One in five UK homeowners say they are postponing plans to sell their property amid uncertainty over November’s Budget, fuelling fears of further gridlock in the housing market.

The research, from We Buy Any Home, highlights widespread concern over the potential impact of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first full Budget on Wednesday 26 November. Homeowners cited anxieties over stamp duty, mortgage rates and possible tax changes as reasons for holding off.

Of those worried about affording a new property, 46% said Budget uncertainty was directly causing them to delay. This group equates to 21% of all homeowners surveyed. More than a third – 38% – said stamp duty costs were a particular concern.

Other obstacles reported included hidden moving costs such as solicitors, surveys and removals (57%), mortgage affordability and interest rates (53%), and worries over job security in the current economy (26%).

Elliot Castle, chief executive of We Buy Any Home, said: “We’re seeing a perfect storm. People want to move – but they’re frozen by what the November Budget might bring. Will stamp duty go up? Will tax thresholds change? Will interest rates drop, or stay stuck? The lack of clarity is stalling the market.”

REGIONAL AND AGE DIVIDES

The survey of 1,004 homeowners found that concerns varied across demographics. Those in London, the East of England and Wales showed the greatest anxiety about tax changes, while younger households were more troubled by mortgage costs and job security. Among those aged 45 to 54, some 68% said they feared they would be unable to afford a mortgage if they moved.

Castle compared the mood to “waiting for a traffic light that never turns green”, with many homeowners unwilling to commit until they know what Reeves will announce.

POSSIBLE CHANGES

Housing specialists expect several areas of policy to be under review in the Budget, including potential reforms to stamp duty, capital gains tax and property taxation on landlords and second homes. There has also been speculation about mortgage relief or buyer support aimed at restoring confidence.

Castle warned that even modest adjustments could unsettle the market. “Even small tweaks to stamp duty or capital gains can have a huge ripple effect. Buyers get cold feet, sellers delay decisions – and the whole chain stalls.”

For now, thousands of prospective movers remain in limbo, waiting for clarity from the Treasury. “The Budget needs to bring confidence,” Castle said. “Otherwise, we risk deepening the gridlock we’re already seeing in the property market.”