News at Boydens
28th October 2026
Autumn Budget 2026: What It Means for Buyers and Landlords
Autumn Budget 2026 brings help for first-time buyers and further pressure on landlords
Following the Autumn Budget on 28 October, Boydens Managing Director Philip Boyden and Paul Buck discussed what the announcements could mean for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants across Essex and Suffolk.
We welcome support to help more people buy their first home. However, we would have liked to see measures reaching further across the market, alongside clearer incentives to improve rental homes and help existing homeowners move.
A smaller deposit for first-time buyers
The Government’s £4.7 billion Your First Home scheme will offer eligible first-time buyers a 20% equity loan towards a new-build home from a participating developer in England. Buyers will need a deposit of at least 2.5%, and the equity loan will be interest-free for five years.
On a £300,000 home, that could mean a £7,500 deposit, a £60,000 government equity loan and a £232,500 repayment mortgage. A purchase using a standard 95% mortgage would require a £15,000 deposit and a £285,000 mortgage.
Applications are expected to open in February 2027, with the first loans planned for April. Income and local property price caps will apply, and buyers will still need to meet mortgage affordability requirements.
Philip said: “A smaller deposit could make a real difference to someone trying to save while paying rent. We welcome that support, but would have liked it to reach buyers of existing homes as well as participating new-build developments.”
Buyers will also need to understand the equity loan’s repayment terms and the costs after the interest-free period. The loan is a financial commitment that needs to be considered alongside the mortgage.
Further property income tax increases
The Budget announced another two percentage point increase in property income tax rates, on top of the rise announced last year. From 6 April 2027, the announced rates will be 24% at the basic rate, 44% at the higher rate and 49% at the additional rate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, subject to legislation.
For landlords, the concern is the combined effect of taxation, borrowing costs, maintenance and regulatory requirements. The impact will vary according to individual circumstances and how a property is owned.
Paul said: “Landlords are looking at the combined cost of taxation, maintenance and regulation. The concern is what that means for their willingness to invest in rental homes, and for the tenants who rely on those homes.”
Higher tax does not automatically lead to higher rents. However, if rental availability falls without a corresponding reduction in demand, tenants could face greater competition for suitable homes.
What else would we have liked to see?
Our discussion highlighted targeted stamp duty help and support for downsizing as possible ways to make moving easier. Philip also cautioned that temporary tax deadlines can create a rush to complete, followed by a quieter period.
We would welcome faster progress on improvements to the buying and selling process, together with simpler access to funding for energy-efficiency work. Landlords need a clear route to understand what support is available and how to apply.
The team also questioned how directly the proposed removal of gas standing charges would help tenants in all-electric homes. Those households would not benefit from the removal of a gas charge they do not pay, although other energy support may apply.
Understanding the impact on your property plans
Our team has seen some first-time buyers returning since mid-September, following a quieter period earlier in the year. We have also experienced more challenging conditions for some properties around £950,000 and above, where buyers have considerable choice. These observations underline why local evidence matters alongside national announcements.
Buyers, sellers and landlords should consider their own circumstances before changing plans in response to the Budget. Our teams across Essex and Suffolk can discuss your local market and property options; landlords should also review tax implications with their accountant.
Our next online landlord webinar takes place on the evening of 1 December 2026, covering the Renters’ Rights Act, the landlord database and practical preparations for the year ahead.
