The Autumn Budget 2026 lands on 28 October, and property is firmly in the spotlight. Here is a clear, London-focused guide to what is confirmed, what is only predicted, and what it could mean for landlords, homeowners, and buyers.
The Autumn Budget 2026 is the moment many London landlords and homeowners have been watching all year. The Chancellor, John Healey, delivers it on 28 October, and property taxes are high on the agenda. For anyone who owns or plans to buy in the capital, the detail matters.
Plenty of claims are flying around, so it helps to separate fact from speculation. Some measures are already confirmed and dated. Others are only rumours, and a few floated ideas have reportedly been dropped. We set out each one clearly below.
This is a preview rather than the final word. We will update the guide once the Chancellor speaks, so you can see exactly how the Autumn Budget 2026 affects property in London. First, let us look at the dates and the big themes.
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What this guide covers
When is the Autumn Budget 2026?
The Autumn Budget 2026 is confirmed for Wednesday 28 October. The Chancellor, John Healey, will set out the government's tax and spending plans for the year ahead. Property has been widely tipped as a target for new revenue.
Budgets move markets, so the days around 28 October tend to be busy. Buyers, sellers, and landlords often wait to see the detail before they act. For that reason, it pays to understand your options now, before the rush.
What is already confirmed
Start with the measures that are not in doubt. These are already law or formally announced, so you can plan around them with confidence.
A 2% rise in tax on rental income
From April 2027, income tax on rental profits rises by two percentage points for landlords who hold property in their own names. With income tax thresholds frozen until 2031, rising rents may also push more landlords into a higher bracket over time.
A surcharge on high-value homes
From April 2028, a high-value council tax surcharge applies to English homes worth £2 million or more. The annual charge runs from £2,500 to £7,500, depending on the value band. Few homes reach that level, but some prime London properties will.
Making Tax Digital for landlords
Landlords earning over £50,000 a year must keep digital records and file quarterly updates with HMRC from April 2026. From April 2027, that threshold drops to £30,000. The Making Tax Digital guidance on GOV.UK sets out the detail, and good record keeping now will save stress later.
The "Your First Home" scheme
The government has confirmed a new equity-loan scheme for first-time buyers of new-build homes. Buyers put down a 2.5% deposit, take a 20% government loan, and cover the rest with a mortgage. Full details are expected at the Budget.
What is predicted but not confirmed
Now for the rumours. These ideas are being discussed, yet none is confirmed, so treat them as possibilities rather than plans.
A capital gains tax rise
The Treasury is reportedly modelling higher capital gains tax on property. Residential gains are currently taxed at 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and 24% for higher-rate taxpayers, as the GOV.UK capital gains tax rates confirm. One option under discussion is moving these rates closer to income tax, which could reach 40%.
Further stamp duty changes
The surcharge on second homes and buy-to-lets rose to 5% in October 2024, and some expect it to climb again. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has ruled out scrapping stamp duty in this Budget, so wholesale reform looks unlikely for now.
What the Autumn Budget 2026 means for London landlords
London landlords face the sharpest impact, simply because values and rents here are high. The confirmed 2% income tax rise will trim profits from April 2027. Meanwhile, Making Tax Digital adds a new admin duty for many.
If a capital gains tax rise does arrive, it would matter most when you sell. A higher rate could make the timing of a sale more important than ever. So landlords thinking of selling may want to review their plans with an adviser sooner rather than later.
There is a practical takeaway here. The rules are multiplying, and a missed detail can be costly. This is one reason more landlords now lean on a managed service to keep compliance and records in order.
What it means for homeowners and buyers
Homeowners and buyers have reasons for cautious optimism. The new "Your First Home" scheme could help more first-time buyers onto the ladder, which supports demand across London. That is good news if you are planning to sell.
Sellers of higher-value homes should watch the capital gains and surcharge rumours closely. If you own a second home or a prime property, the Budget detail could shape your next move. An up-to-date valuation is the best starting point.
How to prepare before 28 October
You cannot predict the Budget, but you can get ready. A few simple steps put you in a stronger position whatever the Chancellor announces.
Know your numbers
Get a current valuation and a clear view of your rental profit or potential gain. Hard figures help you act quickly once the detail is known.
Get your records in order
Gather your income, expenses, and tax paperwork now. If Making Tax Digital applies to you, start the habit of digital records early.
Take advice early
Speak to a qualified tax adviser or a local agent before you make big decisions. Early advice beats a rushed reaction after the headlines land.
How Homefinders can help
We have guided London landlords, homeowners, and buyers through many Budgets since 1988. So we know how to turn headlines into a calm, practical plan for your property.
Our team offers honest valuations, local market insight, and access to financial and conveyancing advice under one roof. Whether you are weighing a sale or protecting a rental, we can help you read the Autumn Budget 2026 and act with confidence. You can start with our guide on whether now is a good time to buy or sell.
| Measure | Status | Who it affects most |
|---|---|---|
| 2% rental income tax rise (Apr 2027) | Confirmed | Landlords |
| High-value council tax surcharge (Apr 2028) | Confirmed | Owners of £2m-plus homes |
| Making Tax Digital for landlords | Confirmed | Landlords over the income threshold |
| "Your First Home" scheme | Confirmed | First-time buyers |
| Capital gains tax rise | Predicted | Landlords and second-home sellers |
| Further stamp duty surcharge changes | Predicted | Buy-to-let and second-home buyers |
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Frequently asked questions
Dates and the big picture
When is the Autumn Budget 2026?
The Autumn Budget 2026 takes place on Wednesday 28 October. The Chancellor, John Healey, will set out the government's tax and spending plans, with property taxes widely expected to feature.
How will the Autumn Budget 2026 affect landlords?
A confirmed 2% rise in tax on rental income starts in April 2027, and Making Tax Digital adds new record-keeping duties. A capital gains tax rise is predicted but not confirmed, which would matter most when a landlord sells.
Specific taxes and schemes
Will capital gains tax go up in the Budget?
It is possible but not confirmed. The Treasury is reportedly modelling higher rates, with one option moving property gains closer to income tax. Current rates are 18% for basic-rate and 24% for higher-rate taxpayers.
Is stamp duty changing in the Autumn Budget 2026?
The Prime Minister has ruled out scrapping stamp duty in this Budget. The surcharge on second homes and buy-to-lets is already 5%, and some expect further changes, though none is confirmed.
What is the "Your First Home" scheme?
It is a confirmed government equity-loan scheme for first-time buyers of new-build homes. Buyers put down a 2.5% deposit, take a 20% government loan, and cover the rest with a mortgage. Full details are expected at the Budget.
What is Making Tax Digital for landlords?
It means keeping digital records and filing quarterly updates with HMRC. It applies to landlords earning over £50,000 a year from April 2026, with the threshold dropping to £30,000 from April 2027.