Eager home sellers got the year off to a good start before it had even begun, with over 10,000 properties put up for sale on Boxing Day 2023 – the highest number of new listings in one day since 20111. This momentum carried over into the new year as estate agents received a record number of requests for in-person home valuations in January.

It was a disappointing Spring Budget for anyone looking to get onto the housing ladder. There was a distinct lack of announcements concerning Lifetime ISAs (contrary to expectations), no replacement for Help to Buy and no changes to Stamp Duty thresholds, a disappointment for many.

Death rates are still higher than pre-pandemic¹ levels, yet 48% of adults aged 18-40 do not have life insurance. This puts many in a precarious position, as the unfortunate reality is that the cost of dying is high.

Death rates are still higher than pre-pandemic¹ levels, yet 48% of adults aged 18-40 do not have life insurance. This puts many in a precarious position, as the unfortunate reality is that the cost of dying is high.

Some leading experts have suggested that the Bank of England (BoE) could be forced to bring forward its first planned interest rate cut sooner rather than later in 2024 if inflation drops to 2% by April.

After prospective and existing mortgage borrowers had a tough year in 2023, there looks to be good news on the horizon. In 2023, the cost-of-living crisis squeezed household budgets. Higher interest rates put pressure on those looking to take on mortgages for the first time, remortgage, or switch deals.