, with the intention of moving up the ladder later. However, it seems that this trend is changing. Many new homeowners are aiming to purchase a longer-term home from the outset, rather than upsizing after a few years. Longer mortgages To afford larger homes, FTBs are opting for longer mortgages, with 41.3% taking out a mortgage of at least 30 years in August. In fact, 37% of borrowers said that mortgages spanning 30 to 40 years are more appealing because it meant lower monthly repayments. However, repaying a mortgage over a longer period means paying more interest overall, increasing the total cost of borrowing. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15099631/First-time-buyers-mega-mortgages-buy-forever-home.html https://www.msn.com/en-ie/money/homeandproperty/first-time-buyers-take-out-mega-mortgages-to-buy-a-forever-home/ar-AA1MC7gQ?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds&apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1

According to a new study, many UK adults do not feel confident that their family would be financially secure in the event of their death. In the survey, 2,000 consumers were asked about their financial confidence if the worst happened. Only one in five (22%) respondents felt ‘very confident’ that their family would be financially protected if they passed away. Meanwhile, a third thought their loved ones would ‘manage for a while’ and a quarter (23%) were not at all sure if their family would be able to cope financially. The generational difference The report showed that attitudes towards financial security varied depending on age, gender and type of workplace. Interestingly, 45 to 54-year-olds were the least confident, with a third (33%) believing that their loved ones would not be financially secure if they died. Only one in ten of this age group were sure that their family would be in a stable position. On the other hand, 25 to 34-year-olds were the most confident age group, with 75% feeling certain their family would be sufficiently protected. This notable disparity could be because 45 to 54-year-olds typically have more dependents than the younger generation. The gender gap Two-thirds (67%) of men felt confident about their family’s financial position, but only half (49%) of women felt the same. Moreover, women were nearly twice as likely to say that their loved ones would face serious financial challenges if they died (9% of women vs 5% of men). The impact of employment status The size of workplace appeared to have an impact on financial confidence; employees at larger companies (with 250+ staff) felt the most assured about leaving their family in a secure financial position. On the other hand, those working in smaller businesses (fewer than 50 employees) were the least confident, with 46% believing that their family would cope without them. The importance of protection Jack Southcott at The Exeter commented on the findings, “Increasing consumer awareness of the valuable safety net provided by protection insurance products is essential in improving the financial resilience of UK households. Products such as life insurance can provide greater reassurance for individuals and their loved ones if the worst happens. It’s also important that consumers consider speaking to their adviser about putting a policy in trust or nominating beneficiaries to ensure any benefit paid goes to the right people without delay.” Boost your confidence If you’re feeling unsure about how your family would cope in the event of your death, we’re here to help. By implementing protection that works for you, you can have peace of mind that your loved ones will have the support they need at difficult time. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://www.actuarialpost.co.uk/article/only-1-in-5-feel-financially-confident-if-the-worst-happened-25653.htm

Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that the average monthly mortgage repayment has surpassed £1,000 for the first time on record. In August, the typical monthly payment reached £1,002.27, indicating that, despite some cuts to Bank Rate over the last year, homeowners are still facing affordability challenges due to higher inflation. Less than a year ago, average repayments were below £950 and, in 2020, homeowners were paying an average of £680 per month. This sharp increase shows how much borrowing costs have risen in the last five years. Many fixed rate deals that were secured during the pandemic are coming to an end in 2025. As these mortgages expire, some borrowers can expect to see their monthly repayments more than double. In mid-August, the average five-year fixed mortgage rate eased below 5% for the first time since May 2023. However, major lenders have started increasing their rates again, largely due to the rising yield on government bonds, known as gilts. If you’re dealing with higher mortgage costs, you don’t have to manage alone. Our advisers can help you understand what the changes mean for you and explore the best options for you and your circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15092291/Monthly-mortgage-repayments-hit-record-1-000-time-lenders-rates.html https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/finance-real-estate/monthly-mortgage-repayments-hit-a-record-1-000-for-the-first-time-as-lenders-put-up-interest-rates/ar-AA1MqLMJ?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds

Research has found that many Brits would need to sell their family home if their spouse died. The findings showed that one in three (30%) UK adults would not be able to afford to stay living in their home if their partner died unexpectedly. Meanwhile, 35% would need to tap into their savings to make ends meet, and 18% would have to take on extra work. The importance of protecting your mortgage The survey found that keeping up with mortgage repayments was the biggest financial worry if a partner were to pass away unexpectedly. Respondents said they would be forced to turn to their family or friends (11%) for financial support, while others said they would have to take out a loan (10%) or take in a lodger (8%). Despite these worries, 60% of respondents do not have a life insurance policy that includes mortgage protection. Concerningly, 80% said they do not have savings to fall back on in times of financial hardship. Start the conversation It can be difficult to think about what would happen if you or your partner died. But taking practical steps now to protect your home and family can give you valuable peace of mind. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15121547/One-three-Britons-forced-sell-family-home-partner-died-unexpectedly.html https://www.actuarialpost.co.uk/article/1-in-3-could-lose-the-family-home-after-a-partners-death-25661.htm

Recent analysis has found that many home insurance policies don’t include accidental damage cover as standard. There were 78 home insurance policies analysed from 35 providers; cover for accidental damage was only included in 28% of buildings insurance policies and 27% of content policies. However, according to research, 31% of people with insurance thought they would be covered for anything that was not their fault. But in most cases, they would need to purchase accidental damage as an add-on. This could be a beneficial decision, as accidental damage accounted for 19% of claims made in the last two years. This data highlights the importance of checking the terms of your policy, so you don’t get caught out. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Sources: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/most-home-insurance-policies-don-t-cover-one-thing-you-think-they-would/ar-AA1NuNod

A recent survey has found that a concerning number of protection policyholders are moving home without reviewing their cover. According to the research, one in four respondents have moved since they took out their protection cover, but 32% have not reviewed their policy. Moreover, 63% have looked at their cover but did not make any changes. This could be risky as major life events such as moving home usually require a revision to your current insurance, as you will likely need a different level of cover. For example, your mortgage will probably have changed, so you need to make sure that you and your family could still meet your repayments if you pass away or lose your income due to illness or injury. The survey found that most UK adults were prompted to take out protection after buying their first home. Interestingly, most people (26%) in this situation opted to take out critical illness cover, while 23% purchased income protection and 21% bought life insurance. We know that moving home can be stressful, but It’s important to take the time to check that your existing insurance policies still meet your needs. We’re here to help. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4518274/policyholders-house-reviewing-protection-vitality

In July, the Labour government’s permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme became available, after the previous iteration supported over 56,000 mortgage completions. The old scheme, which ran from April 2021 to March 2025, was launched by Boris Johnson’s Conservative government. It helped 56,389 people to access mortgages with smaller deposits, with 3,180 completions in Q1 of this year. The scheme was open to first-time buyers (FTBs), movers and remortgagers, but the vast majority (86%) of purchases from FTBs. Overall, £11.5bn worth of loans was supported by the scheme, with the average property purchased for £215,467. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay and early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. Sources: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/mortgage-guarantee-scheme-backs-11-5bn-of-loans/

Over 760,000 borrowers will be considering their mortgage options as their fixed-rate deals come to an end this year. Those with five-year deals about to expire may be anticipating sharp rises in their monthly bills; they will have fixed their mortgage in 2020, when interest rates were as low as 1.4%. Since then, rates have soared, meaning payments could increase by up to £300 a month. Although rates are a lot higher than they were five years ago, this summer did see some lenders cutting their rates as they competed for remortgage deals amid slow buying activity. In July, there were 41,800 remortgage approvals, the highest since October 2022 after Liz Truss’ mini budget. Seek advice in times of change In uncertain economic times, it can be difficult to know what to do if your mortgage deal is coming to an end. Fixed deals are not your only option; there are tracker mortgages, standard variable rates and others which may be suited to your specific circumstances. A professional adviser can talk you through your options so you can make an informed decision. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay and early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage Sources: https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/money/article/mortgage-prices-borrowers-rates-x90qwxn9k

HMRC has warned buyers to be cautious of tax agents making false claims about Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Some homeowners have been wrongly advised that properties in need of repair are uninhabitable, so are eligible for non-residential rates of SDLT. Rogue agents are suggesting that, for a fee, they can secure a tax refund on behalf of the buyer. However, a Court of Appeal decision has confirmed that properties needing repair are still residential and repayment claims based solely on a property’s condition are not valid. Anthony Burke at HMRC has warned, “Homebuyers should be cautious of allowing someone to make a Stamp Duty Land Tax repayment claim on their behalf. If the claim is inaccurate, you could end up paying more than the amount you were trying to recover.” Sources: https://www.jkt.co.uk/news/business-news/archive/article/2025/August/homebuyers-warned-as-hmrc-clamps-down-on-stamp-duty-claims https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homebuyers-warning-as-hmrc-gets-tough-on-bogus-stamp-duty-claims

Life cover is designed to provide loved ones with essential financial protection when it is needed most. But it’s not just a one-off decision - it’s important to review and update your policy regularly, especially after experiencing any key life events that may change your circumstances. Buying a home In a recent survey, 21% of UK life insurance policyholders said that they were prompted to get cover because it was a requirement for their mortgage. Whether or not it’s stipulated by your lender, it’s essential to get protection if you’re a homeowner, as life insurance could help your family to keep up with monthly repayments in the event of your death. Getting married If you’ve started sharing finances with a partner, it’s important to make sure you’re both insured if the worst happened. A joint policy covers two people – it’s often cheaper but usually only pays out once, so a surviving partner would need to take out a new policy. Also, it can be difficult to separate the policy if the relationship breaks down. If a couple takes out separate single life insurance policies, the surviving spouse will still be covered if their partner dies. The birth of a child In the survey, 30% of respondents said they got life insurance because they had become a parent. As well as bringing a lot of joy, having children brings great financial responsibility, so it’s important to make sure your policy reflects that. This does not just apply to your first child; it’s equally important to review your level of cover as your family grows. Planning for the future It’s not just major life milestones that might prompt you to review your insurance. If you’re thinking about estate and tax planning, you might also review your protection plans. For example, if you’re over 50, you might be thinking about who will pay for your funeral, as this can be a big expense for surviving family members. Over 50s life insurance can help with this – while it is not designed to cover all the costs of a funeral, it can pay out a small, guaranteed lump sum to your loved ones. Also, writing your life insurance policy in trust ensures that a payout is not considered part of your estate and therefore not subject to Inheritance Tax. Plus, claims can be paid before probate is granted, so your beneficiaries can receive the money swiftly. These documents are legally binding so it’s important to seek advice about this. Here to help We can help you review your existing policy or explore new options tailored to your needs and budget. Don’t wait for life to change before you act; take the opportunity to review your cover today. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/life-insurance/life-insurance-statistics/ https://www.postoffice.co.uk/life-cover/guides/six-reasons-you-need-cover

Data has found that most consumers prefer to seek professional advice before purchasing an insurance product. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents said they would feel most comfortable taking out protection after consulting an adviser. When researching products, most people (59%) would use comparison sites, while 45% would visit the individual sites of insurance companies. The younger generations Interestingly, 25 to 34-year-olds were most likely to seek advice from an adviser, with 54% saying they would do this when exploring their options. However, 14% of this age group would also consider the opinions of influencers, reflecting the increasing trend of turning to social media platforms for financial advice. This is not advisable as many financial influencers (known as ‘finfluencers’) are unregulated and unreliable. Boost your confidence, seek advice Overall, the survey found that 74% of consumers feel confident about their understanding of insurance products and how to purchase them. Jamie Page at The Exeter commented on the data, “While online resources or AI-powered tools can help people get started, these findings highlight the important role that advisers play throughout the purchase journey.” As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.ftadviser.com/exeter-friendly-society-ltd-/2025/8/22/nearly-70-prefer-seeking-advice-when-buying-insurance/

Bank Rate may be at its lowest level since March 2023, but mortgage rates seem to be on the rise again. In August, inflation was at 3.8% for the second month in a row, nearly double the Bank of England’s target of 2%. The Monetary Policy Committee therefore voted to keep Bank Rate at 4% in September, and many experts are uncertain if another cut is likely in 2025. In response to this uncertainty, many lenders have increased their mortgage rates; the average two-year and five-year fixed mortgages are now at 4.97% and 5.02% respectively. While this is lower than the peaks of 6.86% and 6.35% in the summer of 2023, it’s still high in comparison to October 2021, when some of the lowest rates were below 1%. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-1687576/mortgage-rates.html

If you find it difficult to understand leasehold and freehold, you’re not alone. Research has found that leasehold is the UK’s most confusing property term, with the term generating over 160,000 Google searches in the last year. Freehold was second on the list, accounting for 114,000 searches. Most flats are sold as a leasehold, meaning that you own the property for a fixed period, but not the land it sits on. The lease will have a fixed term, usually between 90 and 999 years. With freehold property, you own the building and the land. Most houses are freehold, although there are some that are leasehold, often through Shared Ownership schemes. Most people generally prefer freehold, but it means that you are responsible for maintaining all aspects of the land and property. Sources: https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/leasehold-tops-the-list-of-most-confusing-property-terms.html

Over the last year, house prices have increased 5.3 times faster than the rate of earnings. The average house price has increased by £10,087 to £271,403. However, the typical annual salary has only gone up by £1,921 to £40,334. The East of England and the East Midlands have experienced the most significant disparity, with house prices outstripping earnings by 6.7 times. Scotland (6.4 times), Wales (6.3 times) and Yorkshire and the Humber were also significantly affected (5.8 times). Despite London experiencing slower house price growth and higher salary levels, prices have still increased 4.7 times faster than average earnings. The gap was relatively smaller in the North West (3.8 times), South East (3.7 times) and South West (3.3 times), although there is still a noticeable difference. Sources: https://todaysconveyancer.co.uk/average-house-price-increased-5-3-times-salaries-year/

Recent data has highlighted the importance of protection insurance as it continues to support people in times of need. In 2024, protection insurers paid out a record £8bn in combined group and individual claims. This means that £21.9m was paid out every day to policyholders suffering from illness, injury or bereavement. Average payout increasing Last year, £5.32bn in protection claims was paid out across individual life insurance, income protection and critical illness policies. This is 10% higher than the total value of claims paid in 2023, even though the number of individual claims was broadly the same at 275,000. The average payout increased by 10% to £18,700, up from £17,100 the previous year. The importance of critical illness cover Critical illness cover serves as vital protection for those with a serious illness such as cancer, a heart attack or stroke. In 2024, the total value of critical illness claims increased by 5% to £1.3bn. The average claim paid was £67,600 – this is a significant lump sum which helps alleviate the financial burden on policyholders, allowing them to focus on recovery without worrying about money. Cancer remains the leading cause for a critical illness payout, accounting for 62% of all claims. Total payouts for the condition went up by 4% to £812m. Income protection provided essential support Income protection makes regular monthly payments if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. It is designed to replace some of your income, helping you to cover regular expenses such as your mortgage, bills and other living costs. Figures show that this form of protection continues to support policyholders across the UK until they return to work, retire or reach the end of their policy term. The value of income protection claims has increased by 16% year-on-year to £204m. The typical payout rose to £10,000, up 6% on the previous year. Musculoskeletal issues such as neck and back pain were the most common reason for an individual income protection claim, representing a third (34%) of claims paid. High proportion of claims result in payout Over the last decade, the proportion of new individual claims paid has stayed at 97.9% or above. The main reasons for declined claims were non-disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions at the time of taking out the policy and claims not meeting the policy definitions. It’s therefore essential to be transparent with your insurer about your health and make sure you understand when you will be covered. Here to help We can help you choose a policy that is tailored to your needs and meets your budget. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.abi.org.uk/news/news-articles/2025/7/record-8bn-paid-out-in-vital-protection-claims-during-2024/

An index has found that average quoted home insurance prices are decreasing. Competition across the insurance market is rising, resulting in insurers quoting lower prices. Over the last year, quoted premiums have decreased by 7.9%, with most premiums quoted between £150 and £199. In June, 62.5% of consumers had the potential of sourcing quotes for less than £200, up from 56% the year before. Premiums have fallen for properties of all ages, but the biggest decrease was seen in homes built between 1925 and 1940, and between 1985 and 2000. Meanwhile, the North East is the region with the biggest drop (-10.5%) in quoted premiums while the South West has seen the smallest fall (-2.0%). As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/quoted-home-insurance-premiums-fall-230100843.html?guccounter=1

A concerning number of people have insurance policies that they have forgotten about or can’t access. There are an estimated 3.4 million dormant insurance policies in the UK, valued at £8.1bn. This works out at an average of £2,366 per policy, which is the equivalent of two months average mortgage payments. This means many could have missed out on vital financial support when they really need it. In most cases, the policies have been lost or forgotten as life changes, whether that’s due to a house move, marriage or divorce. It’s therefore essential to review existing policies to make sure you don’t miss out on any claims you’re entitled to. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://protectionreporter.co.uk/my-dad-is-83-he-keeps-his-policy-documents-in-a-box-at-home-how-can-firms-locate-and-contact-gone-away-customers.html

The Conservatives have pledged to abolish Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on people’s main homes if they return to government. It’s a bold promise that could save buyers thousands — but what does it really mean for you and the Brighton & Hove property market ? What’s Stamp Duty Again? Stamp Duty is a tax you have to pay when you buy a property in England. The amount you pay depends on the price of the property: For home movers (not first-time buyers): If you buy a home for £200,000, you pay £1,500 in stamp duty. If you buy for £300,000, you pay £5,000. If you buy for £400,000, you pay £10,000. For first-time buyers: There’s a special discount called “first-time buyer relief.” If the property costs up to £300,000, you pay no stamp duty. If it’s over £300,000, you pay 5% on the amount above £300,000. For example, if you buy for £400,000, you pay 5% of £100,000 (which is £5,000). Why does this matter? Stamp duty is a significant extra cost for buyers in Brighton & Hove, on top of your deposit and other fees. It can make buying a home more expensive and is something you need to budget for when planning a purchase. What the Conservatives Are Proposing Their plan would: Scrap Stamp Duty completely for anyone buying their main home. Keep it for second homes and investment properties. Save typical buyers in Brighton & Hove thousands of pounds , since local property prices often fall well above the national average. Why It Sounds Appealing Makes moving easier – People might be more willing to move without worrying about a hefty tax bill. Helps first-time buyers – Less tax means lower upfront costs and potentially smaller deposits. Encourages activity – The housing market could see more movement and more available homes. But There Are Some Catches It’s still a pledge, not policy – The plan would depend on election results and the government’s finances. House prices could rise – If buyers save thousands on tax, sellers may simply raise asking prices. Big cost to the Treasury – Stamp Duty brings in billions each year, so scrapping it entirely may be difficult to sustain long-term. What This Means for Brighton & Hove In high-value areas like Brighton & Hove, this change could save buyers tens of thousands of pounds and encourage more local moves. But with strong demand and limited housing stock, it might also push prices up further — something to keep in mind if you’re planning a purchase soon. Final Thoughts Whether or not it happens, this pledge has already got people talking. If Stamp Duty is scrapped, Brighton & Hove buyers could see big savings and a livelier market — but we’ll have to wait and see if the promise becomes reality.