Latest news

Legal gavel and scales on a desk
24 Jul 2025
Freeholder court case forces delay in leasehold law

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) was fast tracked through Parliament in May 2024, ahead of the last UK general election, but not all sections of the legislation have yet been brought into force. The reforms affect approximately 4.5 million leasehold homes in England and Wales, but are now being challenged by freeholders, who claim the provisions infringe their human rights.

Burnt out Grenfell tower
24 Jul 2025
New regulation shields leaseholders from cladding costs

The UK Government has set a deadline for the removal of unsafe cladding in England and introduced a new Remediation Bill to ensure that building owners will face legal consequences if they do not rectify life-critical fire safety defects in residential buildings over 11 metres in height by the end of 2031.

Cranes building a high-rise block
23 Jul 2025
Building Safety Levy will start from 1 October 2026

The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 have been laid before Parliament, marking a significant step in the UK Government’s ongoing effort to secure swift remediation of buildings with historical safety defects. Subject to approval, the Levy will be charged to developers and used to pay for the remediation of building safety defects, protecting leaseholders from those costs, and is expected to raise £3.5 billion over ten years.

AML written on wooden blocks next to a piles of coins
22 Jul 2025
Further tranche of agents hit with penalties for AML failures

194 agents have incurred penalties totalling over £1 million for breaches identified by HM Revenue and Customs between October 2024 and March 2025. The vast majority are a result of failing to register for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision on time – the most common reason agents are fined. This highlights how important it is for property professionals to understand the rules, apply correctly, and maintain an up-to-date registration with HMRC.

Electrician working on fuse box
22 Jul 2025
Keeping current with electrical safety deadlines

July 2025 will see the first EICRs expire following the Electrical Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) regulations coming into force in July 2020 for new tenancies and April 2021 for existing tenancies. Approaching expiry dates should be checked to allow time to arrange contractors and inspections, and any follow-up actions should be suitably recorded.

Commercial property in a town centre
18 Jul 2025
Rent shake-up on the horizon for commercial landlords

Upward-only rent reviews will be outlawed in new leases across England and Wales under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Concerns have been raised by the sector about how this move could affect property values and investor confidence. Plus, a shift of this magnitude requires careful implementation to prevent unintended consequences for future development and commercial supply.

First-time buyers 1920.jpeg
17 Jul 2025
Treasury confirms permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme to boost homeownership

In a significant policy announcement on 15 July 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, unveiled plans to enhance homeownership opportunities across the UK by providing government backing to lenders who offer mortgages with deposits as low as 5%. By making this scheme permanent, the UK Government aims to stabilise the housing market and assist more people in becoming homeowners.

Agent in branch holding a Propertymark P
16 Jul 2025
Renters' Rights: key updates and guidance as the legislation moves forwards

The Bill has completed its journey through the House of Lords, bringing significant changes and implications for letting agents and landlords. It will now return to the House of Commons for approval of the amendments from 8 September 2025. Here's our summary of the main changes that agents need to be aware of, and how Propertymark is supporting members through the transition.

Building houses.jpg
11 Jul 2025
Ambitious house building with £36 billion funding

The Social and Affordable Homes Programme, as outlined in the June 2025 Spending Review, has been announced, which will see 300,000 homes delivered across England, with at least 60% for social rent.

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