26/11/2025
💰 Autumn Budget Update: What It Means for Homeowners, Buyers & Landlords
The Chancellor has delivered the Autumn Budget, and there are a few important updates for anyone involved in the property market. Here’s a simple breakdown of what actually matters:
🔑 Stamp Duty: No changes for home movers
Despite plenty of speculation, residential Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) remains exactly the same.
There was also no boost to Local Housing Allowance, which stays frozen.
➡️ If you were already planning to move, nothing in today’s announcement changes your Stamp Duty position.
🏡 New High-Value Property Surcharge (from 2028)
From April 2028, properties valued at £2 million+ will face a new annual High Value Council Tax Surcharge.
• Starting at £2,500 per year
• Rising to £7,500 for the highest-value homes
• Collected alongside standard council tax
This will mainly affect the top end of the market — particularly London and the South East — and may influence pricing and demand for £2m+ homes.
🏘️ Landlords: Higher tax on rental income (from 2027)
From April 2027, tax on rental income rises by 2 percentage points:
• 22% (basic rate)
• 42% (higher rate)
• 47% (additional rate)
Combined with previous changes (mortgage interest restrictions, stamp duty surcharges, CGT adjustments, rental reform), this adds further pressure on landlord returns.
It could mean reduced rental supply over time — and upward pressure on rents if demand continues.
💼 The wider market picture
Forecasts still point to steady growth, with UK average house prices expected to rise:
• From ~£260,000 in 2024
• To just under £305,000 by 2030
• With growth averaging 2.5% per year from 2026
• Roughly in line with wage growth
Not a boom, not a crash — just slow, sustainable stability.
What this means for you
👉 Selling or buying soon?
Your Stamp Duty outlook is unchanged, so the Budget shouldn’t disrupt your plans.
👉 Own or want a £2m+ property?
The new surcharge from 2028 may influence timing and pricing. Some owners may bring forward moves or restructure their property portfolios.
👉 Landlords & investors
Now is a good time to review your strategy, gearing and long-term yields with a professional adviser — especially with rental income tax set to rise.
Our take…
This Budget stops short of the big Stamp Duty reform many hoped for.
Instead, it focuses on:
• Higher-value homes
• Rental income tax increases
These changes add pressure at the prime and landlord ends of the market.
But the overall outlook remains stable, with modest price growth supporting confidence for everyday movers.
If you’re thinking of moving, investing, or you’re a landlord wanting to understand how these changes might affect your plans, we are here to help.
(We can’t give tax advice, but we can help you understand the market impact and point you in the right direction if needed.)
Call- 01204 576666
Email- [email protected]
