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16 Apr 2025
Welsh Revenue Authority prepares for bigger role as visitor levy plans progress

A new Corporate Plan for 2025 to 2028 sets out how the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) will expand its responsibilities and strengthen service delivery. The plan signals a step change in the WRA’s role, with implications for agents operating across the short-term lettings and tourism sectors in Wales.

Black house for sale board
14 Apr 2025
Make material information your superpower

The time it takes to complete a property sale in the UK remains stubbornly high, with buyers and sellers facing delays that can cause deals to fall through and create stress. Propertymark’s Housing Insight Report demonstrates that 32% of member agents reported it takes an average of 17 weeks or more to progress from offer to acceptance to exchange.

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10 Apr 2025
Four common causes of professional indemnity claims against letting and sales agents

Trust is placed in lettings and sales agents by individuals and businesses who seek expertise, knowledge and attention to detail. With that trust, however, comes risk – and that's why it's essential to consider Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance. Gallagher, the industry-approved supplier of insurance for Propertymark, offers cover for agency businesses to help protect them from the legal costs involved should a client make a claim against them due to a mistake or incorrect advice.

Lady looking at art in auctioneers hall
08 Apr 2025
Trump tariffs and the UK auction market: adapting for the future

US trade tariffs are shifting global auction dynamics, and UK auctioneers are being drawn into the ripple effects of international policy. While these measures are largely designed to protect US industries from Chinese competition, they’ve also had knock-on effects on transatlantic trade, complicating the movement of goods and altering buyer behaviour in ways that UK auction businesses are starting to feel. So, how can UK auctioneers respond with confidence to a changing market?

Coins in jars moving from empty to full jars
07 Apr 2025
Santander increases mortgage affordability — what this means for the market

The lender has reduced its stress testing rates and adjusted how they calculate income, enabling some customers to borrow up to £35,000 more than before. This follows calls from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for lenders to review their affordability tests and ensure they are not too restrictive.

Heat pump being installed
04 Apr 2025
Heat in Buildings Bill to return with more realistic aims

Extensive revisions have been announced to the proposed Bill, which is designed to transition Scotland's buildings to cleaner heating systems and improve energy efficiency. Following consultations, including substantial input from Propertymark, the Scottish Government is now committed to developing a more balanced approach that aligns environmental objectives with economic realities.

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03 Apr 2025
Propertymark launches unified logo to build on momentum in consumer awareness

The new logo will be exclusively available to those who take up a new Company Advantage package, signalling to prospective clients that a business has successfully achieved accreditation. In research independently conducted by YouGov, consumers overwhelmingly chose the wording that would make them want to engage and instruct.

Radiator with frozen thermostatic valve
02 Apr 2025
UK Government must focus on affordability to tackle fuel poverty

Propertymark has called for a major shift in how fuel poverty is defined and addressed, with high energy prices and many households struggling to afford heating and electricity. In our response to the Fuel Poverty Strategy consultation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), we advocate the move away from using Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings as a key measure.

Wheel chair access to property.jpg
02 Apr 2025
Propertymark calls for greater focus on accessible homes

The UK Government has responded to a report on the experiences of disabled people in the housing sector, which was published by the former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in 2024. Propertymark provided evidence to the inquiry and has written to current housing minister Rushanara Ali, MP, renewing our calls for a more robust and inclusive approach within the UK’s wider housebuilding agenda.

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