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Putting Life Insurance In Trust

Recent tax changes have prompted some to reevaluate their reliance on pensions for wealth planning. Amidst this uncertainty, life insurance could provide some peace of mind for those looking to protect their family’s future. 


Salary sacrifice changes 

In the Autumn Budget 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to salary sacrifice for pensions from April 2029. Currently, an employee can agree with their employer to give up part of their salary and, in return, their employer will pay the same amount into their pension. At the moment, this employer pension contribution is exempt from National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for both the employer and the employee. Salary sacrifice has therefore often been seen as a reliable way to reduce tax liabilities while boosting retirement savings. However, from 6 April 2029, NICs will apply on contributions above £2,000 per year. 


Unused pension funds

As part of the Autumn Budget 2024, it was announced that most unused pension funds will fall within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. This measure was introduced because the government identified that many savers were using their pension pot to transfer wealth instead of funding their retirement. The changes will come into effect on 6 April 2027, so those who had incorporated their unused pension funds into their tax planning are likely to be reconsidering their options. 


Benefits of life insurance

The above tax measures have highlighted the precarity of using pensions for intergenerational planning. Some families may therefore be turning to life insurance to offer some certainty. 

Life insurance provides financial support to your loved ones when you die. You can choose the level of cover you need based on a range of factors including your dependents, salary, mortgage and other bills. 


Writing your life insurance policy in trust ensures that the payout is not considered as part of your estate, so it is not subject to IHT. Claims can be paid before probate is granted, enabling your beneficiaries to access the money swiftly. It is therefore a crucial way of safeguarding your family’s future. 


Time to revisit your protection requirements?

We can help you source a life insurance policy that is tailored to your specific needs and family circumstances. There are a range of trusts to choose from, and we can advise on the most appropriate option, ensuring your cover remains effective, tax-efficient and aligned with your wider financial plan.


As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply.


Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.


Sources:

https://www.ftadviser.com/content/a724d36a-6636-4b53-bcd2-5d354ef62fac

10 March 2026

Property claims reach new highs

by Rebecca Geer • 12 May 2026
Insurers paid out a record amount in property claims last year, but the average cost of home insurance declined in Q4. According to the ABI, claims payouts reached new highs last year, costing home insurers a total of £6.1bn. This is mainly due to a rise in storm and flood damage, with weather-related claims accounting for £1.2bn of payouts in 2025 (14% more than the previous year). Within this, storm payouts totalled £244m, up 32% annually, with the average payout reaching £2,450. Despite this, the average price of home insurance declined by just over 1% in the final quarter of 2025. While this will be a relief for policyholders, premiums are still an average of £29 higher than in Q4 2023. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply Source: https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/whats-happening-to-home-insurance-premiums-a3EjJ5O6GVvP

What’s happening to the mortgage market?

by Rebecca Geer • 7 May 2026
The mortgage market is facing uncertainty due to ongoing developments in the Middle East. Affordability challenges had been easing slightly in recent months - mortgage rates were slowly coming down due to cuts to Bank Rate. In January 2026, the average monthly mortgage payment was 7% lower than the previous year. However, the recent outbreak of war in Iran has made the short-term outlook much more uncertain. At the start of March, 472 residential mortgage products were taken off the market within a 48-hour period, in response to rising swap rates. This trend continued throughout the month, with a fifth of overall mortgage deals removed from the market by 21 March. First-time buyers have been hit particularly badly – they may notice that rates are higher on low-deposit deals. Adam French at Moneyfacts commented, “It’s unwelcome news for borrowers, as the prospect of falling mortgage rates has quickly given way to rate rises. How far they could go is now heavily dependent on how global markets and inflation expectations evolve as conflict in the Middle East unfolds.” We can help you understand how the economic situation affects you and your mortgage – get in touch for support. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/23/uk-mortgage-interest-rates-markets-bank-of-england-iran-war https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7gnkez3lo https://moneyfactscompare.co.uk/news/mortgages/impact-of-iran-war-on-mortgages/ https://moneyage.co.uk/472-mortgage-products-withdrawn-in-48-hours.php https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/average-monthly-mortgage-payment-down-january

📅 Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting – Tomorrow, 30th April

by Rebecca Geer • 29 April 2026
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Insurance tips for movers and renovators

by Rebecca Geer • 28 April 2026
Moving home or renovating in 2026? Make sure you’re adequately covered. Before you move, it’s important to check the details of your home contents policy, as exclusions may apply to the removals process. For example, some insurers only cover belongings packed and moved by professionals. Additionally, your home insurance won’t automatically be applicable at your new address, so you will likely need to transfer the policy over (if allowed). Similarly, if you’re renovating your current home, it’s important to review your existing policies. If your project involves structural changes or new fixtures, you will likely need an extra layer of cover to ensure you’re sufficiently protected if something goes wrong. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/home-insurance/moving-to-new-home/#:~:text=You'll%20need%20to%20have,for%20longer%20than%2030%20days https://www.renovationplan.co.uk/news-and-insight/why-you-need-renovation-insurance-cover-in-2026/

Make protection a priority

by Rebecca Geer • 23 April 2026
A survey has revealed that homeowners are more likely to plan a new kitchen than seek out protection. Research found that respondents were more likely to spend money on new furniture (36%), redecorating (26%) or installing a new bathroom or kitchen (25%) than on taking out protection insurance, with only 15% saying it was a priority. However, many mortgage holders expressed concern about their financial security, with 62% saying they are worried they could lose their home if they became too ill to work. More than half (56%) admitted they would struggle to keep up with mortgage repayments after six months without an income. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.covermagazine.co.uk/news/4524648/protection-ranks-lowest-importance-homebuyers

Rethinking protection for longer lifespans

by Rebecca Geer • 21 April 2026
The average age of the population is getting older, which will likely change the type of protection people need in future. A report found that by 2050, 27% of people living in advanced economies will be over 65. As longevity increases, the demands placed on insurers - and on individuals - will evolve. Traditionally, protection products have focused on providing financial safety nets in the event of illness or death, often through income replacement. Longer lifespans mean cover may need to last longer and respond to more complex circumstances. People are working later, building assets over extended careers and supporting family members across multiple generations. There is also a growing need to consider later-life health risks and the potential cost of care. Protection is no longer just about replacing income for a limited period - it’s about safeguarding financial stability over decades. Regularly reviewing policies helps ensure cover remains appropriate as responsibilities, health and lifestyles change. As we live longer, protection must adapt - providing resilience, certainty and peace of mind for a longer, more unpredictable journey. As with all insurance policies, conditions and exclusions will apply. Sources: https://www.ftadviser.com/content/8284146a-0a97-4de6-8e8e-52eb26fe51df

Avoid these home insurance mistakes

by Rebecca Geer • 16 April 2026
Don’t accidentally invalidate your home insurance - here are the biggest mistakes that homeowners make and how to avoid them…

The UK’s fastest-rising house prices

by Rebecca Geer • 14 April 2026
Research from Rightmove has identified the UK towns that recorded the strongest house price growth last year. The list was largely dominated by towns in Scotland and the north of England. Hawick in the Scottish Borders saw the biggest annual rise, with prices increasing by 18% in 2025. Durham followed with a 15% increase, while Stannington in Sheffield saw prices grow by 12%. Across the 50 locations with the fastest-growing house prices, the average property value was £270,711, 26% lower than the national average of £368,031. In fact, 43 of the 50 fastest-growing towns had prices below the national average. This emphasises the growing trend that more affordable areas are experiencing the strongest price growth. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15501709/Rightmove-names-25-towns-saw-biggest-house-price-rises-2025.html

Life Insurance myths busted

by Rebecca Geer • 9 April 2026
Are you fully informed about life insurance? Here are some myths that still catch people out.

Is your home still properly insured?

by Rebecca Geer • 7 April 2026
Underinsurance is becoming an increasingly common problem for homeowners, making it more important than ever to check that your property is properly protected.

Why Are UK Mortgage Rates Rising? A Guide for Homeowners in Brighton & Hove

by Rebecca Geer • 2 April 2026
If you’ve noticed mortgage rates creeping up recently, you’re not alone - and you’re not imagining it. Many homeowners across Brighton & Hove are asking the same question: why are rates increasing, especially when the Bank of England hasn’t made huge changes? Let’s break it down.

The Rise Of Ultra-Long Mortgages

by Rebecca Geer • 31 March 2026
Data from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) indicates that more borrowers are opting for ultra-long mortgages in an effort to manage rising housing costs. According to the analysis, in 2024 there were 116,276 mortgages taken out with repayment periods of 35 years or more. This is over three times the number sold in 2020, highlighting how borrowing conditions have changed significantly in recent years. As affordability challenges persist for buyers, longer mortgage terms help to reduce the cost of monthly repayments. While this can make finances easier to manage in the short term, it is more expensive in the long run. The longer a mortgage, the more interest is accrued, meaning borrowers could end up paying substantially more for their home over time. Plus, the average age of first-time buyers has risen to 34, so many people could have mortgages that extend into retirement, which can create challenges for long-term financial planning. The cost of longer mortgages Calculations by Compare the Market highlights the cost of ultra-long mortgages. Using the average UK house price of £293,000 and a 10% deposit, the figures show how interest costs can quickly add up over time. Based on a 36-year mortgage, the difference between a two-year fixed rate of 4.32% and a slightly lower rate of 4.03% equates to a difference of £20,197 in additional interest repayments. This shows that even small differences in interest rates, when combined with very long mortgage terms, can significantly increase the total cost of borrowing. For borrowers considering an ultra-long mortgage, it’s therefore important to weigh the short-term benefit of lower monthly payments against the long-term cost. Make sure to review options regularly as circumstances and interest rates change. What we know about 2025 Data for the first nine months of 2025 shows that London was the most popular area to take out ultra-long mortgages. During this period, 12,554 mortgages were taken out with terms over 35 years. This is slightly lower than the 14,455 recorded over the same period in 2024, but is higher than the 10,676 seen in 2023. After London, the South West saw the most ultra-long mortgages (12,457), followed by the East of England (11,181) and the South East (10,373). These are the regions where houses are most expensive, underlining the link between higher property prices and the growing use of extended mortgage terms. Talk to us If you’re hoping to make your property dreams come true this year, get in touch. We can talk through your mortgage options and help find a suitable option that will work for you, both now and in the future. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Sources: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/news/borrowers-taking-out-ultra-long-mortgages-more-than-triples-since-2020-compare-the-market/