Autumn Budget 2025: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers in RG5 and RG6
The Autumn Budget brings clarity for RG5 and RG6. No new tax on £500k+ homes, a £2m levy that won’t affect most locals, and no stamp duty changes. Landlords face a 2% tax rise from 2027. With uncertainty gone, confidence should return and more homes are set to come to market.
1. Homes Over £500,000
This Budget is a real boost for homeowners in RG6 (Earley & Lower Earley) and RG5 (Woodley).
A huge proportion of homes in these areas sit in the £450,000–£700,000 bracket, especially:
3-bed terraces
Modern Lower Earley homes
Family homes in Woodley
Detached homes in the £550k–£750k range
The rumoured annual tax on £500k+ homes caused hesitation locally.
Now that it’s officially not happening, sellers in RG5 and RG6 should feel a lot more confident about coming to market. Buyer demand here is already strong because of:
School catchments
Transport links
Family-friendly estates
Modern housing stock with predictable running costs
Expect activity to lift as we head toward the New Year.
2. £2m Council Tax Supplement
This change barely touches RG5 or RG6.
There are very few £2m+ properties in these postcodes, so the new levy won’t influence the bulk of buyers or sellers here.
The only impact you may see:
Buyers relocating from London (where this tax hits far harder) may look more seriously at RG5/6 as a more cost-efficient alternative.
3. Stamp Duty
Stamp duty still hits buyers hardest in the South East, and both RG5 and RG6 sit right in the middle of that challenge.
In these areas:
Buyers regularly sit between £400k and £650k
Stamp duty adds pressure on affordability
A lot of second-steppers feel “stuck” because their SDLT bill jumps when moving up the ladder
With no SDLT support in the Budget, the key here is good preparation:
Buyers should get mortgage advice early and factor SDLT into their calculations upfront.
4. Landlords
The 2% rise in property income tax from 2027 will affect a chunk of local landlords.
RG5 and RG6 have a strong rental market because of:
Families waiting for school places
Relocations from Reading
Professionals working in Thames Valley tech parks
But landlords here already deal with:
EPC upgrades
The Renters’ Rights Act
Last year’s stamp duty increase
Rising compliance costs
This tax rise will push some landlords to rethink their long-term position.
It’s also likely to reduce rental stock in RG5 and RG6, pushing rents up again.
What to Do Next
For Sellers
The pause caused by Budget rumours is over
Demand is strong in both postcodes
Winter-spring is a great window to sell locally
Homes with good presentation (video, drone, proper storytelling) stand out fast in these areas
If you’re in the £500k–£750k range, confidence should return quickly
For Buyers
More stock expected to come on soon
Choice improves heading into the New Year
Affordability is still tight, so getting mortgage-ready early is key
Don’t expect the Budget to bring prices down locally
Focus on value and long-term fit rather than timing the market
For Landlords
Get ahead of the tax changes
Review your portfolio now rather than in 2027
Understand EPC obligations
Look at ways to protect yield: better management, maintenance planning, and long-term tenancy strategy
FAQ's
1: Will the Budget affect house prices in RG5 and RG6?
Not directly. The biggest impact is confidence returning now that the £500k+ tax threat has been removed. Well-presented homes in the £450k–£700k bracket should see strong interest.
2: Are buyers in RG5 and RG6 better off after the Budget?
There’s no new cost for most buyers, and more homes are expected to come to market. Stamp duty hasn’t changed, so early financial planning is still essential.
3: Does the new £2m tax affect our area?
Almost no. Very few homes in RG5 or RG6 fall into this bracket. The change mainly affects high-value parts of London and the South East.
4: What should landlords in RG5 and RG6 do now?
Start planning for the 2027 income tax rise. Review your portfolio, check EPC requirements, and consider professional management to protect yield and stay compliant.