Property industry news

HMRC has clawed back £107 million in unpaid taxes from buy-to-let landlords in 2024/25, the highest annual total on record. The recoveries were made through the Let Property Campaign (LPC), HMRC’s disclosure scheme for landlords with undeclared income, and show a doubling of repayments compared with three years ago.

New research from the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), supported by Propertymark, provides stark evidence of the severe County Court backlogs which are delaying evictions for months, costing landlords thousands, and constraining supply across both the social and private rented sectors. The report sets out two quick changes the UK Government could make now, and practical steps for agents and landlords to minimise losses.

A 12-week consultation will shape how estate agents provide upfront information to potential buyers during residential property transactions. This is a key opportunity for professionals to educate policymakers on how property marketing works in practice, highlight challenges, and outline what guidance is needed to make implementation effective and proportionate.

A package of fundamental reforms, centred on upfront information, digital data and ID, higher professional standards, and earlier binding agreements, has been released for a 12-week public consultation. Designed to make home moves quicker, more certain, and less stressful, the changes could cut typical timelines by up to four weeks and save consumers about £255m a year, according to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The latest Propertymark Housing Insight Report shows the UK market edging toward recovery in August 2025. Sales activity and stock levels are rising, but affordability pressures and tax uncertainty continue to weigh on buyers. In lettings, rent growth is easing and arrears are falling, offering early signs of a market finally catching its breath.

The UK Government has launched two consultations aimed at understanding the measures needed to improve the home buying and selling process, boost consumer confidence, speed up transactions, and improve the availability of material information in property listings.

Propertymark has responded to proposals on how future changes to the Welsh Tax Acts should be made, recommending that the Welsh Government should adopt a Land Transaction Tax (LTT) system that promotes accessibility, simplicity, and predictability, while avoiding excessive surcharges or complex rules that could slow transactions.

The Bill completed Stage 3 in the Scottish Parliament on 30 September, leaving Royal Assent as the final step before it becomes law. The legislation provides a framework for rent control, fresh rights for tenants to keep pets, and stronger tools to prevent homelessness. However, most of the key measures require further consultation and regulations, meaning agents and landlords are unlikely to see rent controls in place until 2028.

Cybercrime incidents can impact businesses of all sizes and industries, including property agencies. Propertymark industry supplier, Gallagher, is reminding all property agents about the importance of adequate risk prevention and management.

Gwynedd Council has confirmed it will appeal after a High Court judgement ruled its Article 4 Direction, intended to require planning permission for converting homes into holiday accommodation, was unlawful. The case is the first major legal test of new powers given to local authorities in Wales to control the growth of short term lets and second homes.

We have responded to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on its draft price transparency guidance under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA). From 6 April 2025 the DMCCA replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, so the CMA’s approach will shape day‑to‑day advertising for every agent. Our message is clear: property is different, and the guidance must reflect that.

Labour’s proposal is bold in scale and ambition — it could reshape growth corridors and open up new development frontiers. But much will depend on delivery, governance and market realism. Propertymark will engage with ministers, departments and stakeholders, pushing for a transparent, accountable, and sustainable delivery model. We’ll ensure our membership’s voice is heard — especially on fairness, consumer protection, and creating high-quality places people want to call home.