The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget has brought plenty of headlines, but what will it actually mean for people thinking of moving?
There is some welcome support for first-time buyers and housebuilding, alongside tax changes that may influence decisions by landlords and homeowners.
Here’s our take on what matters for Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
Stamp duty: No change, but greater certainty
Despite speculation beforehand, ordinary residential stamp duty rates remain unchanged.
For buyers who were waiting in the hope of a reduction, there is now one less reason to delay. That won’t suddenly create a rush of buyers, but greater certainty could encourage people to move forward with their plans.
First-time buyers get a helping hand
The new £4.7 billion Your First Home scheme could help around 70,000 first-time buyers purchase new-build properties from April 2027.
Eligible buyers could put down just 2.5%, supported by a government equity loan of up to 20%, interest-free for five years. Household income and local property price limits will apply.
There’s also a change for Lifetime ISA savers. From 29 October, those buying a qualifying first home above £450,000 will face a reduced withdrawal charge of 20%, rather than 25%, protecting their original savings.
A new First Time Buyer ISA is also planned for April 2029, offering a 25% government bonus towards eligible first-home purchases.
More decisions for landlords
Property income tax is set to rise from April 2027, to 24%, 44% and 49% across the three tax bands. That’s a four-percentage-point increase on current rates, following announcements in two successive Budgets.
Some landlords may decide to sell, potentially creating more choice for buyers, particularly at the smaller-property end of the market.
Equally, fewer rental properties could place additional pressure on tenants.
Housing, household bills and inheritance planning
The Budget commits another £1.5 billion towards around 10,000 social and affordable homes, alongside measures to make some smaller brownfield developments easier to build.
Households in English council tax bands A–D are also due a £100 energy payment from January 2027, offering some welcome relief from everyday costs.
For higher-value homeowners, a previously announced council tax surcharge on properties worth £2 million or more is due from April 2028.
Meanwhile, from April 2027 most unused pension funds will count towards inheritance tax calculations. Although announced previously, this may encourage some families to review their financial and property plans.
So, is it a good time to move?
There isn’t one answer for everyone.
Zoopla reports 7% more homes for sale than a year ago, with sales agreed 7% lower. Buyers have more choice, but well-presented homes that are sensibly priced can still attract interest.
The Budget won’t transform the property market overnight, but greater certainty and additional support for buyers could help confidence as we head towards 2027.
Ultimately, mortgage affordability, local demand and the right selling strategy will continue to matter most.
Have questions or thinking about moving?
Whether you’re buying, selling, considering what to do with an investment property or simply wondering how the Budget might affect your plans, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with the Campbells team for an honest, no-obligation conversation about your property and your next move.
Sometimes, a little advice now can make a big difference to the decisions you make later.
