Property industry news

Any newly self-employed agents, those earning untaxed income, or receiving income outside PAYE who need to complete a tax return for the first time for the 2024-2025 tax year, must register with HMRC by 5 October 2025.

The charitable arm of Propertymark, who help members, their families, colleagues, and friends in times of hardship, and also funds qualifications and professional development, has a new website designed to make its support more accessible to members than ever before.

Property agents in Wales could face a landscape where changes to Land Transaction Tax (LTT) occur with far less notice, under new proposals from the Welsh Government that include options for streamlining how tax laws are updated, including those governing property transactions. The proposals, open for response until 28 November 2025, could have significant implications for agents and their clients.

Ofgem has issued draft guidance on protections for heat network consumers, and is seeking views on the rules and requirements set out in the authorisation conditions. This includes obligations around billing clarity, complaint handling, and safeguards for vulnerable residents.

Responding to the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) consultation on the Price Index of Private Rents (PIPR), Propertymark urges better alignment of UK-wide rental data, the use of achieved rather than advertised rents, and faster income statistics to strengthen affordability analysis. Clearer explanations of methodology are needed, as well as greater transparency around Rent Officer data, and quicker publication to make the index more useful.

The Renters’ Rights Bill could upend the entire student housing cycle. Gone are fixed-term contracts. In their place: rolling tenancies with just two months' notice. For the student market — built on predictability — it risks creating instability that the market hasn’t seen in decades. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Rent Guarantor, explores how landlords and letting agents can adapt, and a safety net that might help them land a little softer.

Propertymark has responded to HMRC’s consultation on plans to increase the fees it charges businesses it supervises under the Money Laundering Regulations, warning that higher costs could affect small, independent agents hardest and risk undermining compliance. Proposals include raising the annual premises fee from £300 to £400, reintroducing a £400 application fee, and restructuring penalty charges into a new sanction regime with fines of up to £2,000.

Stage 1 scrutiny of the Bill is underway in the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee, and Propertymark is set to give evidence in person on 9 October. We have also submitted written feedback, outlining how the legislation can be improved to ensure it achieves its aims.

Propertymark has submitted a detailed response to the UK Government consultation based on roundtables and surveys with agents across England. Our engagement shows that most properties managed by our members are already largely compliant. However, the extension of the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will bring new obligations, particularly around damp and mould, safety measures, and clearer repair thresholds. We support a data-driven, proactive approach to property management that considers tenant experience.

This year, trees across Britain began shedding leaves weeks ahead of schedule. At a glance, it might seem like a charming sign of an early autumn - in reality, it’s a stress response. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Inventory Base, explains why this subtle ecological shift has very real consequences for the lettings sector.

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.