Category: Investments

The UK housing market roared to life in early 2025, powered by a stamp duty shake-up that sent buyers rushing to close deals before a key tax break expired. According to UK Finance, property sales soared by a staggering 104% in March alone, as the temporary increase in stamp duty thresholds created a narrow window…

Benjamin Davis, the long-standing Chief Executive of Fund Management at Octopus Investments, is set to step down in the coming weeks closing a chapter that helped transform the business into one of the UK’s most innovative and purpose-driven investment firms. Since joining in 2010, Davis has held multiple senior roles across the Octopus Group, including…

In a bold move set to transform the UK’s urban and innovation landscape, The Crown Estate and global property giant Lendlease have announced a groundbreaking £24 billion partnership. Together, they’re gearing up to deliver over 26,000 new homes one-third of which will be affordable and unleash around 10 million square feet of cutting-edge labs and…

The UK’s housing market is witnessing an exciting transformation as the build-to-rent (BTR) sector takes off in a big way. By April 2025, the number of purpose-built rental homes soared to 127,156, a stunning 15.8% jump in just one year, according to Inventory Base. These homes aren’t your typical rentals; they’re professionally managed, institutionally owned,…

Strategic acquisition marks expansion of Dubai-based investment group’s UK hospitality portfolio In a high-profile acquisition set to reshape the future of one of southern England’s most recognisable leisure venues, Old Thorns Hotel & Resort has been purchased by Select Group, a Dubai-based real estate development and investment firm. The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum,…

LONDON, – In a move that reflects both strategic precision and market adaptability, Custodian Property Income REIT PLC has acquired a £22.1 million regional property portfolio through the purchase of family-owned Merlin Properties Ltd. The deal, structured as an all-share transaction, is designed to enhance income, diversify holdings, and scale Custodian’s operations without relying on…

For investors fortunate enough to have a sizable retirement pot, the question often becomes how best to convert that capital into a dependable income stream. With £50,000 to invest, there are several viable strategies to consider: drawing down a fixed percentage annually, acquiring rental property, purchasing annuities, loading up on bonds, or investing in dividend-paying…

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national emblem, the camel, symbolizes endurance, adaptability, and resourcefulness qualities that mirror the nation’s ongoing economic transformation. As the global energy landscape undergoes profound change, Saudi Arabia is charting a deliberate course to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons. The landmark Vision 2030 initiative outlines a comprehensive strategy to develop new…

Pupils from Ordiquhill Primary and other Aberdeenshire schools have been recognized for their innovative contributions to tackling climate challenges through the Climate Smarter project. Sponsored by Shell UK and supported by partners such as bp and Stemovators, the initiative engaged over 130 pupils and 20 teachers throughout the academic year, offering free STEM resource kits…

A major government funding package will see every school in Bolton benefit from a share of £54 million to address urgent maintenance issues, while Royal Bolton Hospital will receive £4.7 million to upgrade ventilation and energy systems. The funding is part of a wider £125 million national programme aimed at improving public sector buildings, including…