One of the most promising updates from the Spring Budget 2025 is a series of planning reforms aimed at speeding up, clarifying, and making the property development process more growth-focused.
At Christopher Anthony Property Experts, this is a positive move for buyers, sellers, developers, and investors—particularly in high-demand areas across Hampshire and Surrey.
What’s Changing?
The government has announced sweeping reforms to modernise the UK planning system. Key changes include:
- Delegating planning decisions to professional officers (rather than slow-moving committees)
- Establishing national development priorities to support consistent decision-making
- Encouraging development on underused land, especially in towns and urban areas
These changes are expected to speed up approvals, boost housebuilding, and unlock new investments nationwide.
How Will This Affect the Local Property Market?
- Buyers – More Supply, More Choice
This is a positive step if you’ve been struggling to find a home due to limited stock. Planning reforms can be expected to increase the supply of new homes, especially in commuter towns and suburban areas like:
- Wokingham
- Reading
- Guildford
- Basingstoke
With more developments, buyers may benefit from increased availability and reduced pressure on prices mid to long term.
- Developers – Faster Planning Approvals
If you’re involved in small-to-medium property developments, these reforms could reduce red tape and help projects get off the ground quicker.
This may present new opportunities for:
- Local developers and builders
- Buy-to-sell or build-to-let investors
- Landowners considering residential or mixed-use projects
We expect more interest in brownfield and urban edge developments across Hampshire and Surrey.
- Sellers – More Competition on the Horizon
For current homeowners thinking of selling, it’s important to consider timing. As more new builds enter the market, you could face:
- Increased competition, particularly in new development areas
- A need to price competitively or highlight key features when marketing your property
If you’re in an area marked for future growth or regeneration, this could also increase the appeal and value of your home—but acting in advance could give you an edge.
Key Takeaway for Investors
The reforms are part of a broader strategy to support economic growth through housing. Investors may benefit from:
- Greater certainty around planning applications
- New build-to-let opportunities in strategic locations
- A more predictable development pipeline for medium-term planning
The 2025 planning reforms could reshape the local property landscape. For buyers, it’s a step towards better access. For developers and investors, it’s a chance to move faster and more confidently. And for sellers, it’s a sign that now may be a good time to act—before competition increases.
At Christopher Anthony Property Experts, we’re here to help you understand how national policy changes affect your local market. Whether buying, selling, or planning a development in Hampshire or Surrey, please speak to our team for expert guidance at every step.
