Monday 23 April 2018

PENSIONS UNDER THE GUN

The Government, as it comes under pressure to make savings, continues to eye the tax advantages that pensions have – particularly as regards the tax-free cash that can be taken out. If you are looking to take your pension benefits, you might want to look to do that sooner rather than later. The same is true if you are looking to top-up your pension. Depending on your income currently you (or your company on your behalf) can put up to £40,000 per annum into your pension and get tax relief on it. For a basic rate taxpayer that means by contributing £32,000 he can get £8,000 from the Government to boost it up to the £40,000. A 40% taxpayer could end up with the £8,000 from the Government to boost it up to £40,000 and also get a further £8,000 in tax relief. It is worth reviewing your pension

planning. We can assist.


Friday 13 April 2018

MORE FIRST-TIME BUYERS

While the amount of Buy-To-Let buying has gone down, there has been a definite increase in first-time buyers looking to get onto the property ladder. Lenders are looking to keep interest rates as

low as possible to continue to attract these new buyers, and are trying to be as flexible as they can in finding solutions such as involving parents in the transactions in one way or another. This can be by means of providing a deposit or acting as guarantor or even going onto the mortgage itself.


Tuesday 3 April 2018

BUY-TO LET SLOWING DOWN

The Government’s actions of increasing the Stamp Duty on buying a second property, and also making letting less attractive tax-wise, has slowed the property market down. Those looking to start or continue letting need to become familiar with the new rules so as to make sure the activity remains profitable.