The Budget is Out… But Is the Property Market Really as Bad as Everyone Says?
Here's our take on the Autumn Budget, the current property market, and why we're still feeling positive about moving home.
One thing we hear almost every time we visit someone to value their home is:
"The property market isn't very good at the moment, is it?"
It's a question we're asked time and time again, and we completely understand why.
Switch on the news, pick up a newspaper or scroll through social media, and you'd be forgiven for thinking the property market has come to a complete standstill.
But here's the thing...
It's not a bad market. It's just a different market.
And there's a big difference!
At JAGS Property Group, we're still speaking to plenty of serious buyers, carrying out viewings, receiving offers and agreeing sales. People are still moving. Properties are still selling. And buyers are still out there looking for their next home. Yes, things have changed. Buyers are more cautious, they're taking their time, and they're certainly doing their homework before making an offer.
But that doesn't mean the market is bad. It simply means that the way we sell homes needs to change too. And that's something we've been working hard on at JAGS.
So, what does the Autumn Budget mean for homeowners?
After weeks of speculation about what the Government might announce, the Autumn Budget has finally been delivered. And for most homeowners thinking about moving, there really hasn't been anything announced that should stop them.
Stamp duty remains unchanged. There were rumours of changes to property taxes, but for the majority of people buying or selling their main home, the costs of moving remain much the same.
There was also some welcome news for first-time buyers, with a new scheme designed to help eligible buyers purchase new-build homes with a smaller deposit. Whilst this won't benefit everyone, anything that helps more people get onto the property ladder is a positive step. First-time buyers are an important part of the housing market, and when they can purchase their first home, it often helps other people move further up the property ladder too.
There are additional tax changes affecting landlords and owners of very high-value properties, but these won't directly affect the majority of everyday home movers.
What about mortgage rates?
Of course, mortgage rates remain one of the biggest considerations for buyers. Borrowing is more expensive than it was a few years ago, and that's naturally affecting how much people can afford to spend.
The Budget hasn't suddenly made mortgages cheaper, and there is still uncertainty about where interest rates will go next. However, the financial markets reacted relatively calmly to the announcement, which is encouraging.
We always advise buyers to understand their affordability before starting their search, and working with a good mortgage adviser can make a huge difference.
The important thing to remember is that buyers haven't disappeared. They're simply being more considered about their decisions.
The biggest change we're seeing in the property market
If we could give homeowners one piece of advice right now, it would be this:
Don't judge today's property market by what was happening two or three years ago.
There was a period when properties were selling almost as soon as they came onto the market, buyers were competing against each other, and offers were coming in well above asking prices. That was an unusual market. Today, buyers have more choice. They're comparing properties, looking carefully at prices and taking longer to make decisions, and that's perfectly understandable.
The latest national figures show that there are more properties available for sale than this time last year, whilst buyer demand and agreed sales are slightly lower. But lower activity doesn't mean no activity.
It means that getting your pricing, presentation and marketing right from the very beginning is more important than ever.
A property that is priced correctly, marketed properly and presented in the best possible way can still attract plenty of interest. On the other hand, a property that is overpriced or poorly marketed may struggle, even if it's a lovely home. That's why choosing the right estate agent really matters.
What are we seeing at JAGS?
We're fortunate to be speaking to buyers and sellers every single day, so we get to see what's actually happening rather than relying purely on national headlines. And what we're seeing gives us plenty of reasons to remain positive. We're still booking viewings, having conversations with motivated buyers, and receiving offers on properties.
The demand is there.
What has changed is that buyers need a little more convincing, and sellers need an agent who understands how to position their property in the current market. At JAGS, we don't believe in simply putting a property online, crossing our fingers and waiting for the phone to ring. We put a huge amount of thought into how we market every home.
From professional property videos and social media exposure to pricing strategies, buyer communication, and following up on every opportunity, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. We're constantly reviewing what works, looking at buyer behaviour and adapting our approach to suit the market we're actually in.
And most importantly, our strategies are getting results.
We know that selling a home is about far more than getting people through the front door.
It's about attracting the right buyers, generating genuine interest, negotiating the best possible outcome and keeping the sale moving once an offer has been accepted. That's where our experience, communication and commitment really come into their own.
Is now a good time to sell?
This is another question we're asked regularly. And we answer that it depends on your circumstances. If you're thinking about moving because you need more space, want to downsize, are relocating or have simply found somewhere you'd love to live, then why should the headlines automatically stop you?
It's worth remembering that if you're selling and buying in the same market, you may also benefit from having more choice and greater negotiating opportunities on your next purchase. Of course, every situation is different, and we would never encourage someone to move if it wasn't right for them. But equally, we wouldn't want anyone to put their life on hold simply because they've heard the property market is struggling.
The right advice can make all the difference.
With the Budget now behind us, we hope that some of the buyers and sellers who have been waiting to see what happens will start feeling more confident about making their next move.
Our message to homeowners is simple
Don't believe everything you read about the property market. Yes, there are challenges. Yes, things are taking a little more work. And yes, the market is different from what we've experienced in recent years. But different doesn't mean bad.
Homes are selling. Buyers are buying. And people are moving.
What matters is having a realistic understanding of the market, a clear plan, and an estate agent who knows how to make things happen. At JAGS, we pride ourselves on being honest with our clients. We'll tell you what we genuinely believe your property can achieve, explain how we plan to market it, and keep you informed every step of the way.
We don't pretend the market is perfect, but we certainly don't believe it's anywhere near as bad as some of the headlines would have you think. And we're proving that through the work we're doing every day.
Thinking about moving? Let's have a chat.
Whether you're ready to put your home on the market now, thinking about moving in the new year, or just curious about what your property might be worth, we'd love to hear from you.
We'll give you an honest assessment of your home's value, talk you through what's happening locally and explain how we'd approach selling your property in today's market.
No pressure, no unrealistic promises, just straightforward advice from a team who genuinely care about getting the best result for you.
Because at JAGS, we believe that if you want to move home, we can make it happen.
JAGS Property Group
Elevating Your Move.