Estate agents, landlords, housebuilders and mortgage specialists have called on Chancellor John Healey to provide greater certainty in the housing market ahead of today’s Autumn Budget statement, scheduled for 12.30pm.
Industry bodies across the property sector have submitted requests for policy clarity and tax reform, with a consistent emphasis on reducing barriers to investment and establishing a clearer direction for housing policy.
Taxation reforms under consideration
Propertymark has requested a comprehensive review of property taxation, arguing that successive policy changes have created uncertainty for landlords, homeowners and investors. The professional body is seeking an examination of the combined impact of income tax, mortgage interest relief restrictions, Capital Gains Tax and stamp duty surcharges.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called for measures to increase rental supply and improve affordability for tenants. Both organisations have requested that Local Housing Allowance rates be adjusted to reflect current rental costs. Recent data shows that buy-to-let losses have risen 32% to exceed £1 billion, highlighting the financial pressures facing landlords.
First-time buyer scheme awaits detail
The government’s proposed Your First Home scheme has emerged as a significant focus for industry professionals. The initiative is expected to provide eligible first-time buyers with access to new-build properties requiring deposits as low as 2.5%.
Tim Foreman, managing director of Land and New Homes at LRG, stated the scheme could support construction if developers receive sufficient certainty. However, industry figures have warned that stimulating buyer demand without increasing housing supply could drive prices higher.
Mortgage affordability pressures persist
According to Moneyfactscompare, the average monthly repayment on a £250,000 mortgage at 95% loan-to-value has increased by £147 since November 2025, based on quoted average two-year fixed rates. Millions of existing borrowers are facing refinancing at higher rates.
Prime property market concerns
The proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge, scheduled to apply to homes worth £2 million or more from April 2028, has raised concerns about prime property transactions. Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, warned that additional taxes could weaken London’s appeal to international investors.
Construction sector requests
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has requested VAT cuts on eligible home improvements, enhanced construction skills programmes and mandatory licensing for domestic building companies. The organisation’s research indicates homeowners are postponing billions of pounds of work due to difficulties finding trusted builders.
Estate agency leaders have emphasised the need for market confidence. Adam Day, head of eXp UK and Europe, stated: “We don’t necessarily need another headline-grabbing housing initiative.” Auction House UK reports property stock has increased approximately 20% year-on-year as more sellers consider auctions, though buyers are taking longer to commit amid higher borrowing costs.
The broader push for industry regulation reflects growing calls for greater market stability and professional standards across the sector.
The Chancellor faces the challenge of balancing competing demands for tax relief, housing investment and fiscal restraint. Property professionals will assess whether today’s announcements provide sufficient clarity to support transactions, investment and new housing supply.
