Property industry news

A mixed performance across the UK housing market in May. Despite broader economic uncertainties, including stubborn inflation and modest GDP contraction, the sector remains resilient with both challenges and signs of recovery.

We were delighted to welcome members from across the UK and internationally to our interactive digital AGM, which gave members a chance to hear updates on key issues from our Chair, CEO, and Head of Finance, along with the opportunity to ask questions. We also marked the beginning of fresh Presidential terms for the ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark Advisory Panels and announced this year's successful Vice-Presidents, who now join the presidential teams for the sales and lettings divisions.

Propertymark has responded to the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee’s consultation on the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill, warning that the legislation’s success will depend on adequate funding, cross-sector collaboration, and clear implementation plans.

Propertymark has issued a robust response to the Mayor of London’s consultation on the next London Plan, warning that without urgent action to address the capital’s acute housing shortage, the Plan risks failing to meet its fundamental aims. The proposals lack critical focus on the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS), underplay the challenge of housing delivery, and fail to fully embrace the potential of private landlords to meet housing need.

The Bill cleared the Committee Stage in the House of Lords on 15 May 2025, and the next step, the Report Stage, will take place over three sessions between 1–15 July. It seems unlikely the Bill will complete the final stages and gain Royal Assent before Summer recess, however, key measures - like changes to tenancy agreements and possession rules – could still come into force later this year. More complex elements, such as the landlord and agent database and the Decent Homes Standard, are expected to follow in 2026 or 2027.

In 2018, Propertymark Industry Supplier RentGuarantor launched with a clear purpose: to support people who deserved access to rental homes but were being turned away—not for financial reasons, but because they didn’t fit the system. RentGuarantor set out to provide an alternative, a support mechanism that helped tenants secure a place to live, while giving landlords and letting agents the confidence to say yes. Seven years on, they explain why their purpose hasn’t changed, but the scale has.

Police have called on auctioneers and high-value dealers to help recover four historic bronze statues stolen from the grounds of Iford Manor in Wiltshire during the night of 19 June 2025. This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of heritage assets and the crucial role that auctioneers and agents can play in preventing the circulation of stolen goods.

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 officially became law on 19 June, marking the biggest update to the UK’s digital data laws since Brexit. The Act amends — but does not replace — the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). For Propertymark members, the new law presents a golden opportunity to streamline processes and embrace innovation, all while continuing to protect people’s personal data.

Propertymark has welcomed the launch of Extract, the UK Government’s new technology solution, which aims to reduce delays and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes through its Plan for Change. However, we urge ministers to recognise that digitising the planning system is only one part of the solution to tackling the housing crisis – recruitment, inefficient processes, and skills gaps must still be addressed.

As the new Stamp Duty thresholds were introduced from April across England and Northern Ireland, it’s inevitable that a slowing in the pace of the market was to be noted. In the lettings market, we have seen a welcome jump in the number of properties on the market.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a technical consultation on reforming planning committees in England. The proposals could lead to significant changes in how planning decisions are made locally. Propertymark has responded on behalf of our members to ensure the voice of the property sector is heard, and we also encourage individuals to add their views.

The House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has held a one-off evidence session to examine how property management companies operate and the impact this has on homeowners. Held on 17 June 2025, the session explored concerns about high service charges, lack of transparency, and limited control over how estates are managed, issues that Propertymark has repeatedly raised in our calls for regulation.