Estate Agent Confidence Divided as Sector Braces for Autumn Budget Announcements
Confidence across the estate agency sector is increasingly mixed, according to new sentiment data from GetAgent, as the industry awaits key housing decisions in the Autumn Budget.
In a survey of 352 estate agents, nearly half (49%) reported a slowdown in buyer and seller activity, highlighting fewer enquiries and new instructions. Another 39% described current confidence as “moderate”, with transactions still happening but greater caution among clients. Only 13% felt that activity in their local markets remained strong.
Economic Uncertainty Still the Biggest Drag
When asked what is most holding their markets back, agents pointed primarily to the wider economic climate and cost-of-living pressures (47%). Uncertainty over potential tax changes in the forthcoming Budget followed closely at 34%. Limited stock (11%) and higher mortgage rates (8%) were also identified as ongoing challenges.
Stamp Duty Reform Tops Agents’ Wishlist
The survey revealed a clear consensus on what could help stimulate the market. Almost two-thirds of agents (63%) called for a reduction or reform of stamp duty to ease upfront pressures on buyers.
Other measures seen as beneficial included reducing planning or tax barriers to boost housing supply (16%), offering incentives for downsizers (10%), and introducing more targeted mortgage support or affordability schemes (10%).
Low Confidence Ahead of Key Budget Decisions
Despite the appetite for meaningful change, confidence that the Autumn Budget will deliver positive housing measures remains low. Seventy per cent of respondents said they do not expect the Government to act decisively, while only 6% felt “very confident”.
Industry Calls for Clarity and Long-Term Direction
Colby Short, Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, said:
“The housing market has shown real resilience this year, with transactions on track to rise by more than 8% despite difficult conditions. Agents are still getting deals over the line, but uncertainty ahead of the Autumn Budget is starting to weigh on buyer and seller confidence.
“There’s a strong view that stamp duty reform would offer the most immediate boost, but short-term fixes alone won’t solve the deeper issues. The industry is looking for long-term commitment on planning reform, housing delivery, and support for first-time buyers.
“The fundamentals remain solid—what’s needed now is consistency and clear direction to maintain momentum into 2026 and beyond.”