Keep Calm and Move Home: The Budget Didn’t Change a Thing for Families Dreaming of a Move
The Budget brought no changes for everyday home movers: no new Stamp Duty, no new rules and no impact on the process. Local markets remain steady with strong buyer demand, and lenders are offering higher borrowing power with lower rates. It’s a great time to move.
After weeks of speculation and rumours, today’s Budget has finally landed and the good news for anyone thinking about buying or selling a home? Not much has changed for you.
There’s no new Stamp Duty, no complicated tax changes for everyday movers, and no changes to the process of moving house. Despite all the headlines and uncertainty, the day-to-day housing market across the Home Counties, Outer London, the Midlands, Wiltshire, and Hertfordshire have come through the Budget announcement completely unaffected.
So, if you were waiting for some clarity before making your move, this is it.
Budget Recap: Panic Over… Movers Can Breathe Easy
While changes have been introduced for landlords and luxury properties (a new mansion tax, for example), the part of the market where most of us live, family homes, first-time buys, upsizing and downsizing has been left exactly as it was.
To sum it up:
• ✅ No changes to Stamp Duty
• ✅ No changes to the moving process
• ✅ No new rules for standard residential buyers or sellers
If you've been holding off, waiting to see what the Budget would bring, it turns out there was nothing to wait for.
Why Waiting on Rumours Can Mean Missing the Moment
We’ve spoken to quite a few people recently who were unsure whether to move now or hold tight. And we get it. When there’s talk of tax changes or shifting market rules, it’s natural to pause. But this week proves an important point:
The right time to move is when it’s right for you, not when the headlines say so.
Waiting based on what might happen often means missing real opportunities that are here right now. And from where we’re sitting, the market fundamentals across the areas we cover are still solid.
What’s Happening in Our Local County Markets?
Our self-employed agents cover a wide area across the Home Counties, Outer London, the Midlands, Wiltshire, and Hertfordshire and what we’re seeing is a market that’s steady, confident, and still moving. Here’s a county-by-county look at what’s happening right now:
Berkshire
• Buyer demand remains strong, particularly in family-friendly areas with good schools and green space.
• Properties are still achieving great results when priced and marketed properly.
• Connectivity to London and nearby business hubs keeps the market active.
West Midlands
• A consistently busy patch with a mix of movers from upsizers to downsizers and first-time buyers.
• Good transport, jobs, and schools are keeping interest levels high.
• Homes that are ready to go (and priced right) are still getting attention quickly.
Hertfordshire
• A key commuter county with solid demand across a range of property types.
• First-time buyers and growing families are both active in the market.
• The mix of green space and fast train links keeps the area popular.
Wiltshire
• More buyers are looking for lifestyle changes, space, gardens, and quieter surroundings.
• Semi-rural and village properties are seeing steady interest.
• With stable prices and good value compared to surrounding counties, it’s still a great option for movers.
Outer London & Surrounding Home Counties
• Across areas like Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Hampshire, prices have held firm with 1–3% annual growth in many places.
• Commuter towns with access to the capital remain in high demand.
• The market is competitive but with the right marketing, properties are standing out and selling well.
Across all these counties, the pattern is clear: buyers are still out there, and the market is active. There’s no need to wait on headlines if it’s the right time for you, we’re here to help make it happen.
Lenders Are Confident and Backing Buyers in a Big Way
While the government hasn’t changed much, the mortgage market certainly has and it’s great news for buyers. According to our friends at Mortgage Tribe, interest rates are currently at a three-year low, and lenders are stepping up their support.
Here’s what’s changed:
• Nationwide: Up to 6x income
• Halifax: Up to 5.5x for first-time buyers
• HSBC Premier: Up to 6.5x income
Plus:
• Halifax now supports international buyers with just 1 year UK residency and a £50k minimum income.
This means you can borrow more than you could a year ago and still keep your payments manageable thanks to lower rates.
Let’s break it down:
A couple earning £80k can now borrow £480,000 that’s £142,500 more than they could in 2023. And the monthly increase? Just £513, thanks to the drop-in rates.
Lenders clearly have confidence in the housing market and in buyers like you. That’s a really positive sign.
It’s a brilliant time to explore what your budget could look like. With lenders stepping up and rates down, you might be surprised what you can afford.
So, What’s Next?
Today’s Budget announcement confirmed what we’ve been seeing for a while: the property market is still ticking along nicely and the big scary changes everyone was worrying about didn’t happen.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence, ask yourself:
• Is your current home still working for you?
• Is now the right time for your family, finances or future?
• Could your ideal home be waiting out there, if you just started looking?
There’s no perfect time set by the government. There’s just your time, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
✅ Keep Calm and Move Home – Book a Chat with Your Local Avocado Property Partner
We’re not your typical estate agents. We’re personal, self-employed partners who live and work locally, so you get proper advice, not a pitch. Whether you're just curious or ready to go, we’ll help you figure out your next steps.
Final thought? The Budget didn’t change much but it gave us all a reminder. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you when to move. When it feels right for you, the rest will follow.
Let’s make your next move a smooth one. We’re ready when you are.