Our team have summarised the relevant property matters from the recent Autumn Budget. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord; whether you’re looking to buy or sell in 2027 and beyond, we highlight what the future for property looks like, following the announcements.

A Summary of the Autumn Budget

There was a general air of excitement, and nervousness, before this year’s Autumn budget. The market certainly felt subdued before it. But for all the clamour, the budget delivered very few changes relating to property specifically. The top headlines around property matters included only the following:
– Introduction of the new Your First Home Scheme for first-time buyers, buying new-build homes
– Confirmation of an additional 2% in landlord income tax

From there, announcements which may affect household budgets, thus informing the decisions of homeowners, renters and landlords, included…
– A 3.9% minimum wage rise
– No rises in Capital Gains Tax
– A new first-time buyer ISA and Lifetime ISA changes
– A £100 energy payment for 20m homes

Fewer changes, greater clarity

Many homeowners breathed a sigh of relief after the budget. According to a Rightmove survey carried out before the budget, one in five paused their moving plans pre-budget. And 80% of their survey respondents felt worried by potential tax changes. But, there were no hidden surprises in the end.

There was no change to the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (dubbed the Mansion Tax), which is due to come into effect on April 2028, on homes valued at £2m or more. Neither was there any mention of changes to Stamp Duty.

At least, for now, we all know where we stand on those fronts. For the wider mass homeowner market, all eyes are now on the wider implications of the budget in terms of interest rates, and mortgage rates. And, as this is being written, the Bank of England has raised interest rates to 4%.

Who is affected by the budget and how?

We’ve taken each property-related budget announcement and looked at it more closely. By doing so, and applying it to the Altrincham market, we can get a clearer picture of any potential benefits.

The Your First Home Scheme

Let’s start with this new government scheme, the first since the former Help to Buy scheme which finished in 2023. Your First Home is due to start in April 2027, with invitations to apply opening at the end of this year. It’s designed to assist first-time buyers, helping them to buy a new-build home with a smaller deposit and mortgage. It’s hoped that it will also assist housebuilders, increasing the flagging number of registrations.

But, how effective will the scheme be? Well, depending on its uptake, it will either increase pressure on the resale market or boost sales of new homes. A key factor in its success will be down to the local authority price caps. In Trafford for example, the scheme will only be available on new-build homes priced below £285,000. We’re confident that the vast majority of new homes being built across Trafford far exceed this price. So, first-time buyers in this area would need to look elsewhere for a home eligible in the scheme.

Additional 2% in Landlord Income Tax

The 2% hike on landlord property income announced in this autumn’s budget, joins the previous 2% hike which was announced in the 2025 budget. This makes a cumulative 4% increase which is due to take effect from 6^th April 2027. These hikes will push landlord tax rates to 24% for basic-rate, 44% for higher-rate and 49% for additional-rate tax payers.

These increases will undoubtedly affect landlords and renters. For renters, increased rents might well be on the cards. That said, Housing Minister Matthew Penycook insists that the 4% tax rise will only have a “small impact” on rents. For landlords, the tax increases might add to a suite of growing financial pressures, including the Renters’ Rights Act.

What we know as letting agents here in Altrincham, is that landlords are more cautious when it comes to investing in their rental properties. Additional financial pressures don’t help. We find that single-let landlords, over portfolio landlords, tend to invest the most in their properties. Yet, ironically, landlords with one rental property are the most affected by the tax increases and end up selling and leaving the market.

Losing such landlords is leaving a shortage of higher-specification rental properties for the large number of professional tenants seeking homes in this area. Tenants who are mostly high earners and want the convenience of a well-presented, well-maintained property to rent. When a newly refurbished property comes up, we find it lets immediately.

What should you do next?

We say, don’t be perturbed by anything that has or hasn’t been announced in the budget. The overall property market – both sales and lettings – is active. Looking ahead, we’re predicting limited price growth on properties. So, you should expect to be realistic with valuations. Mortgages are really going to be squeezed in 2027, and buyers will be putting affordability at the top of their agenda. But, people are still wanting to move. Altrincham and the surrounding areas remain desirable.

In a market like this, what you need to have is an expert agent in your corner, whether you’re selling or letting. For property sales, you need to make sure your home is priced as competitively as possible from the first day of marketing it. And if you’re a landlord, you want someone who can guide you through the changes with the Renters’ Rights Act, advise on local rent levels, and support you with other challenging market conditions.

Properties in Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon and Timperley remain in high demand. If you’re looking to rent or sell your home in 2027, contact us for a free valuation. We specialise in the local Altrincham property market, so you can be sure you’re getting the best advice and service. Call us: 0161 941 4445.