What the Spring 2025 Budget Means for the Property Market

From Budget Promises to Property Decisions –Here’s What You Need to Know

Securing Britain’s future” – that was the headline from the 2025 Spring Budget. But what does it really mean for home buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors trying to navigate today’s complex UK property market?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has laid out Labour’s first economic roadmap since the election. At Survey Network, we’re focusing on the real-world impact – how this Budget affects the people we support every day and what smart property decisions look like in this new landscape.

For Homebuyers: Cautious Optimism

Mortgage rates remain higher than ideal, even after three base rate cuts by the Bank of England since the 2024 general election. While we're far from pre-2022 levels, the government's goal of hitting a 2% inflation target by 2027 signals a longer-term plan for economic stability.

Key Update:

Major reforms to the UK’s planning system are on the horizon. With mandatory housing targets and new policies to unlock “grey belt” land, there’s potential for increased supply – particularly benefiting first-time buyers who’ve been squeezed by affordability issues.

Our Take: Mortgage products are expected to become more competitive if base rates continue to fall. Speak to an expert at Mortgage Tribe to explore your borrowing options and find the right deal for your circumstances.

And don’t forget – a detailed survey helps safeguard your investment. Whether you're eyeing a period property or a new build, a professional survey can flag issues early and avoid costly surprise slater.

For Sellers: Time May Be of the Essence

For those looking to sell in 2025, timing is critical. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has revised growth projections from 2% to 1%, which may impact buyer confidence. However, infrastructure investment and employment initiatives could underpin future market stability.

With housebuilding forecasted to hit a 40-year high, we may soon see an increase in competition as more homes come onto the market. Right now, though, sellers in high-demand areas still have the upper hand due to low stock levels.

💬 Survey Network’s Advice: Maximise your position while demand outpaces supply. A pre-sale property survey can streamline the sales process, reduce fall-throughs, and increase buyer confidence. It’s a powerful tool in an increasingly competitive market.

For Investors: Growth Potential – But Not Without Risk

The 2025 Budget focused on growth, with £8.6billion in investment and a push to unlock infrastructure-led development through planning reform. An additional £1 billion was committed to get people back into work, increasing the need for rental housing near employment hubs.

Still, many investors are balancing rising costs, high interest rates, and uncertainty around future tax policy. While no new tax hikes were announced, the government reiterated that fiscal discipline is a priority.

Investor Insight: Focus on areas with infrastructure plans and rising tenant demand. And remember – when evaluating an investment property, a full building survey from Survey Network can provide critical information to protect your return.

For Landlords: Navigating the Pressure

Landlords continue to operate in a challenging environment. The Spring Budget didn’t offer much direct relief, and increased institutional competition, regulation, and costs are driving some out of the market.

On the upside, the "Get Britain Building Again" initiative, coupled with easier access to “grey belt” development, could present new opportunities for portfolio growth or diversification.

Landlord Tip: Now’s the time to review your assets. If you’re holding underperforming properties, consider a portfolio health check. A surveyor’s report can offer deeper insight into condition, compliance, and potential development options.

Why Now Is the Time to Prioritise Your Survey

With a fresh wave of development on the horizon, sellers will need to stand out, and buyers will want more reassurance before committing. A professional property survey is no longer a ‘nice to have’– it’s an essential.

At Survey Network, our self-employed surveyors offer comprehensive Level 2, Level 3 and full Building Surveys tailored for both residential and commercial needs. Whether you're preparing to list, assessing a potential purchase, or exploring a new investment, our surveys provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

Book your survey with Survey Network today and take the next step with certainty.

Final Thoughts: Fixing Foundations, Building Futures

The Spring Budget paints a picture of a country in transition – with an ambition to stabilise and grow. But while the government lays out plans to fix systemic issues, the impact on the ground may take time.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or seller preparing to make a move, informed decisions start with expert insight. Survey Network is here to help you navigate 2025 with confidence – because smarter surveying is the foundation of a better property journey.

Thinking of buying, selling or investing this spring? Start strong – start with Survey Network.