Beazley sees premiums rise but flags $70m loss from US storms May 13, 2021 Insurance firm Beazley today said that its gross written premiums jumped nearly a fifth in what it labelled a “positive” start to 2021. The firm said that gross premiums written increased by 16 per cent to $971m in the first quarter, up from $840m in the same period last year. It added that its estimated [...]
Mortgages are up but don’t get too excited April 19, 2024 What should we read into recent signs of a gradual recovery in the mortgage market? The answer is, it depends. Taking into account distortions caused by the work-from-home exodus from London and the cost of living and it looks like we may simply be returning to precedented times, says Steven MacDonald When it was announced [...]
Housing market on the mend as Bellway reports ‘robust’ spring trade June 7, 2024 "Bellway remains in a strong position to return to growth in financial year 2025," he added.
Lloyds housing fund snaps up £300m Watkin Jones scheme in London’s Stratford July 29, 2024 A housing impact investment fund run out of Lloyds Banking Group has snapped up a new 397 bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Stratford in a deal worth nearly £300m.
Price rises see sales surge at McVitie’s Digestives, Jaffa Cakes and Jacob’s Mini Cheddars maker June 4, 2024 Price rises helped sales surge at the maker of McVitie's Digestives, Jaffa Cakes, Jacob's Cream Crackers and Mini Cheddars in 2023, it has been revealed.
King’s Speech: Planning Bill unveiled to lift ‘brake’ on economic growth July 17, 2024 A new Planning Bill unveiled in the King’s Speech is intended to lift the “major brake” on the UK’s economic growth, by unlocking national housing and infrastructure projects.
Are house prices going to fall? Is this the end of buy-to-let? What’s going on in the housing market? April 7, 2024 The UK property market confounded expectations last year, only falling by two per cent. With rate cults looking likely, will it rally again?
London’s housing affordability crisis is also a business problem September 28, 2023 “As a society,” the CNN journalist Luke McGee said on X/Twitter yesterday, “we need to address the fact that a semi-detached in Walthamstow is now a million quid.” Attached to the post was a fairly average looking 4-bedroom flat about five minutes walk from the tube, currently available on Rightmove for the low, low price [...]
Time for a check-up: British public policy is ignoring the signs of trouble to come December 18, 2023 The vast majority of the nation’s toothaches, one can fairly assume, could probably be prevented. A combination of regular brushing, flossing, and trips to the dentist will probably keep most people’s gnashers in good order. The problem, of course, is that routines slip. And then, suddenly, it’s two cavities and a root canal in January. [...]
First time buyers: Homes in London 26 per cent cheaper but affordability remains an issue February 22, 2024 First time buyers in London are spending 26 per cent below the UK market average, but the majority of buyers are struggling with affordability. According to a new report by Zoopla, the average cost of a first time property in London is £399k, which is around £140k cheaper than a typical home would cost in [...]