Brokers are calling for taxation adjustments and stamp duty reforms in the upcoming autumn Budget, research from HSBC has found.
HSBC’s Broker Barometer found that government policies and economic conditions remain top concerns for brokers, with many calling for fixes in the upcoming Budget.
The main asks from brokers included a reduction in taxes and increases to tax band allowances, a reduction in stamp duty, and more support for first-time buyers – such as help-to-buy schemes.
Brokers also called for housing market stimulation through targeted housing investment, and economic stability and growth with a clear and consistent approach to taxation and spending.
HSBC UK head of intermediary mortgages, Chris Pearson, said: “Brokers have sent a clear message to Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the Autumn Statement.
“Measures that support affordability, stimulate housing supply and simplify taxation will make a real difference, but the priority must be reform of stamp duty.
“The feedback shows a profession that understands the wider economic context and wants to see long-term, sustainable growth in the housing market, not just short-term fixes.”
HSBC added that the requested measures are necessary due to the current level of confidence brokers have in the economy.
Looking ahead to the next six to 12 months, the barometer found that 61 per cent of respondents rated their confidence in the economy a five or above, a notable decrease from the 78 per cent recorded in the previous barometer in Q2 2025.
Project 28
Additionally, the barometer revealed “strong” support among brokers for “Project 28” – the plan to cut the time from sale agreed to exchange of contracts to just 28 days.
Nearly nine in 10 brokers (89 per cent) have voiced support for the project as a step forward for the mortgage and property market.
HSBC’s barometer revealed specific areas of concern that brokers believe should be prioritised in order to achieve this goal, with four in particular being identified as important.
Some 65 per cent of respondents cited the provision of relevant upfront information and condition reports as the most important element to streamline the house buying process, while 53 per cent wanted early instruction of a seller-side conveyancer.
“Brokers are strongly backing initiatives like Project 28, recognising the power of innovation to improve the home-buying experience for their customers,” Pearson added.
“Their support for Project 28 underlines a shared commitment across the industry to make the home-buying journey faster, more transparent and more efficient — something that will benefit brokers, customers, lenders and conveyancers alike.
“Project 28 represents a real opportunity to simplify one of life’s most stressful experiences — and brokers are fully behind it.”
tom.dunstan@ft.com
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