The 2025 Autumn Budget has finally given the property sector some clarity after months of speculation. While many expected sweeping reforms, the Chancellor delivered stability; welcome news for buyers, sellers, landlords, and the recruitment market that underpins the sector.
Below is a breakdown of the key announcements and, crucially, how GKR is responding to support clients across residential, lettings, and prime markets.
A New “Mansion Tax” for £2m+ Homes
From 2028, properties valued above £2 million will incur a new annual surcharge, from roughly £2,500 per year at the lower threshold up to £7,500+ for properties worth £5 million or more, with inflation-linked rises thereafter.
Because this targets only the top slice of the market, most UK buyers and sellers remain unaffected.
How GKR is responding: We’re partnering with prime and super-prime agencies who will be navigating this shift first. We are already supporting them with specialist senior negotiators, investment advisers, and high-value sales talent to ensure teams are equipped for the nuances of this segment.
Stamp Duty: No Major Overhaul
There were no changes to stamp duty and no broad transaction-tax reforms. The buying process remains familiar for the vast majority; a decision that should stabilise confidence, particularly in sub-£2m markets.
With no new annual charges for homes over £500,000, activity in London and the South East should strengthen.
GKR’s focus: We’re working closely with high-demand agencies across London, the South East, and key commuter belts to secure sales negotiators, branch managers, and property managers who can service returning demand and maintain strong pipelines.
Tax Freezes & Pension Adjustments
Income tax and NI thresholds are frozen for longer, increasing “fiscal drag” as earnings rise. From 2029, pension salary-sacrifice contributions over £2,000 annually will also be taxed, affecting mostly higher earners.
These measures may gradually tighten household budgets, which could influence buying power and longer-term hiring patterns.
GKR insight: We expect sustained or increased demand for:
- compliance-savvy property managers,
- regulatory-focused lettings staff, and
- professionals who can support investor and landlord portfolios as operating costs rise.
Supporting Landlords & Lettings Teams
With higher property income tax rates for landlords coming in April 2027, many will review costs, portfolios, and risk exposure.
GKR is actively helping lettings divisions and property management firms build out teams with:
- compliance specialists,
- tenancy and regulatory experts,
- senior property managers,
- portfolio managers.
These roles are already increasing in demand.
Backing Regional & First-Time Buyer Activity
Stamp duty thresholds staying broadly the same supports affordability in regional markets and for first-time buyers.
GKR is currently partnering with agencies across the UK, including Scotland, the Midlands, the South West, and Northern commuter towns, to place negotiators, business support staff, and property managers who can keep pace with activity in these growing segments.
GKR International: Positioned to Help Agencies Move Forward
The Budget removes a layer of uncertainty. That alone is a catalyst: agencies are now reassessing hiring plans, restructuring departments, and preparing for renewed transaction flow.
At GKR, we’re already working with clients who are:
- expanding sales teams in London and the South East,
- strengthening lettings and compliance functions,
- building specialist desks for prime and super-prime markets,
- scaling regional operations in response to stable first-time buyer activity.
Whether you’re preparing for a post-Budget uplift, planning strategic hires for 2025/2026, or wanting to better position your teams for the year ahead, GKR is ready to support you with the right talent at the right time.
It’s time to move.
