Hi Jools,
Not to sure about the pension side but the housing market is pretty good despite some doom mongers.
We got an offer within 5 days after going back to wallop ours with magnolia but nothing like early 2007 prices.For once estate agents are actually earning their corn and it has to be realistically priced.
Prices now,compared to then are about 25% down (thanks to 'Sir' Freddie and his league of shysters)