Every Autumn, the Chancellor’s Budget sends ripples through the UK property market. This year is no exception. With house prices levelling off, mortgage rates edging down, and speculation about tax changes mounting, the Autumn Budget 2025 could have a real impact on your next move in the Cambridge property market.
At Hockeys, we’ve been helping people buy and sell homes across Cambridge and the surrounding villages since 1885. Here’s our take on what this year’s announcements could mean for buyers, sellers, and landlords in our area.
First-Time Buyers: Is Now the Moment to Step In?
For first-time buyers in Cambridge, affordability has always been the biggest hurdle. Recent figures suggest house price growth is slowing, which is welcome news if you’re saving for your first step onto the ladder.
The Budget may bring further support:
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Stamp Duty tweaks are being widely discussed, with suggestions that the 0% threshold for first-time buyers could be extended.
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Government-backed mortgage schemes may also be extended or replaced, providing extra confidence for those struggling with deposits.
What does this mean locally?
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A two-bedroom terrace in Chesterton or a modern flat in Trumpington may suddenly become more accessible.
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Buyers waiting for prices to drop further could miss out if incentives make the competition heat up again.
Homeowners & Sellers: A Window of Opportunity
If you’re a homeowner in Cambridge or the surrounding villages, the Autumn Budget could influence the timing of your sale.
Two key areas to watch:
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Annual property taxes – rumours persist that a new form of recurring tax on higher-value homes could replace, or sit alongside, Stamp Duty. For Cambridge homeowners, where property values are typically above the national average, this could have a big effect.
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Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – while most homeowners are exempt when selling their main residence, changes to CGT on second homes and investment properties might impact sellers in Cambridge’s villages such as Linton, Willingham, and Ely.
If you’re considering selling, moving ahead of any tax changes could help you maximise your return. Cambridge remains one of the most resilient housing markets in the UK, thanks to demand from the universities, science parks, and international buyers.
Landlords: Buy-to-Let at a Crossroads
After years of pressure, landlords may find a glimmer of good news this Autumn. Buy-to-let mortgage costs have fallen to their lowest level in three years, sparking renewed interest in investment property.
But the Budget could bring both carrots and sticks:
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Mortgage costs: falling rates make financing more appealing again, particularly for landlords focused on student lets in Cambridge or family rentals in nearby villages.
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Taxation: the Chancellor may look to increase revenue from rental property through adjustments to tax relief or additional surcharges.
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Regulation: ongoing reforms around minimum energy efficiency standards and tenant protections remain firmly on the agenda.
For landlords in Cambridge, balancing short-term opportunities with long-term legislation is key. The city’s combination of student demand, professional tenants from the tech and biotech industries, and limited housing supply continues to make it a strong place to invest.
What You Should Do Now
The property market doesn’t stand still, and neither should you. Waiting until after the Budget to act could leave you behind the curve.
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If you’re a first-time buyer: Speak to a mortgage broker now to understand what you can afford. Incentives may appear, but so will more buyers.
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If you’re thinking of selling: Get a valuation ahead of the Budget so you know where you stand before any tax announcements.
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If you’re a landlord: Review your portfolio and finances to decide whether to expand while mortgage rates are favourable.
Our View
At Hockeys, we believe the Cambridge market will remain robust regardless of the Budget. Our city’s global reputation for education, research, and innovation continues to attract buyers, investors, and renters alike.
That said, the right move at the right time can save you thousands — or make you thousands. That’s why keeping ahead of the political and economic changes is vital.
If you’d like to discuss how the Autumn Budget 2025 could affect your plans, our team across Cambridge, Ely, Linton, Willingham, Newmarket & Wisbech is here to help.
Final Thoughts
Whatever the Chancellor announces, one thing is certain: property remains at the heart of people’s lives, wealth, and ambitions. By planning ahead, Cambridge homeowners, buyers, and landlords can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Contact us today for tailored advice and a free market appraisal before the Autumn Budget 2025.
10 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2AD