We will continue to engage with the UK Government to ensure the voice of professional agents is heard and that policy decisions reflect the realities faced by our members and the consumers they serve.
A confidence moment for the market
Economic volatility in recent years has affected mortgage rates, buyer sentiment, and investor appetite. With inflation easing and forecasts of slower but ongoing growth, agents and buyers may find reassurance in the UK Government’s emphasis on stability. Confidence supports transactions in both sales and lettings markets, even without fresh incentives or stimulus.
In positive news for mortgage borrowers, inflation is projected to continue its downward trend. However, caution is maintained against broader geopolitical factors.
Supply pressures remain unresolved
Despite the focus on economic stewardship, the structural issues affecting housing supply remain acute.
Propertymark has consistently called for action to boost housing supply and stabilise the market. In our response to the Autumn Budget 2025, we made clear that decisive action is needed to increase the number of homes across all tenures and to support long-term growth in the sector.
We highlighted the need for measures that:
- Support the delivery of new homes
- Encourage investment in the private rented sector
- Provide stability in property taxation
- Help first-time buyers access the market
We have also stressed that housing policy must be aligned with economic policy. Housing supply, planning reform, taxation and investment incentives cannot be considered in isolation.
Autumn Budget 2025: Action is needed now to boost housing supply and stability
HM Treasury must not delay any longer on measures to tackle the growing pressures across the housing market. Without bold action, the supply of homes to rent and buy will continue to fall short of demand. Our message to the Chancellor is clear - stability in the property market depends on policies that make investing, renting, buying and selling homes affordable and sustainable. The Budget on 26 November 2025 is the UK Government’s opportunity to restore confidence and drive growth across the housing sector.
Private rented sector under strain
Propertymark’s policy work has repeatedly shown that tax changes, increased regulatory burdens, and wider economic pressures have reduced landlord confidence. Without measures to encourage investment and retention, the risk is that supply will continue to tighten, placing upward pressure on rents.
In our previous analysis of fiscal decisions, we have urged the UK Government to consider the cumulative impact of tax changes on landlords and to recognise the essential role the private rented sector plays in meeting housing need. Confidence must extend to landlords and investors as well as owner-occupiers.
While a commitment to stability is positive, the UK Government needs more ambitious investment to ensure that the UK's housing needs are met.
Mortgage approvals remain below pre-pandemic levels, and house prices continue to rise modestly, leaving many prospective buyers struggling to enter the market. Pressures in the rental market are equally acute, with high demand and limited supply driving rents higher.
As we approach the next Autumn Budget the UK Government has the opportunity implement policies that make a real difference. Revising Stamp Duty thresholds and supporting investment in the private rented sector would improve market efficiency, increase housing supply, and address affordability challenges for both renters and buyers.
