After a defining year of cautious optimism, the 2026 economic landscape is starting to show the fruits of stability.

With inflation easing and the base rate currently sitting at 3.75%, the property market is finely balanced and highly responsive to the right signals.

The spring forecast represents more than a fiscal update, it is an opportunity to support a market that demands speed, flexibility, and responsiveness.

The most impactful outcome would be a credible path to lower borrowing costs. While the Bank of England is independent, fiscal discipline creates the conditions for rates to fall.

Every point cut in the base rate matters enormously to those on tracker and variable-rate mortgages.

In addition to rate stability, we hope to see targeted schemes to assist those facing genuine cost pressures and threshold reviews that ensure that support mechanisms reflect 2026 property values, particularly in high-growth areas.

The aspiration to own a home remains as strong as ever, but what has changed in recent years is the belief that this dream is achievable.

For many, both young and old, homeownership feels theoretical and perpetually out of reach. We would welcome a meaningful look at practices that reflect current market realities for first-time buyers.

The government should work alongside specialist providers to expand access, rather than relying solely on the high street to deliver for all.

The specialist sector is the engine room of the property market, and it functions best when broader factors such as rates, taxation and regulation are supportive.

Lower interest rates reduce the cost of short-term borrowing, making specialist finance accessible to a wider pool of investors.

Sensible stamp duty policy means deals that make economic sense get done, rather than being strangled by transaction costs. A clear, regulatory framework means lenders can be innovative without being reckless.

We are proud to operate in the part of the market that moves fast and regardless of what comes out of the spring forecast, we will continue to do what we can to support the market.

Tomer Aboody is director of specialist lender MT Finance