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Finance

House prices rise 1% annually but experts warn Iran crisis could hit market

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HOUSE prices across the UK increased by one per cent over the past year, according to the latest figures from Nationwide, but experts have warned that global tensions could quickly undermine the fragile recovery.

The building society’s House Price Index showed prices rose by 0.3% month-on-month, with the average UK property now costing £273,176, up from £270,873 in January.

Nationwide said the figures suggested a modest recovery following uncertainty towards the end of 2025, with improved affordability and easier access to credit supporting buyer activity.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist said: “This reinforces the view of a modest recovery after a dip at the end of 2025, most likely reflecting uncertainty around potential property tax changes ahead of the Budget.”

He added that housing market transactions during 2025 were ten per cent higher than in 2024, with first-time buyer mortgage completions up 18% year-on-year and home mover activity rising 15%.

However, property experts warned that geopolitical developments, including recent US strikes on Iran, could disrupt progress if oil prices rise sharply.

Babek Ismayil, CEO of homebuying platform OneDome said events in the Middle East could prove inflationary and delay anticipated interest rate cuts.

“It’s currently a very fluid situation,” he said.

Mortgage advisers also warned that rising inflation could push borrowing costs higher again.

Shaun Sturgess, director of Swansea-based Sturgess Mortgage Solutions said: “The recovery in the property market could be derailed quite quickly if oil prices continue to rise sharply.”

He added that expectations inflation would soon return to target were now under threat, potentially delaying Bank of England rate cuts.

Andrew Montlake, CEO at Coreco, said markets had been pricing in reductions this year but that outlook had changed.

“The UK economy and property market, which so desperately needs a rate cut or two, may now have to wait longer,” he said.

Experts said mortgage brokers would be closely monitoring financial markets in the coming days, particularly swap rates, which influence fixed mortgage pricing.

Despite the uncertainty, some advisers noted shifts within the market, with first-time buyers increasingly targeting larger homes while landlords purchase flats at reduced prices.

 

Charity

Local insurance brokers help raise over £1,300 for Bluebirds Foundation

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The Haverfordwest County AFC Bluebirds Foundation is celebrating a £1,300 boost this month thanks to local insurance brokers Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking.

A recent fundraising day raised £653.64, which was fund matched by the insurance broker’s parent company, the Benefact Group, doubling the amount to over £1,300.

Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking St Clears are sponsors of Haverfordwest County AFC
which includes supporting the charitable arm of the club, Bluebirds Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the prevention of poverty and strengthens the bond between the
football club and local people, including launching junior supporter clubs and community
brunch clubs.
Harry Thomas, aTrustee at Bluebirds Foundation said:
“We are extremely grateful to Lloyd & Whyte for further enhancing the funds raised at
our Foundation Fundraiser, held at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in collaboration with
Haverfordwest County AFC and we look forward to working closely with Lloyd & White again at future events.”
Leyla Phillips stated:
“Events like this show what community is all about. I think it’s great what the
Bluebirds foundation are doing locally for Pembrokeshire, and it was a pleasure to be
a part of it. Being part of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking and the Benefact Group
made it even more special as we are proud to match all funds that were raised on the day which I’m sure will be a nice addition for the foundation, to enable them to carry
on doing great initiatives within our community.’’
The funday event saw bouncy castles, cake stands, a raffle, shirt swap stand, kick-up
competitions, and inflatable goal, alongside the normal match day activities, all providing
hours of fun for spectators and supporters.

And to top it all, Haverfordwest County AFC won 6-0 on the day against Llanelli Town AFC.

 

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Education

£1,500 cash bursary announced for aspiring local youngsters

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FOLLOWING its previous success, Ceredigion Youth Service is fortunate to accept another opportunity provided by West Wales Holiday Cottages to support young people with a cash bursary this year.

The purpose of the bursary is to provide young people aged between 11 and 25 with the chance to receive £1,500 to help with their future aspirations. The successful applicant(s) will be chosen by Ceredigion Youth Forum, which is a panel made up of young people from Ceredigion.

Gwion Bowen, Senior Support Officer Participation, said: “We are very grateful to West Wales Holiday Cottages for providing us with this opportunity for young people in Ceredigion for the ninth year in succession. Like ourselves, West Wales Holiday Cottages recognise that many young people living in Ceredigion may experience difficulties in accessing training, support and social activities due to socio-economic issues. The bursary was extremely successful last year, with a young person gaining financial support to help them with their mobile beauty start up business.”

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Cabinet for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said: “I would like to encourage anyone aged between 11 and 25 who needs financial support to reach their goals to consider this fantastic opportunity. As with previous years, I hope that the bursary is a success again this year, and that it will benefit young people in Ceredigion.”

Lisa Stopher, Managing Director at West Wales Holiday Cottages said, “West Wales Holiday Cottages are delighted to be supporting the bursary once again in partnership with Ceredigion Youth Service. We recognise that many young people can face barriers when accessing opportunities, training and resources, and we hope this bursary will continue to make a positive difference by giving young people the support they need to pursue their goals and aspirations.”

Do you need financial support to reach your goals? Would you benefit from having financial support to help you with training or equipment that is required for your chosen vocation? Are you looking for support to start your own enterprise? Are you a member of a community group and looking for financial support to purchase resources or equipment?

The closing date for applications is midnight on 19 July 2026. If you’re interested, contact Gwion Bowen on 07790 812939 or e-mail [email protected] for an application form.

 

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Education

Ashmole & Co fund future accountants with financial donation to primary school

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CARMARTHENSHIRE’S would-be mathematicians are being given a major boost in their careers thanks to an Ashmole & Co donation to Ysgol Llandybie Primary School.

The donation, funded by the company’s Ammanford office, will help with the annual purchase of the online MyMaths resource which uses the online resource to help pupils and parents with the teaching of maths at home as well as allowing teachers to set tasks and provide them with tutorials to show them the mathematical concepts being taught.
The programme can assist in all areas of mathematics from shape to space, and from data to financial literacy.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office, said, “We are always keen
to offer our support locally. We are more than happy to help fund the online resource
MyMaths to help train the local accountants of the future from a young age.”

Llandybie Primary School Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard, said, “We are keen to continue
using online resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience but they come at an extra
cost. We are grateful to Ashmole and Co for the donation which will enable us to continue
the provision of online maths learning.”

 

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