How the Autumn Budget Could Affect You: Our Take on the Housing Market

The Autumn Budget was announced on 26th November, and after months of speculation about possible tax hikes for homeowners, landlords and buyers, the outcome was far less dramatic than many feared.

At Hoopers Estate Agents, we’ve seen firsthand how uncertainty can slow the market. Buyers pause, sellers hold off, and landlords get nervous. So now that we have clarity, what does this Budget really mean for you and your property plans?

Let’s break down the key changes and what you should be thinking about next.

No Annual Tax on £500k+ Homes – A Relieved Market

Rumours of a recurring annual tax on properties valued over £500,000 caused concern earlier this year, especially across London and the South East. Today, the Chancellor confirmed it will not go ahead.

That’s important because:

• It removes a major barrier for buyers considering mid to high-value homes.
• Sellers won’t feel forced to reduce prices to avoid crossing an arbitrary tax line.
• We expect to see renewed confidence and more movement in the market heading into 2026.

Stamp duty also remains unchanged with still a one-off cost paid at completion. It offers welcome consistency, although many feel that temporary reforms or updates to thresholds would better reflect today’s property prices.

Mansion Tax Incoming for £2m+ Properties (2028)

From 2028, an annual council tax surcharge will apply to homes worth over £2 million. The additional charge is expected to be around £2,500 per year, rising to around £7,500 for homes valued above £5 million.

While this sounds significant, it will affect only a small proportion of the market, around half a percent of homes nationwide. Most of these are concentrated in London and the South East.

If you own or plan to buy a high-value home, you’ll want to review timing and strategy, but there is time to plan.

Landlords Face Higher Income Tax from 2027

Rental income tax rates will increase by 2% for all brackets from April 2027. This news comes alongside tighter regulations and last year’s stamp duty increase on additional property purchases.

Landlords have already been squeezed over recent years, but the fact remains: rental demand is high, and rents have risen around 25% in the past five years. Well-managed properties are still delivering returns, but tax planning and portfolio optimisation will become increasingly important.

If you’re a landlord, now is the time to review whether your portfolio is still working as hard as it should.

So, What Should You Do Now?

• Thinking of selling? The uncertainty that was holding many buyers back has disappeared. Listing now could give you a head start before competition increases.
• In the market to buy? Stability is often better than dramatic change and now could be the right time to move forward.
• Own a property valued above £2m? Worth speaking with us sooner rather than later to assess timing ahead of the 2028 tax changes.
• Landlord? This is a good moment to assess whether to hold, restructure or exit.

Our Verdict

This Budget brings reassurance rather than disruption and that’s often exactly what the housing market needs.

We expect to see renewed energy, particularly in the £500k–£1.5m segment, where many buyers had paused to wait out potential policy changes. For landlords and premium property owners, early planning will be key.

Considering your next move? Let’s talk.

Whether you’re buying, selling or reviewing your investment strategy, our local experts are here to provide honest advice tailored to your circumstances.

Get in touch today on 020 8450 1633. Click here for a free, instant online valuation of your home.

Note: This information is based on data up to November 2025 and may change. Always seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation.