4 November 2025
With the Autumn Budget now revealed, many prospective buyers are considering what it means for their next step. Here, Melanie Richards, Sales & Marketing Director at Morrish Homes, shares her perspective on the outlook for homebuyers in 2026.
“The Autumn Budget didn’t deliver any big surprises for the housing market, and while many were hoping for more, the lack of major change does at least give buyers some stability. For most people planning a move, nothing has been introduced that makes buying a home more difficult, and that certainty can help buyers feel more confident about getting their plans back on track.
With stamp duty remaining as it is, and the new Mansion Tax affecting only properties over £2m, the vast majority of homebuyers won’t see any change to their expected costs. After a quieter few weeks as people waited for today’s announcement, I hope this clearer picture will help restore some momentum heading into the new year.
We’re also seeing lenders continue to adjust their products to support buyers. Nationwide widening access to interest-only mortgages, HSBC offering higher income multiples for certain customers, and Barclays providing 95% LTV mortgages on new build homes are all encouraging signs. With close to 29,000 mortgage deals currently available, there remains healthy choice for those ready to explore their options.
One of the key updates today was the confirmation that energy bills are expected to fall next year. That will be reassuring for households who are keeping a close eye on monthly running costs. New build homes already tend to be far more efficient than older properties, and ours are designed with long-term savings in mind.
Every Morrish home comes with a full structural warranty, plus our own two-year customer care warranty, which gives peace of mind and covers any general snagging. We build to the latest regulations, using high levels of insulation, double glazing and modern heating technology as standard, all of which help keep energy bills lower. Because everything in a new home is brand new - from the roof to the heating system and wiring - maintenance costs are also significantly reduced for many years.
We’re continuing to future-proof many of our homes with features such as air source heat pumps, EV charging points and solar panels. At Mountbatten Park in Romsey, every home includes an air source heat pump as standard, so buyers there could particularly feel the benefit if electricity costs fall as forecast. And at Nansledan in Cornwall, we’ve introduced a small number of low-carbon homes that use innovative materials and renewable technology, giving buyers an even more sustainable choice.
We also understand that the upfront costs of moving can be a challenge. That’s why we’re offering incentives on selected plots, including contributions towards stamp duty, deposits or legal fees. For many buyers, this support can make a meaningful difference when planning their move. We have a number of homes ready to move into now across Poundbury in Dorset, Nansledan in Cornwall and Mountbatten Park in Romsey, offering a range of options for first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers alike.
So while this Budget wasn’t transformative, it does give buyers a clearer landscape to plan against. Mortgage products remain accessible, energy costs look set to ease, and there are good homes available. For anyone considering a move in 2026, the path ahead feels steadier than it did only a few weeks ago.