The Budget has landed, and while the headlines are full of numbers, forecasts and political noise, the real question we’re all asking is simple: what does this mean for the housing market?
And the answer, reassuringly, is that for most people, the landscape feels steady and familiar – with just a few shifts worth keeping an eye on.

The Headlines (Without the Heavy Jargon)

The main talking point is the newly announced mansion tax for homes over £2 million, coming in April 2028. It’s a long runway, and it affects only a small slice of the market – but it will shape conversations around timing for those planning a move at the top end.

For everyone else, one of the biggest sighs of relief comes from what didn’t change:

Stamp Duty remains exactly as it is.

That stability tends to support confidence, especially for the mid-market, first-time buyers and family movers.

Landlords will notice a 2% rise in tax on rental income from 2027, something that may reshape investment decisions over time.

And in the background, frozen tax thresholds and continued infrastructure investment provide the wider economic context – not dramatic, but steady and predictable.

What This Means in Real Terms

Here’s where it gets interesting from our perspective:

  • Prime and luxury homes may see a slightly more thoughtful pace as buyers digest the news. Nothing dramatic — more a shift toward careful planning and well-timed decisions.
  • The mid-market remains strong. With SDLT untouched and no direct changes, these homes may actually feel like an even safer space for buyers who want clarity and stability.
  • Landlords may reassess long-term plans, which could subtly affect rental supply in coming years.

In other words: not a seismic shift, but a Budget that creates calm, rather than confusion, for most of the market.

Our Insight – and a More Human Take

The property market is never just about policies. It’s about confidence, sentiment, and how people feel about making big decisions.

And the Autumn Budget?

It gives most movers a sense of reassurance rather than uncertainty – something we all know the market needs after a cautious autumn.

For buyers and sellers in mainstream price brackets, it’s very much “business as usual,” which is a positive thing. For those in the upper tiers, it’s a moment to look ahead and plan strategically – but not to panic.

Whether you’re curious, quietly considering a move, or actively planning your next step, we’re here to talk it through – openly, calmly, and with the long-view in mind.

Claire Heritage – Partner & Marketing Expert

☎️ 07894 561313

📧 claire.heritage@fineandcountry.com

Sam Funnell – Branch Partner

☎️ 07714 515484

📧 sam.funnell@fineandcountry.com

Sources: The Guardian, Rightmove, Propertymark, and the official Budget 2025 documentation.