Latest news

To let board, london terraced houses.
15 Aug 2025
Proposed licensing schemes risk duplication and higher costs for compliant landlords

Hackney Council is consulting on plans to introduce two new five-year licensing schemes in the private rented sector (PRS) from early 2026, arguing that they will improve standards. Propertymark supports the aim of raising housing standards, but we strongly urge Hackney and other local authorities to rethink their approach. A healthy PRS is fundamental to meeting growing housing demand, and under-resourced licensing schemes too often end up penalising good landlords and agents while allowing poor practice to persist.

Saint Helier central square in Jersey
13 Aug 2025
8,500 islanders to benefit from greater fire safety protections

A consultation on the Fire Precautions (Tall Residential Buildings) (Jersey) Regulations sets out proposals from Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, to introduce mandatory fire safety requirements, directly responding to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.

Couple looking at estate agents window display
13 Aug 2025
MPs to examine mortgage access and support for first-time buyers

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into how schemes such as Stamp Duty relief, ISAs, mortgage guarantees, and rent payment history in mortgage decisions affect first-time buyers. It will also consider the effectiveness of Lifetime ISAs, 95% mortgages, Shared Ownership, and the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill and the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill.

Cranes building a high-rise block
07 Aug 2025
Building Safety Regulator told to tackle delays

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee continues its inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and quizzed Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP), who said that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will do more to unblock delays and improve collaboration with industry.

Man looking off office balcony.
06 Aug 2025
Companies House mandatory identity verification roll out

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for the incorporation and appointment of new directors and people with significant control (PSCs). Companies House is encouraging individuals to verify their identities as early as possible.

Gallagher August.jpg
06 Aug 2025
The risks offices are exposed to and how to protect against them

Property agents looking to safeguard their business against financial loss can benefit from suitable office insurance. Offices and those who work within them can be exposed to risks such as theft, damage, or liability claims. Gallagher, Propertymark’s official insurance broking partner, explains the benefits and the potential business-saving cover it can provide.

Client Money Protection
05 Aug 2025
New rules set out on insurance fees for freeholders and agents

The UK Government has confirmed it will move forward with plans to end hidden commission payments on buildings insurance — a change welcomed for improving transparency, but one that raises new challenges for managing agents and landlords. Propertymark has warned that while reforms aim to protect leaseholders, unanswered questions around costs, VAT, and permitted activities could have significant consequences for the sector.

Aerial view of colorful buildings in a seaside town
01 Aug 2025
Edinburgh leads the way as councils gain power to charge overnight visitors

The first Scottish city has introduced a visitor levy, adding a 5% charge to overnight stays from 24 July 2026. The charge will apply to bookings made on or after 1 October 2025, and letting agents and landlords should start preparing now.

Risk managment, wooden block stack
01 Aug 2025
Cracks in the system allow property crime to flourish

A BBC investigation has revealed that criminals used the UK Government’s unclaimed estates list to commit probate fraud. The list, published on the Gov.uk website, included details of around 6,000 estates left by people who died without a will or known heirs. It was taken offline in July 2025 after evidence showed fraudsters used it to submit fake wills and claim millions of pounds in assets.

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