The Autumn Budget will be delivered on 28 October 2026. Ahead of the statement, speculation has centred on property taxes, but no measures affecting landlords or property owners are confirmed until the Chancellor sets them out in Parliament. At the same time, the latest house price data points to a cooling market.
In short: The Autumn Budget is scheduled for 28 October 2026. As of mid-October no property tax changes are confirmed. Nationwide’s index, published on 1 October 2026, showed annual house price growth slowing to 0.8% in September from 1.6% in August.
What is confirmed about the 2026 Budget?
The date is confirmed as 28 October 2026. Beyond that, the National Residential Landlords Association notes that the Budget’s contents are not confirmed until the statement is delivered. Areas that have attracted comment include:
- Stamp duty. There is currently no indication that stamp duty will be abolished.
- Land value tax. Discussed as a possibility, but no detailed government proposal has been published.
- Council tax. Options for reform have been discussed, but it is unclear whether or when changes might happen.
What is the housing market doing going into the Budget?
Nationwide’s House Price Index for September 2026 reported annual growth of 0.8%, half the 1.6% recorded in August. Slower price growth, together with the Bank of England’s decision to hold Bank Rate at 3.75% on a split vote, forms the backdrop to the Budget. For more on the rate decision, see what the September decision means for property finance.
Why does Budget timing matter for short-term property finance?
Bridging finance is often used in transactions with fixed deadlines, such as auction purchases and chain breaks. Tax changes announced in a Budget can affect the cost of a purchase, the value of a completed project or the attractiveness of a planned exit, and some changes take effect immediately.
- Base decisions on confirmed measures, not commentary published before the statement.
- Check whether any announced change has an immediate start date or transitional arrangements.
- Re-test the planned exit, whether a sale or a refinance, after the Budget is delivered.
- Take independent tax and legal advice on any change that affects a specific transaction.
For an overview of how bridging and term finance work together, see bridging loan vs mortgage in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Autumn Budget?
The Autumn Budget is scheduled for 28 October 2026.
Has stamp duty been scrapped in the 2026 Budget?
No changes are confirmed before the Budget statement is delivered. Reporting ahead of the Budget, including by the National Residential Landlords Association, found no indication that stamp duty would be abolished.
Should property transactions be timed around the Budget?
Decisions should be based on confirmed measures rather than speculation. Borrowers should take independent tax and legal advice on how any announced change affects a specific transaction.
Sources: National Residential Landlords Association, “Budget 2026: what we know so far”, 14 August 2026; Nationwide House Price Index, September 2026, published 1 October 2026.
Important information
Ponte Finance PLC is a private lender, not a bank, and is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lending is for business purposes only and is not available to consumers or for property occupied, or to be occupied, by the borrower or a family member as a home. All loans are secured against property, and the property may be repossessed if repayments are not maintained. This article is for general information only and reflects publicly available data at the date of publication. It does not constitute an offer of finance, a forecast, or financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Ponte Finance PLC is registered in England and Wales, company number 15859004, registered office 225 Clapham Road, London SW9 9BE.