Rumour vs Reality: preparing your personal wealth for Autumn Budget shifts

What could change in the Budget?

Until the Chancellor delivers the Budget, we simply don’t know.

There has been speculation around whether further changes could be made to Capital Gains Tax and other areas affecting personal wealth and assets.

Understandably, this can make people question whether they should sell an investment, transfer an asset or bring forward plans to complete before Budget Day changes the tax landscape.

But making a rushed decision based on something that might happen could leave you worse off.

What are the Capital Gains Tax rules now?

Capital Gains Tax (CGT), can apply when you sell or give away certain assets that have increased in value since you purchased them.

For the 2026/27 tax year, the standard rates for individuals are 18% and 24% depending on your circumstances.

Individuals also currently have a £3,000 annual exempt allowance for capital gains.

There are also various reliefs and exemptions available depending on the asset and your personal circumstances.

This is why looking at the full picture is so important.

Should I make changes before the Budget?

There may be circumstances where taking action before a Budget makes sense, but it should form part of your wider financial and tax plans, rather than being a knee-jerk reaction to speculation.

Before selling, gifting or transferring an asset, think about WHY you are doing it.

Does it fit with your long-term plans? Have you considered the tax that could become payable now? Are there reliefs or exemptions available? And what does the decision mean for you and your family in the future?

Sometimes the right decision will be to take action. Other times, the best decision may be to do nothing at all.

The important thing is that the decision is based on your circumstances rather than the latest headlines.

Now is a good time to review your plans

You don’t need to wait for a Budget announcement to start planning.

Reviewing your position now can help you understand what assets you hold, what tax could arise if you sell or transfer them and whether you are making the most of the reliefs and allowances currently available.

It is also an opportunity to look further ahead.

Good personal tax planning isn’t just about reducing today’s tax bill. It’s about considering what you want your wealth to achieve in the future and how you can protect and pass it on to your family as efficiently as possible.

How can Stratos help?

Whether you are thinking about selling an investment or property, transferring assets to family members or you simply want to understand your current position, we can help you look at the bigger picture.

The Autumn Budget may bring changes, but it may not.

Either way, having a plan puts you in a much better position than reacting to rumours.

If you would like to review your personal tax and wealth position ahead of the Budget, please speak to a member of our team.