News and reports

In a major setback for long-awaited housing reform, the UK Government has failed to publish the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill before the end of 2025 as repeatedly promised to Parliament — delaying crucial leasehold overhaul legislation until early 2026. The omission, confirmed in correspondence from Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook to the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee, has drawn sharp criticism from MPs, campaigners and sector bodies alike.

The UK Government has announced that an expansion of its Rent Repayment Orders (RROs) pilot scheme will see the trial rolled out to 41 local authorities across England following early success in recovering public funds and deterring poor housing practice.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed a wide-ranging review of mortgage rules to support sustainable home ownership while ensuring standards of consumer protection remain high. The reform signals positive change on the horizon for first- and last-time buyers, self-employed people, and vulnerable customers, who may have experienced limited access to borrowing under the current rules.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is keeping up the pace of change by beginning consultation on ‘definitive’ changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before the ink is dry on the newly approved Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. The latest proposals are the final step in the regearing of the planning system, which the UK Government says will be followed by a period of stability and laser-focused delivery.

Propertymark has worked tirelessly to ensure members’ voices are heard, practical concerns are addressed, and reforms are workable as the UK and devolved governments have pushed ahead with major legislative changes. Long-standing challenges around supply, affordability and standards have remained firmly in focus, and we will continue to scrutinise legislation, challenge unclear proposals and provide practical guidance to support members as reforms move from policy into practice across the UK.

The English Housing Survey (EHS) for 2024-25 provides a detailed picture of how people across England are buying, renting and coping with rising housing costs. For Propertymark members, the findings highlight important shifts in first-time buyer behaviour, demand in the private rented sector (PRS), and growing affordability challenges — with London continuing to stand apart from the rest of the country.

Member feedback has highlighted the growing phenomenon of AI tools helping consumers create detailed, legal-sounding complaints in minutes. While many complaints are reasonable and well-intentioned, the speed and volume made possible by AI are creating new pressures for property agents, especially smaller firms with limited staff capacity. Propertymark is working to ensure members are supported through clear guidance, professional standards, and a strong voice with policymakers.

Propertymark head office is the proud home of a giant circus-themed gavel which was sold as part of the Bidpath Foundation’s Gavel Art Trail and Charity Auction in November 2025. The Foundation was set up in honour of Bidpath colleague and NAVA Propertymark Advisory Panel member George Wade following his brain tumour diagnosis in 2024. It aims to raise funds for underrepresented causes through community-led auction initiatives.

Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, met senior officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on 8 December to discuss how economic crime affects the property sector, particularly the role of real estate in laundering illicit wealth and the regulatory gaps that can facilitate this activity. Meanwhile, the UK Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy 2025, setting out plans to strengthen the UK’s defences against illicit finance.