UK Spring Statement March 2026 – a summary for GCC residents

For those of us in the Middle East our thoughts are understandably on issues closer to our current homes at this time but this still has relevance to UK nationals and those with assets in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, the RT Hon Rachel Reeves, has shared her update on the UK economy – the Spring Statement. This is not a Budget, but an update, a forecast statement.

It covers the latest estimates for growth, unemployment, inflation, government spending and income from taxation has been published by The Office for Budget Responsibility.

Think of if as a bit of report card and some qualified predictions.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC. Quick, easy to follow, and informative

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats so i alsoway write someitnung for us, although this has little of direct relevane to non-residents.

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There is now another important reason why you need a UAE will

A change in UAE law affects expats who hold bank accounts, property, or other assets in the UAE.

I have written about the many reasons why you need a Will in the past (see 15 reasons here) but this is something new.

If you pass away without a registered Will, your assets are now classified as “unassigned.”

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A compelling investment opportunity for experienced investors

I am have an interesting investment opportunity that I am offering to select clients. This is not for everyone but if you want something a bit different, it could be for you…

Please contact me for details and  I will send you a fact sheet with a good overview.

Get in touch! Click on this link to send me an email: keren@holbornassets.com or use this contact form.

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Nottingham. A city of legend & a great property opportunity (starting with a 5% deposit)

You too can be a one of the merry men (or women) by investing here with a deposit of just 5%!

Buying an investment property in the UK, a low-risk and steady market is much more affordable than you might think.

This conversion development has a low entry point with an excellent yield. Deposit of just 5% and easy payment plans.  Nottingham has a shortfall of quality rental property so there is high demand and above average rental yields

The city of Nottingham is probably best known for the legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, the outlaws who stole from the rich to give to the poor. With this incredible investment opportunity, you don’t need to be rich, or to steal from the rich, to invest.

This is a stylish collection of new 106 studios and one-bedroom apartments set in its own grounds with the widest array of in-house amenities in Nottingham, including 24/7 concierge, residents’ gym, shared lounges, gardens, private courtyard, collaborative workspace, meeting rooms and a games & entertainment room.

Edit 04/03/26  Phase 2 now launched. A further 42 apartments are now available. 

Details similar to Phase1 as detailed below, with a 21 month deposit payment period and build completion still due Q3 2027

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7 Retirement planning mistakes that could cost you thousands

We all know that we need to plan for our future but few of us want to contemplate getting older so it is easy to keep putting off the topic. The fact is that planning for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you’ll ever take. Despite good intentions, many people fall into common traps that can delay or even totally derail their retirement goals.

These mistakes may seem small now, but over time, they could cost you a huge amount of money; tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds or dollars.

Here are 7 retirement planning mistakes you should avoid, with action points.

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A real life sad story. What if it happens to you?

I am currently helping out someone in a tragic situation. Gemma (not her real name) is having to deal with a legal and financial nightmare.

Her husband died in an accident a couple of months ago, leaving her with two young children.

Apparently, they had said in passing that they needed to get their family finances sorted, to get wills and some life insurance, but they never got around to it.

Now she has to deal with the mess left behind and needs to support herself and two children on one income.

It is going to be hard.

But it didn’t need to be this way.

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Invest in Blackpool – the Vegas of the North of England!

What if I told you that you can invest in property right next door to Blackpool Tower? The apartments are priced at an amazing price, from £129,995, rental yields are high, and short-term lets are permitted. Interested?

UPDATE 25/07/25 – SOLD OUT  Every unit has now been reserved but do ask about other opportunties. 

This is an opportunity to invest in property in Blackpool at a great price. According to the experts, the north west of England is one of the best areas to invest in UK property. This attractive and historic building will be totally renovated to the highest standards and you have a chance to get in now.

The fact is that Blackpool is a popular holiday destination for people across the UK. The wide golden sands and fun vibe draws people in and it has visitors year-round. Its popularity has never really waned.

EDIT 23/04/25  – this info was shared pre-launch and you can actually start with a deposit of just 5%!
I have limited advance units starting at £134,995 which means your 5% deposit is only £6,750. And you then pay £1,350 each month which is AED 6,580.

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UK Spring Statement March 2025 – a summary for GCC residents

This was not a Budget according to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, but rather a forecast statement so we were not expecting much in the way of announcements.

It was information about the financial balance sheet of the UK.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have particular relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The British press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to those of us who do not live in the UK so this article focuses on the issues that will be of most interest to us.

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UK property – limited offer. Invest with a deposit of just 10%!

Investing in UK property can be simpler than you might imagine, and need less cash than you might think. I have a new, limited, option, at low prices.

It is clear that UK property remains one of the strongest asset classes for building serious wealth and enhancing your long-term savings and retirement plans.

Factors including the weak Pound, a robust legal system, demand far exceeding supply, and rising property and rental prices, along with ongoing infrastructure improvements in major cities and commuter towns demonstrate this.

Add in the growing population and you can see that this situation will not change, even with government support, as builders cannot keep up.

This shows that investing in UK property is a secure long-term investment – provided you get it right. That’s where I come in.

Not only can I advise on the best places to buy as an investment, I have the solutions and even a way of buying with a small deposit. While you usually need at least 25% of the purchase price, you can get started with much less.

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Beware banking fraud. How to beat the scammers.

The sad reality is that there are large number of scammers who are working hard to hack your accounts, obtain your information, and take your money. Far too many are successful but you can take some smart, and logical, steps to reduce your risk of falling prey to a scammer.

Fraudsters are organised and clever and will often choose their targets using information that you have posted or shared online. Some can even see spending habits so will target based on that. They can go to extraordinary lengths to try and convince you they are genuine so we all need to stay one step ahead.

These days, our lives are online and, in our smartphones, so we need to take steps to protect ourselves.

We need to take steps so we don’t become a victim.

In this article I want to give you some useful tips to keep your banking secure and on to avoid the most common financial scams.

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