Property industry news

The Scottish Government has announced a new national drive to match empty homes with people who want to buy and renovate them, a practical step aimed at reducing the country’s 43,000 long-term empty properties and easing pressure across the housing system. For agents, especially those operating in rural or regeneration areas, this offers new opportunities to support owners, connect with motivated buyers and help local authorities increase housing supply.

The 2025 Autumn Budget confirmed a new £1.5 billion allocation for the Warm Homes Plan, intended to support insulation and low-carbon heating upgrades across England. According to the UK Government, the funding will target households in the least efficient homes, as part of a long-term ambition to upgrade up to five million properties.

The Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has published a report on a three-year enforcement project across the West Midlands that targeted CMP failures by letting agents and helped protect more than £11.1 million in client money. Propertymark’s compliance team supported the operation by answering hundreds of enquiries from Trading Standards and providing witness statements when required.

Despite weeks of speculation, the Chancellor’s speech contained no changes to Stamp Duty and, disappointingly, no announcement on LHA rates , which remain frozen. However, Rachel Reeves, MP, has pushed ahead with plans for a ‘mansion tax’ on properties worth over £2 million, an increase in property income tax, and increases to the National Minimum Wage.

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) launched the Panel to give publicans reliable, specialist support on property and valuation matters. Advisors are selected only after demonstrating rigorous professional standards, deep sector expertise, and a strong track record, and we are delighted that three Propertymark members have been appointed to this national panel.

Propertymark shared member survey data to illustrate the challenges faced by agents when the UK Government requested evidence on how the UK Money Laundering Regulations could be improved. Ministers have listened, and regulations expected to take effect in early 2026 will have sensible changes to Customer Due Diligence and improve access to compliant business banking services for agencies.

Propertymark audit visits are receiving excellent feedback and giving firms greater confidence in their compliance processes—challenging the perception that audits are designed to catch agents out. Increasingly, members use the visits as a practical check on how daily procedures work and to identify improvements early.

Homes England’s latest edict on building specifications and best-practice sets out a modern blueprint for housing that is energy-efficient, moisture-resilient, comfortable, and easy to live in. While formally aimed at the social and affordable housing sectors, the scale of Homes England-funded delivery and its influence on design culture mean its impact will be felt far beyond those boundaries.

Despite acknowledging concerns from Propertymark and others that property firms find pricing more complex because of tax, fees, and other variables, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has pressed ahead with publishing generic guidance on price transparency under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. From 6 April 2025, the DMCCA replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, so the CMA’s approach will shape day to day advertising for every agent.

Checking carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and heating systems can help prevent avoidable tragedies. Known as the ‘silent killer’, CO has no smell, taste, or colour, yet even small amounts can be fatal. Hundreds of people are hospitalised each year due to this poisoning, and many could be prevented with simple maintenance and alarm checks.

Joining industry leaders at FutureFinance.AI Proptech conference on 7 November 2025, our CEO, Nathan Emerson, discussed the crucial role that data quality and regulatory reform will play in driving growth and emphasised that agents need to have confidence that the digital product will have longevity before making significant investments.

The UK Government has confirmed that the first phase of reforms will take effect on 1 May 2026, marking the most significant shift to tenancy law in a generation. From this date, all existing and new private tenancies in England will move onto the new system. Propertymark has consistently pressed for sufficient lead-in time to allow agents and landlords to prepare. With a firm date now announced, the sector can begin making practical plans.