Estate agents, landlords, housebuilders and mortgage specialists are urging the chancellor John Healy to restore confidence in the housing market as the property industry braces for today’s Autumn Budget.
From stamp duty reform and landlord taxation to first-time buyer support and housebuilding, property professionals have delivered a wide-ranging wishlist ahead of the chancellor’s statement.
However, a common message runs through the industry’s submissions: businesses want greater certainty, fewer barriers to investment and a clearer direction for housing policy.
Several industry leaders have also warned against introducing further taxes or initiatives without considering their wider consequences.
Property taxation under scrutiny
Propertymark is calling for a comprehensive review of property taxation, arguing that successive changes have increased uncertainty for landlords, homeowners and investors.
The professional body wants the government to examine the combined impact of income tax, mortgage interest relief restrictions, Capital Gains Tax and stamp duty surcharges.
Meanwhile, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is demanding measures to increase rental supply and improve affordability for tenants.
Both organisations also want Local Housing Allowance rates to reflect current rental costs.
Read more: Landlords demand major tax overhaul ahead of Budget
First-time buyers and housebuilders await answers
The government’s proposed Your First Home scheme is another major focus.
The initiative is expected to offer eligible first-time buyers access to new-build properties with deposits as low as 2.5%.
However, agents and developers want clarity on eligibility, local price caps, repayment terms and the contribution expected from housebuilders.
Tim Foreman, managing director of Land and New Homes at LRG, believes the scheme could support construction if developers receive sufficient certainty.
Others warn that stimulating buyer demand without increasing housing supply risks pushing prices higher.
Read more: Housebuilders warn first-time buyer scheme could fail without wider reforms
Mortgage costs continue to squeeze buyers
Mortgage affordability remains another concern.
Moneyfactscompare says the average monthly repayment on a £250,000 mortgage at 95% loan-to-value has increased by £147 since November 2025, based on its quoted average two-year fixed rates.
Meanwhile, millions of existing borrowers face refinancing at higher rates.
Property professionals want a Budget that supports economic stability and creates conditions for lower borrowing costs.
Read more: Mortgage borrowers face £147 monthly increase as Budget approaches
Prime property and investment face tax uncertainty
The proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge, due to apply to homes worth £2m or more from April 2028, has prompted concerns about the impact on prime property transactions.
Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, warned that additional taxes could further weaken London’s appeal to international investors.
Other industry figures are concerned about potential changes to bank taxation and inheritance tax reliefs affecting rural estates.
Read more: Property tax fears put prime London market and investors on alert
Construction industry demands action
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) wants the government to cut VAT on eligible home improvements, strengthen construction skills and introduce mandatory licensing for domestic building companies.
Its research suggests homeowners are postponing billions of pounds of work because they cannot find builders they trust.
Meanwhile, developers want action on planning delays, infrastructure costs and development finance.
Read more: £11.2bn home improvement backlog prompts Budget warning
Agents call for stability
Estate agency leaders say the housing market needs confidence rather than another period of speculation.
Adam Day, head of eXp UK and Europe, said: “We don’t necessarily need another headline-grabbing housing initiative.”
Meanwhile, Auction House UK reports that its property stock has increased around 20% year-on-year as more sellers consider auctions.
However, buyers are taking longer to commit, while higher borrowing costs continue to affect investment decisions.
Read more: Budget uncertainty leaves property buyers sitting on their hands
The Chancellor’s challenge is to balance competing demands for tax relief, housing investment and fiscal restraint. For property professionals, the immediate test will be whether today’s announcements provide the clarity needed to support transactions, investment and new housing supply.
The Autumn Budget statement will take place today at approximately 12.30pm, straight after Prime Minister’s Questions.
