Property industry news

Propertymark has prepared deliverable and achievable spending commitments that will increase the supply of privately rented accommodation, boost owner-occupation, and support landlords and homeowners decarbonise properties. Our proposals include Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reform to encourage last-time buyers to downsize, reversing Section 24 of the Finance Act, and interest-free energy-efficiency loans.

For many property agents, self-assessment tax returns are the norm. Created in 1996, self-assessment has streamlined tax collection for those with untaxed income who declare and pay tax on it and has evolved into an online mechanism for digital tax returns.

The UK’s largest property conference is set to bring together 40 speakers, 70 industry suppliers, and 2,000 property professionals at ExCeL London on 13 June 2025 for an exhilarating day of learning and networking followed by an exclusive post-event after party. With the first 250 tickets available at an exclusive price, delegates are urged to book their spot to be part of property excellence, shaping a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive future for all property agents.

Propertymark, alongside organisations from the UK property sector, has reopened dialogue with the UK Government to outline three key actions Ministers should consider during this parliament: embedding the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) in public sector projects, enabling market adoption, and ensuring ethical data use.

The UK Government has published details of their Warm Homes Plan to upgrade five million homes in England to EPC C over the next five years. Beginning in April 2025, the Warm Homes: Local Grant will be delivered by Local Authorities and provide up to £15,000 each for low-carbon heating and energy performance improvements in owner-occupied or privately rented homes.

A Local Authority has been given the go ahead by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to repossess a rental property left empty and in disrepair since 2018. Objections raised by the property owner were overruled by a Planning Inspectorate hearing and the Council will now ensure the building is sold to a new owner who will renovate and occupy it within a reasonable timeframe.

Although the year to date has seen the economy take a more stable footing, which has assisted in bringing an enhanced level of consumer confidence to the housing market, it is important to consider there are still challenges ahead. The housing sector continues to suffer from a long-standing absence of available stock, within both the sales and rental sectors.

In the second of our series of webinars considering the potential impacts of the new legislation on agents and their businesses, one central message came across clearly - record-keeping will be of paramount importance once the Bill is enacted, and agents can use this time to prepare. Propertymark has developed a complete package of support to help property agents adjust and will continue to evolve our advice as the Bill progresses.

Targeted at clearing empty buildings, former car parks, and industrial land for development, the £68 million will be delivered directly to 54 councils through the Brownfield Land Release Fund. The UK Government has stated that 5,400 houses will be built across the UK with projects in Manchester, Eastbourne, Northampton, and Weston-Super-Mare already confirmed.

Despite a reputation for being draughty and inefficient, old houses were designed to work with their environment and can still do that well if properly repaired and maintained. To understand the performance of a particular building, and identify opportunities for improvement, owners and managers should consider all the factors that impact energy use and efficiency and remember that some retrofit measures may simple not be feasible.

The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP reiterated the UK Government’s determination to fast-track its housing reform as she presented the Bill for its Second Reading less than a month after its introduction. A drop in the supply of homes to rent, gridlock in the justice system, and the possibility that rents will be inflated were among the key concerns MPs interjected throughout, with Rayner dismissing the potential unintended consequences of the Bill.

When a tenant reports an issue at a rental property, the response of letting agents is vital for maintaining positive relationships between everyone involved. Quick and effective handling of these problems not only keeps tenants happy, but also helps prevent possible deposit disputes, which can cause stress and delays at the end of the tenancy. Here, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme provides guidance on how to manage tenant-reported issues at the property, fostering good relationships and avoiding deposit disputes over repairs.