RE:UK reaction to Autumn Budget 2026

Following the Budget delivered today by Chancellor John Healey, Real Estate:UK CEO Vanessa Hale said:

“There are a few bright spots for Real Estate:UK’s lobbying in today’s Budget – we have avoided the mooted high value business rates levy on offices, and have confirmed that conversations about reforms to Empty Property Rates Relief will take place. And it was good to see Government adopt our call to roll out more property owner Business Improvement Districts in its high streets strategy, also published today.
 
However, overall this Budget fell short of what’s needed to address the viability crisis blocking the renewal of cities and towns, which has seen property development largely cease in much of the UK. The economic and social consequences of this cannot be overstated, with town centres emptying, new homes not being built, defence facilities delayed, regional office buildings standing empty and logistics and industrial capacity wearing out. It needs urgent and bold intervention and sadly this Budget did not deliver. 
 
While we support the positive measures around accessibility to homeownership, increased funding for affordable housing, accelerating devolution where real estate has an integral role to play, and the qualified ban on new building regulations, these gains are rapidly being offset by other regulatory burdens, additional taxes, and rising construction and operational costs, all of which the Government needs to urgently address over the coming months.”