Property industry news
No sign from agents that the good times have yet ended
HOUSING REPORT: Despite recent murmurings of an impending slowdown in the property market, figures our agents reported for May appear to show the buoyant market continues. Perhaps as a result, lengthy waiting times from offer to exchange remain.
Adaptations for disabled tenants’ consultation
The UK Government is seeking views on proposals to make landlords legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to common areas of rented properties: outside areas, entrances, hallways, landings, and stairwells, more accessible for disabled people.
The importance of effective cyber risk management
There is now a greater reliance on digital services for agents, this makes it even more important to review and invest in cybersecurity to manage the risk of potentially disruptive cyber incidents.
New leaders announced to set and deliver strategy
Michael Alan Sears and Mish Liyanage join the specialist skillset of the current Propertymark Board following a rigorous election process to help drive forward our vision and business strategy. New Presidents of the lettings and sales divisions also take their posts from today, 17 June 2022.
White Paper claims a fairer deal for the PRS
The UK Government has published a Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper that claims it will redress the balance between landlords and 4.4 million tenants in the private rented sector (PRS).
First cost of living payments coming in July
The UK Government has announced the first instalment of the new cost of living payment will be given to households receiving income-related benefits from 14 July 2022, with a further instalment in the Autumn.
Non-domestic smart meter policy changes
The UK Government has published a response to a consultation on improving the data offer and enabling innovation for non-domestic customers.
Digital only title changes – six months to go
From 30 November 2022, HM Land Registry will stop accepting scanned or PDF copies of the Application to Change the Register (AP1) forms, required when ownership of a property changes hands.
Generation buy to generation rent
The UK Government will launch an independent review of access to mortgage finance for first-time buyers, with the aim of making it easier to access low-cost, low-deposit finance such as 95 per cent mortgages.
Shift in agents performing inventories due to Proptech
Analysis of user feedback about the trends of inventory reporting statistics highlights how Proptech is helping with audit trails, communication logs, etc, to help with supporting evidence.
Ivory Act comes into force
The near-total ban on the import, export and dealing of items containing elephant ivory comes into force today, 6 June 2022, which puts the UK at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
A shrinking private rented sector
Research reveals the full extent of landlords’ exit from the PRS (private rented sector) indicating the rate at which the sector is shrinking.