One in five UK homeowners are putting their plans to sell on ice ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget, property data from We Buy Any Home has revealed.
They fear rising mortgage rates, stamp duty and potential tax changes.
Meanwhile, 38% said they’re specifically worried about being able to afford stamp duty on a new home.
Elliot Castle, CEO of We Buy Any Home, felt the data reflects a market paralysed by uncertainty.
He said: “We’re seeing a perfect storm. People want to move – but they’re frozen by what the November Budget might bring.
“Will stamp duty go up? Will tax thresholds change? Will interest rates drop, or stay stuck? The lack of clarity is stalling the market.”
While homeowners in London, the East of England, and Wales showed the most anxiety about tax changes, younger homeowners were more concerned about mortgage rates and job stability – with 68% of 45 to 54-year-olds saying they feared not being able to afford their mortgage if they moved.
Castle added: “It’s like waiting for a traffic light that never turns green. People feel they can’t plan properly until they know what Rachel Reeves will announce.
“It’s understandable – no one wants to make the biggest financial decision of their lives in the dark.”
What could change in the Budget?
As Labour prepares its first full economic statement, housing experts are speculating about several possible reforms:
- Stamp duty reform – including new bands or temporary holidays for first-time buyers
- Capital gains tax thresholds – could be tightened for second homes and investment properties
- Mortgage relief or homebuyer support – aimed at stimulating market confidence
- Property taxation on second homes and landlords – part of a potential push to rebalance the housing market