Autumn Budget 2026: what could it mean for your home and finances?

The Autumn Budget includes announcements affecting first-time buyers, savings, household bills and employment. If you’re planning to buy a home, move or review your finances, here are the key points.

Some measures extend support already in place, while others are planned for 2027 or later.

Housing & First-Time Buyers

Your First Home scheme

The government plans to introduce Your First Home, an equity loan scheme to help eligible first-time buyers purchase a new-build home in England. Applications are expected to open in February 2027, with the first purchases from April 2027.

Looking further ahead, a separate First Time Buyer ISA is planned from April 2029. It will help people save towards their first home and replace the Lifetime ISA for new accounts. Existing Lifetime ISAs can continue under their existing terms.

Council and affordable housing

An additional £1.5 billion has been announced for social and affordable housing in England, alongside extended access to cheaper borrowing for councils. These measures aim to support housebuilding and improve the availability of affordable homes over time.

Savings & Pensions

Cash ISA allowance stays at £20,000

The planned cut to the cash ISA allowance has been cancelled. Savers can continue putting up to £20,000 a year into cash ISAs, subject to the overall annual ISA allowance.

Interest earned within a cash ISA is tax-free. These accounts can be used for different savings goals, including a house deposit, home improvements or an emergency fund. Withdrawal rules vary between accounts.

Pension tax protection

From April 2027, the Pension Tax Allowance is intended to prevent eligible pensioners with total income up to the value of the full new State Pension from paying income tax.

This refers to total income, rather than just the State Pension. People with higher incomes may still have tax to pay.

Energy Bills & Everyday Costs

Electricity VAT relief

The temporary VAT cut on domestic electricity will be extended until 1 July 2027.

£100 household support

Households in England in council tax bands A–D are set to receive a £100 energy payment from January 2027.

Gas standing charges

The government plans to remove gas standing charges—the daily fee paid for having a gas supply, even when no gas is used. These costs would move into the price charged for gas used, so some households could pay less and others more.

Changes to electricity standing charges are also planned, with further details to follow.

Fuel duty

The temporary 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut will be extended until 1 July 2027, delaying the planned increase.

Pay & Parental Support

Minimum wage increases

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates will rise by 3.9% from 1 April 2027, increasing pay for eligible workers.

Support for self-employed parents

From April 2029, eligible self-employed fathers and partners in Great Britain will be able to receive parental pay. This is intended to help with the cost of taking time away from work after welcoming a child.

Small Businesses & Work Travel

Business rates relief

From 1 April 2027, the rateable value threshold for full Small Business Rates Relief for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will rise from £12,000 to £18,000.

Qualifying properties will also benefit from a two-year cap on business rates bill increases in line with inflation, subject to the scheme’s rules.

Business mileage

The 55p tax-free mileage rate for the first 10,000 qualifying business miles in a car or van will be maintained. From 6 April 2027, the rate for miles above 10,000 will increase from 25p to 35p.

These rates relate to qualifying business journeys, rather than ordinary commuting. They set tax limits and do not require an employer to pay that amount.

Planning Your Next Steps?

The announcements may affect your household budget or future plans, depending on your circumstances.

If you’re buying your first home, moving or reviewing your mortgage and protection needs, contact your adviser at The Right Advice.

Call 01564 791 120 or email hello@the-right-advice.com.

Information reflects announcements published on 28 October 2026. Future measures remain subject to implementation and eligibility rules. This article provides general information and does not constitute personalised financial or tax advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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