The property market should still be ticking over, however property brokers are removed from united of their outlook, in response to GetAgent’s newest sentiment survey, as financial headwinds and unclear coverage loom forward of the Autumn Finances.
Of the 352 brokers surveyed, nearly half (49%) mentioned purchaser and vendor exercise of their native markets had weakened, citing noticeable slowdowns in each enquiries and directions. An additional 39% described confidence as reasonable, with offers nonetheless progressing however warning prevailing, whereas simply 13% mentioned exercise remained sturdy.
When requested what was holding their markets again, 47% of brokers pointed to financial uncertainty and the rising price of residing, adopted by tax uncertainty forward of the Autumn Finances (34%). Restricted inventory (11%) and better mortgage charges (8%) had been additionally cited as key considerations.
When requested which potential coverage change would most assist stimulate market exercise, almost two-thirds (63%) of brokers referred to as for a reform or discount of stamp responsibility to decrease upfront prices for consumers.
Lowering planning or tax obstacles to new housing supply (16%) and introducing incentives for downsizers (10%) had been additionally seen as precious steps, whereas 10% needed to see extra direct mortgage help or affordability schemes.
Nevertheless, confidence that the Finances will ship optimistic housing measures is low, with 70% of respondents saying they aren’t assured and solely 6% feeling very assured that the Authorities will act appropriately.
Colby Quick, Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, commented: “The housing market has proven actual resilience this 12 months, with transactions on track to rise by greater than 8% regardless of what’s been a tough panorama for a lot of the 12 months.
“Brokers are nonetheless getting offers throughout the road, however the sentiment we’re listening to is that uncertainty is beginning to weigh on purchaser and vendor confidence because the Autumn Finances will get nearer.
“There’s a transparent sense that stamp responsibility reform would carry essentially the most fast increase to market exercise following the Autumn Finances, but it surely’s simply as clear that short-term fixes aren’t sufficient on their very own.
“Past that, the business desires to see a dedication to longer-term initiatives that sort out the foundation causes of market stagnation – from planning reform and housing supply to real help for first-time consumers.
“The basics are nonetheless sturdy; what we want now could be consistency and route from the highest to maintain that momentum going into 2026 and past.”
House-moving prices leap 27% in a 12 months after stamp responsibility hike
