Rental reform under the Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. For landlords, it represents a significant change, so if you already have a property portfolio or are considering purchasing buy-to-let properties, it’s important to be aware of the reforms. The policy reforms are lengthy and cover a lot of areas, with further additions expected in the …
4 practical reasons why business owners could benefit from a pension
For many UK business owners, retirement planning takes a back seat to growing the business itself. Indeed, according to Financial Planning Today (27 April 2026), 3 in 10 business owners have no pension at all. When you’re focused on managing cash flow, staff, and profits, it’s easy to assume the eventual sale of your business will provide everything you need …
Why earning more than £100,000 doesn’t have to mean falling into a tax trap
A hidden marginal tax rate that affects workers earning between £100,000 and £125,140 is often dubbed a “tax trap”, and research suggests it’s shaping career decisions. However, there are ways you might mitigate the additional tax charge without putting the brakes on your career progression. The Personal Allowance is £12,570 in 2026/27, and you can usually earn this amount before …
5 questions to answer before you withdraw a pension lump sum to reduce Inheritance Tax
From 6 April 2027, many unused pension pots will be included in Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations. Since the government announced the change in the 2024 Autumn Budget, an increasing number of people have opted to withdraw their tax-free lump sum from their pension as soon as they can. Currently, you can access your pension from age 55 (rising to 57 …
Explained: How much can you borrow through a mortgage?
When you’re searching for your next home, having a clear budget is essential. For many prospective buyers, that involves understanding how much you could borrow through a mortgage. Read on to discover three ways to assess your borrowing potential. Calculate the figure using general guidelines If you simply want a ballpark figure to whittle down the list of properties you’re …
Investment market update: May 2026
There were highs and dips in the investment markets in May 2026. Discover some of the factors that may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember, short-term market movements are a normal part of investing. When you’re reviewing returns, it’s typically a good idea to look at the bigger picture and assess performance over several years. Ongoing conflict continued to affect …
Investment market update: April 2026
During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests that March 2026 experienced the largest increase in global energy …
5 important questions to answer if you’re jointly buying a home
Buying a new home with someone is exciting, and answering these questions could help ensure you’re on the same page about your mortgage and ownership. According to an article in Estate Agent Today (24 January 2026), in 2024, 53% of first-time buyers applied for a joint mortgage. Traditionally, joint mortgages were held by couples. However, as rising house prices continue …
7 key numbers you should check before your mortgage deal expires
When your mortgage deal expires, rather than diving straight into finding a new deal, take some time to review these seven key numbers first. 1. The number of years on your mortgage term Start by looking at how many years you have left on your mortgage term. This will help you calculate how your repayments might change when taking out …
How the value of your estate affects a key Inheritance Tax allowance
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 billion, up from £8.3 billion in 2024/25. Frozen tax-efficient allowances …













