Property industry news
Freeholder court case forces delay in leasehold law
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) was fast tracked through Parliament in May 2024, ahead of the last UK general election, but not all sections of the legislation have yet been brought into force. The reforms affect approximately 4.5 million leasehold homes in England and Wales, but are now being challenged by freeholders, who claim the provisions infringe their human rights.
Freeholder court case forces delay in leasehold law
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) was fast tracked through Parliament in May 2024, ahead of the last UK general election, but not all sections of the legislation have yet been brought into force. The reforms affect approximately 4.5 million leasehold homes in England and Wales, but are now being challenged by freeholders, who claim the provisions infringe their human rights.
New regulation shields leaseholders from cladding costs
The UK Government has set a deadline for the removal of unsafe cladding in England and introduced a new Remediation Bill to ensure that building owners will face legal consequences if they do not rectify life-critical fire safety defects in residential buildings over 11 metres in height by the end of 2031.
Building Safety Levy will start from 1 October 2026
The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 have been laid before Parliament, marking a significant step in the UK Government’s ongoing effort to secure swift remediation of buildings with historical safety defects. Subject to approval, the Levy will be charged to developers and used to pay for the remediation of building safety defects, protecting leaseholders from those costs, and is expected to raise £3.5 billion over ten years.
Renters' Rights: key updates and guidance as the legislation moves forwards
The Bill has completed its journey through the House of Lords, bringing significant changes and implications for letting agents and landlords. It will now return to the House of Commons for approval of the amendments from 8 September 2025. Here's our summary of the main changes that agents need to be aware of, and how Propertymark is supporting members through the transition.
Further tranche of agents hit with penalties for AML failures
194 agents have incurred penalties totalling over £1 million for breaches identified by HM Revenue and Customs between October 2024 and March 2025. The vast majority are a result of failing to register for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision on time – the most common reason agents are fined. This highlights how important it is for property professionals to understand the rules, apply correctly, and maintain an up-to-date registration with HMRC.
Keeping current with electrical safety deadlines
July 2025 will see the first EICRs expire following the Electrical Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) regulations coming into force in July 2020 for new tenancies and April 2021 for existing tenancies. Approaching expiry dates should be checked to allow time to arrange contractors and inspections, and any follow-up actions should be suitably recorded.
Rent shake-up on the horizon for commercial landlords
Upward-only rent reviews will be outlawed in new leases across England and Wales under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Concerns have been raised by the sector about how this move could affect property values and investor confidence. Plus, a shift of this magnitude requires careful implementation to prevent unintended consequences for future development and commercial supply.
Propertymark throws spotlight on weakness in sanctions rules
Our robust response to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee consultation on sanctions scrutiny outlines the disparity between the sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) regimes and underscores the necessity for clearer, more consistent regulations and stronger UK Government support for letting agents navigating complex obligations. Implementing our recommendations will bolster compliance, protect agents, and significantly reduce the risk of economic crime in the UK property sector.
Treasury confirms permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme to boost homeownership
In a significant policy announcement on 15 July 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, unveiled plans to enhance homeownership opportunities across the UK by providing government backing to lenders who offer mortgages with deposits as low as 5%. By making this scheme permanent, the UK Government aims to stabilise the housing market and assist more people in becoming homeowners.
Support smaller developers to unlock housing delivery
Propertymark has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on Reforming Site Thresholds, a key element of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s wider planning reform agenda. The proposed reforms aim to simplify the planning system and ease regulatory barriers for small to medium-sized housing developments, which will help more homes to be built in a shorter timeframe.
Ambitious house building with £36 billion funding
The Social and Affordable Homes Programme, as outlined in the June 2025 Spending Review, has been announced, which will see 300,000 homes delivered across England, with at least 60% for social rent.
Major overhaul of Right to Buy Scheme
Reforms include longer tenancy requirements, reduced discounts, and new protections to improve delivery, reduce fraud, and help councils replace the homes they lose have been announced by the UK Government following a consultation period.