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Cohabiting families could face £82,000 inheritance tax bill under new rules
Without the tax breaks of marriage, including pensions in inheritance tax calculations – even if the person who dies was too young to ever draw on it – could push many cohabiting couples into paying inheritance tax
By Laura Miller
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Rightmove: Asking prices fell 1.3% in August as sellers price homes more competitively during summer dip
The average asking price for a UK property fell to £368,740 in August as a third of all properties have reduced in price.
By Daniel Hilton
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What would a Ukraine peace deal mean for your money?
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s summit on Friday failed to yield the breakthrough that many had hoped for, but talks continue over a possible Ukraine peace deal. What would an end to the conflict mean for your finances?
By Dan McEvoy
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HMRC rewarded tax informants with £850,000 as record fraud tip-offs sent to taxman last year
The taxman was tipped off about 164,670 cases of alleged fraud last year, but total rewards given to snoops fell in the 2024/5 tax year.
By Daniel Hilton
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Is now a good time to buy UK housebuilders?
The past few years have been tough for housebuilders – an interest-rate sensitive sector – but valuations now look more compelling
By Katie Williams
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Thousands of homeowners claim £17k for subsidence amid heatwaves – how to spot the signs
Insurers have paid out £150 million for subsidence so far this year. But more than half of people don’t know what to look out for to make a claim.
By Laura Miller
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London house prices to outperform rest of UK, says economist
After years of underperformance, London house prices are set to grow faster than the rest of the country, according to Capital Economics. We look at the reasons behind this forecast – and whether other experts agree
By Ruth Emery
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Inheritance tax to apply on pensions even if you die before age 55 – 'unbelievably unfair'
Pension savers who die before the minimum pension age will see their pots subject to inheritance tax, in addition to those above 55, the Treasury has confirmed. Experts warn this could put people off saving for retirement and “risks eroding trust in the pension system”
By Ruth Emery
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Money talks and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe
Review Matthew Partridge rounds up the best money-themed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe
By Dr Matthew Partridge
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RICS: Property market recovery falters
Estate agents say house prices dipped in July with fewer buyers and agreed sales
By Katie Williams
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Is now a good time to invest in Europe?
European stocks are undervalued, but experts believe that defence and infrastructure spending could see renewed growth
By Dan McEvoy
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Rise of the mid-life downsizers: The generation planning to fund retirement with their family homes
With smaller pensions than the previous generation, over 45s are planning to turn to the family home to pay for their later years by selling up in favour of a smaller cheaper property
By Laura Miller
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Is Reeves planning an inheritance tax raid on lifetime gifts? How rules could change
Chancellor Rachel Reeves reportedly has inheritance tax in her sights again with potential changes to limit the gifts loved ones can make in a lifetime said to be being considered for the Autumn Budget
By Laura Miller
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Fewer jobs in July as economic slowdown continues
The number of payrolled employees dropped for the sixth consecutive month in July, amid signs businesses have paused hiring decisions
By Katie Williams
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Two million savers withdraw retirement cash before state pension age
Taking pension cash early is becoming the ‘new norm’ but experts warn this runs the risk of running out of money later in life
By Laura Miller
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Motorists warned about scam car finance compensation calls
As the Financial Conduct Authority prepares to set up a car finance compensation scheme, it has also warned about scammers claiming to offer payouts. We look at who could be eligible for the scheme, and how to spot a scam
By Ruth Emery
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Clinging to cash over investing fears? You could miss out on thousands of pounds
Overly-cautious savers could get stuck with low returns now the Bank of England has cut interest rates again amid predictions the base rate has further to fall
By Laura Miller
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Tesla seeks approval to supply electricity to UK homes – could it disrupt the energy market?
Tesla has applied for a license to supply UK households with electricity, but taking on the biggest providers could prove challenging
By Katie Williams
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Most Brits unaware onshore bonds can help beat inheritance tax – here’s how
A little-known perk of certain types of bonds can let your loved ones off the hook when it comes to inheritance tax – but two-thirds of people have never heard of them
By Laura Miller
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Dividend tax squeeze to hit record 3.7 million people – how to protect your investments
Dividend tax allowances cuts are estimated to have dragged an extra 1.3 million taxpayers into paying the levy over two years, with basic rate taxpayers disproportionately affected
By Dan McEvoy
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HMRC savings tax crackdown: More workers to pay tax directly from their wages
Banks and building societies will be required to obtain National Insurance numbers from savers to make it easier for HMRC to tax those who breach their personal savings allowance
By Ruth Emery
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IFS: Wealthier areas set to pay more council tax under government plans
Council tax reforms could see households in wealthy areas, including London and the home counties, hit with big bill increases, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies
By Ruth Emery
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Number of families using Tax-Free Childcare rises - but thousands of parents still missing out
News Only about half of Tax-Free Childcare accounts are used, while many eligible families haven’t even opened an account. Could you be missing out on help worth thousands of pounds?
By Ruth Emery
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Smart meter rules shake-up: why providers may be forced to pay you compensation over poor service and installation
Consumers facing delays or faults with their smart meter could find it easier to claim compensation as Ofgem lays out new rules to improve standards.
By Daniel Hilton
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UK interest rates cut by 25 basis points: live reaction to the Bank of England’s decision
UK interest rates have been cut by 0.25 percentage points to 4.00%, with concerns over economic weaknesses trumping rising inflation
By Dan McEvoy
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Inheritance tax mistake costs families £350m – are you making this simple error?
Life insurance can provide your loved ones with a vital safety net if the worst happens. But to avoid inheritance tax on the pay out, you must write the policy in trust
By Laura Miller
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Should you give your children’s inheritance to charity?
Fears of misspent money, bad investments and creating spoiled offspring are causing high-net-worth parents to leave their money to causes other than their own children.
By Laura Miller
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Property down valuations wipe millions off stagnant housing market
Some properties have had as much as £1m knocked off their value as assessors are accused of being ‘overly cautious’ while property prices stall
By Laura Miller
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Halifax: House prices rise at fastest pace since start of year
The average UK house price jumped 0.4% in July, reaching £298,237, close to a record high, new house price index data shows. Will property prices increase further this year?
By Ruth Emery