The Bank of England cut its base rate to 3.75% by a narrow 5–4 vote, marking a near three-year low and signalling a cautious shift toward supporting growth. Faster-than-expected inflation easing provided the foundation for the move, while housing and mortgage markets have already begun to respond. Lower borrowing costs are offering relief to households and first-time buyers, but policymakers remain divided. The sustainability of disinflation will be the key factor shaping the pace and scale of any further rate cuts.

Dubai has announced a record AED 302.7 billion budget for FY2026–2028, reinforcing the D33 Economic Agenda. With resilient transaction volumes, stable price growth, population expansion, wealth migration, and supportive policies, Dubai’s residential market continues to demonstrate strong long-term fundamentals, positioning the city as a key global hub for asset allocation and capital preservation.

Continued U.S. investment is injecting new momentum into the UK property market, while the pound remains stable following the implementation of the national budget. Meanwhile, developments such as museum thefts, potential London Underground fare increases, and debates over youth social media regulation highlight broader economic, social, and policy shifts across the UK.

The Federal Reserve’s year-end rate cut, combined with easing inflation and softer growth in the UK, has sharply lifted expectations of a Bank of England rate cut in December. UK mortgage lenders have moved early, triggering a rate war that has pushed borrowing costs to their lowest levels in nearly two years. While views differ on the terminal rate in 2026, the easing cycle is now firmly in place. Falling mortgage costs are creating a clear policy window for homebuyers and investors to secure lower long-term financing.

UK house prices recorded a modest rise in November, underscoring the housing market’s resilience amid policy adjustments and stable interest rates. London and the South East continued to dominate the 2026 UK school rankings, highlighting a strong concentration of educational resources. Politically, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his hope that former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner could return to the Cabinet. Weather forecasts suggest a white Christmas in London is unlikely this year. On the diplomatic front, King Charles III hosted a state banquet at Windsor Castle, reflecting the enduring warmth of UK–Germany relations.

The UK’s Autumn Budget introduces measures affecting wages, living costs and consumption, with young people facing both opportunities and pressures. Immigration rules continue to tighten, moving towards a contribution-based framework for work visas and settlement. Meanwhile, New Bond Street tops global luxury retail rankings, ETA travel authorisation will soon be mandatory, and concerns over King Charles’ health are drawing renewed attention to the future of the monarchy.

The UK’s Autumn Budget adds £29.8 billion in new taxes, pushing the national tax burden to a record high. However, property-related measures are far milder than expected: only homes above £2 million face additional charges, while properties above £500,000 avoid new annual taxes and stamp duty remains unchanged. Despite higher landlord taxes, rising rents provide an effective buffer. With policy risks easing, the UK property market retains strong long-term investment appeal.

This week, the UK faced a series of major policy and social developments. Proposed reforms to the permanent residency system may significantly extend the qualifying period, drawing widespread attention from migrants. October inflation eased to 3.6%, yet rising food prices and expected tax increases continue to pressure households. New measures were introduced to address the youth employment crisis, while multiple regions experienced severe cold weather and ice warnings. Meanwhile, the global Cloudflare outage has largely been resolved, with internet services returning to stability.

The £19.5 million purchase of London’s former Italian Embassy by the wife of a Chinese billionaire has drawn significant market attention. The transaction reinforces London prime property’s role as a global safe-haven asset. Belgravia, as a traditional old-money district, continues to attract ultra-high-net-worth buyers with its scarcity, history, and prestige. Supported by strong economic fundamentals, stable rental income, and inflation resilience, London remains a core destination for global capital.

This week in the UK saw a series of major developments: Zhang Ying, wife of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, purchased a luxury home in Belgravia for nearly HKD 200 million; sweeping UK visa reforms officially took effect; three London districts crossed the £1 million average price threshold; Labour Party insiders reportedly plotted a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer; and the Princess of Wales will host her fifth annual Christmas Carol Service.

The Bank of England has kept its policy rate at 4%, while signaling potential rate cuts as early as December if inflation continues to fall. Although the housing market remains under short-term pressure, improving end-user demand, stabilizing prices in prime areas, and high rents versus falling mortgage rates are strengthening the case for homeownership. The interaction between a potential December rate cut and the Autumn Budget will be decisive for the next phase of market recovery.

The Bank of England kept its base rate at 4%, signalling policy stability amid easing inflation. The upcoming Autumn Budget 2025 is expected to include tax increases, drawing significant public attention. Oxford University announced it will no longer accept the new TOEFL for postgraduate admissions, sparking discussion across the education sector. The Royal Family has begun relocating as Buckingham Palace undergoes major renovation and prepares to transition into a public museum. David Beckham was formally knighted by King Charles in recognition of his outstanding contributions to football and wider society.

Dubai has transformed from an oil-dependent economy into a diversified metropolis driven by services, finance and tourism. Property markets remained robust through 2023–2025, with transaction volumes and values rising and a highly international, predominantly young resident population supporting sustained rental and purchase demand. Strategic public plans — notably the 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Real Estate Strategy 2033 — focus growth on hubs such as the Expo City District and the Dubai Silicon Oasis, strengthening infrastructure and long-term value drivers. For investors seeking overseas exposure and medium-to-long-term appreciation, Dubai continues to offer compelling opportunities.

In 2025, London’s housing market shows stable performance in central districts and strong momentum in outer zones. Areas once overlooked are rising due to upgraded transport links, new schools, and expanding commercial hubs. Kensington & Chelsea remain luxury anchors; Barking & Dagenham stand out with strong yields and rapid growth; Hackney benefits from excellent commuting and rental demand; Tower Hamlets continues to attract buyers under the influence of Canary Wharf and major redevelopment.

With the Bank of England’s November 6 rate decision looming, inflation appears to have peaked and growth is slowing—a shift that has prompted major investment banks to revise their views. Goldman Sachs now predicts a 25 bps cut in November; Barclays had long flagged a November reduction; meanwhile, more cautious analysts insist on waiting for further data. Rate changes will directly impact mortgage costs and investment behaviour. Our advice: focus on upcoming economic indicators rather than fixating on the decision itself.