The Intermediary – October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 6
From the editor. . .
here’s nothing quite like the
approach of an Autumn Budget to
keep your friendly neighbourhood
finance journalists on their toes.
From the threat of National
Insurance being applied to rental
income, touted Capital Gains Tax changes, a
Stamp Duty overhaul (I’ll believe that one when
I see it), and potential relief for energy efficiency
improvements, there’s a lot of speculation
going around.
Of course, as this journalist has learned the
hard way, while it’s worth trying to get a handle
on what might be coming, and how it could affect
the market – see page 78, for a start – there’s
a prey strong chance that 26th November
might come and blow all our predictions out of
the water.
We’ve seen it go both ways – right through
from industry experts being certain in the
lead-up to a Budget that support for the property
market was a given, only to be le speechless
when this sector was roundly ignored, to those
happily going about their business only to be hit
by sudden, unexpected change.
What is certain, however, is that this market –
from the vanilla residential to the most complex
specialist finance, and everything in between –
remains robust. Yes, there might be some sounds
of pain and exasperation emanating from a
couple of corners – buy-to-let, I’m looking at you
– but largely this is a sector that is used to geing
on with it and rolling with the punches. Of
course, I’m sure most people would request not to
T
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be punched in the first place, but these days that
seems like asking too much.
All this next wave of uncertainty means
is an increased need to turn to the experts to
understand what on earth is going on, and how
it’s going to affect the day-to-day business of
running a market that is always going to be a key
element of the social and economic foundations
of the UK.
Enter, the humble trade mag. This month,
we’re tackling the practical realities of everything
from non-standard protection challenges in our
feature, to working through build and finance
challenges in development in our round-table.
From second charge evolution to first-time buyer
affordability. I could go on, but you could just
read the thing...
It’s also important to remember that whatever
the fall-out from next month’s Budget, there is
a longer-term picture to be viewed. Next year
sees the advent of planning reform, the Building
Safety Levy, the Renters’ Rights Bill… and that’s
just the policy stuff.
There’s no shortage of policy ambition, but
the market cannot thrive on headlines and
consultation papers alone. It needs consistency,
speed and accountability from those in charge
of delivery. Until then, progress will continue
to rely on the initiative of lenders, brokers and
developers who are willing to act – and innovate
– despite the uncertainty. ●
Jessica Bird
@jess_jbird
@IntermediaryUK
Contributors
The Team
www.facebook.com/IntermediaryUK
OPINION Expert insight
across residential, buy-to-let,
specialist finance, and more
INTERVIEW Tara Evans
discusses second charges
for complex cases
ROUND-TABLE An expert
panel tackles disruption and
solutions in development
The
Intermediary.
www.theintermediary.co.uk | Issue 33 | October 2025 | £6
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