So, this is almost Christmas, and what have we done?

Probably for most, the annual board report addressing Consumer Duty was a snapshot piece of work that may or may not have highlighted areas where there were potential gaps and shortfalls.

With days to go before the Autumn Budget, the rumour mill about what may or may not be included in it has gone into overdrive.

Once again, rumours about Capital Gains Tax increases have emerged before the Autumn Statement. However, this has created a golden opportunity for first time buyers to exploit the lack of competition from investors on purchases, the appetite from lenders to assist this sector, and the price wars we have seen over the last few weeks.