Estate agents are increasingly split on the outlook for the housing market as the sector awaits key fiscal decisions in the Autumn Budget, according to new research from GetAgent.co.uk.
The national survey of estate agents shows that, despite a resilient performance through 2025, sentiment has begun to soften amid growing concerns over economic pressures, political uncertainty and the prospect of major tax changes.
Almost half of agents (49%) said buyer and seller confidence in their local markets had weakened in recent weeks, with a noticeable cooling in new enquiries and instructions.
A further 39% described confidence as “moderate”, with transactions still progressing but buyers showing greater caution. Just 13% reported that activity remains strong.
BUDGET TAX RISES
Economic pressures continue to dominate concerns. The rising cost of living and broader economic uncertainty were cited by 47% of agents as the biggest factors holding their markets back.
A further 34% pointed to uncertainty over potential property-related tax measures in the Autumn Budget, while 11% highlighted a lack of stock and 8% said higher mortgage rates were constraining demand.
Agents were clear about the policy change they believe would most effectively reinvigorate activity: 63% called for stamp duty reform or a reduction in rates to lower the upfront costs for buyers. Reducing planning or tax barriers to new housing supply (16%) and incentives for downsizers (10%) also ranked high.
Another 10% said new affordability or mortgage support schemes would help stabilise demand.
LACK OF CONFIDENCE
However, confidence that the Government will deliver meaningful housing measures remains low. Seven out of 10 (70%) respondents said they were not confident that the Budget would offer the support the sector needs, with only 6% expressing strong confidence.
Colby Short (main picture, inset), Co-founder and Chief Executive of GetAgent, says the market has shown “real resilience” this year, with transactions on track to rise by more than 8% despite a challenging backdrop.
STAMP DUTY REFORM
He adds: “Agents are still getting deals across the line, but uncertainty is starting to weigh on buyer and seller confidence as the Autumn Budget gets closer.
“There’s a clear sense that stamp duty reform would bring the most immediate boost, but short-term fixes aren’t enough on their own.
“The industry wants longer-term initiatives that tackle the root causes of market stagnation – from planning reform and housing delivery to meaningful support for first-time buyers.
“The fundamentals are still strong; what we need now is consistency and direction from the top to maintain momentum into 2026 and beyond.”
