News and reports

On 8 September 2025, MPs debated the Renters’ Rights Bill as it returned to the House of Commons for the Ping-Pong Stage — when amendments made by the House of Lords are considered. This was a crucial step in determining whether the Bill will pass to Royal Assent before the end of the year. The Commons reviewed and responded to a series of amendments, many of which reflected concerns raised by industry and campaigners. While some technical changes were accepted, the UK Government signalled its determination to press ahead with the central reforms.

We are proud to renew our support for the annual safety campaign, which is running from 8–14 September 2025. Coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, the week raises awareness of the importance of gas safety and highlights what individuals can do to protect themselves, their clients, and their communities. This year’s theme, “Looking after your home, friends, and family”, emphasises that gas safety is everyone’s responsibility. Agents, landlords, and homeowners can all take small steps which make a big difference in keeping people safe.

The Scottish Government has published its Tackling Scotland’s Housing Emergency strategy, renewing efforts to bring empty homes back into use, boost affordable housing delivery, and tackle issues such as damp and mould. While some measures have been applauded, the plan fails to address urgent problems in the social and private rented sectors, as well as the pressing challenges facing Scotland’s housing market.

Proposed refinements to the classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes have been put forward by the Welsh Government, with a consultation open until 20 November 2025. Whilst many holiday lets have met the thresholds that are in place, adjustments have been called for to reflect the operational realities of running a seasonal business.

Self-employed businesses in the UK with income over £50,000 will need to follow new rules for recording and submitting tax information under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA). Businesses and landlords affected by the change will be required to maintain digital records, use HMRC-approved software, and submit tax information quarterly, rather than through a single annual Self-Assessment return.

Letting agents routinely use pooled client accounts (PCAs) to manage money for multiple landlords and tenants. These accounts are not only common, they’re also essential to agency operations. However, from a regulatory standpoint, they raise a key question; should banks perform due diligence on the letting agent (as the account holder), or on every individual landlord and tenant whose money passes through the account? Propertymark Industry Supplier, The Letting Partnership, examines the problem with PCAs, and how upcoming regulatory changes could improve the system.

For agents in England working with landlords in this specialist market, it is vital to understand the changes, the risks, and the opportunities ahead. Propertymark has been campaigning hard to ensure student housing is not undermined by reforms designed for the wider private rented sector (PRS). The loss of fixed terms is the single biggest risk for this market, and we continue to fight for workable solutions that protect the annual student lettings cycle.

The Bill may face further amendments before final approval, which must be agreed to by both the Commons and the Lords. This process begins on 8 September, when the legislation could bounce between the two as the fine details are hammered out. For agents working to adapt, it’s a confusing time – so we’ve pulled together a round-up of the reforms, highlighting the areas that are still under discussion.

As the property industry waits for the publication of the UK Government's Housing Strategy and an announcement of the date for the Autumn Budget, reports suggest that the Treasury is busy considering a proposal to shake up property taxation, including imposing income tax on all profits from rental income and replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) with a new national property tax applied to owner occupied homes sold for more than £500,000.