MEZIESBLOG

UK house sellers last year made on average £91,820 more than they had originally paid for their property, according to new data.

Analysis shows that the average seller made a 42% gross profit last year on their sale – the lowest return since at least 2015, according to the property firm Hamptons.

While price gains were lower, 91% of households are estimated to have got more than they paid, with data showing the average house sold for 47% more than its purchase price and the average flat sold for 23% more.

On average, sellers had owned their property for just under nine years.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, said until property prices recover, or transaction and mortgage costs fall, “homeowners are likely to stay put for longer”.

Third of couples hiding savings from partner

Nearly a third of couples have admitted they hide their savings from their partner.

In a poll of 2,000 UK adults, My Pension Expert found that 27% had not told their spouse about savings, investments or assets.

And around 23% believed their partner was concealing money or assets about retirement plans from them.

Lily Megson, policy director at My Pension Expert, said the lack of communication could lead to problems.

“Money can be a sensitive topic, particularly within relationships, and our research highlights just how important clear and honest communication is when it comes to financial planning,” she said.

“Whether it’s discussing retirement goals or balancing immediate expenses, transparency and collaboration are key to reducing tension and building a secure financial future together.”

Ms Megson said a fear of being judged or causing an argument was among the key reasons that couples were not discussing their finances openly.