Property industry news
Renters’ Rights Bill – key decisions to watch during the final stages
The Bill may face further amendments before final approval, which must be agreed to by both the Commons and the Lords. This process begins on 8 September, when the legislation could bounce between the two as the fine details are hammered out. For agents working to adapt, it’s a confusing time – so we’ve pulled together a round-up of the reforms, highlighting the areas that are still under discussion.
Reforms must go further to attract long-term landlord investment
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposals to align reliefs on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) for investor schemes with those available in England and Northern Ireland, making Scotland more attractive to large-scale investors. Propertymark supports this move but urges Ministers to give equal priority to incentives for individual landlords to ensure a diverse and sustainable property sector.
Reeves explores innovative overhaul of anti-aspirational property taxes
As the property industry waits for the publication of the UK Government's Housing Strategy, reports suggest that the Treasury is busy considering a proposal to replace Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) with a new national property tax applied to owner occupied homes sold for more than £500,000. This would place the tax burden on sellers instead of buyers - a seismic shift - although it would not apply to second homes.
Renters’ Rights Bill – key decisions to watch during the final stages
The Bill may face further amendments before final approval, which must be agreed to by both the Commons and the Lords. This process begins on 8 September, when the legislation could bounce between the two as the fine details are hammered out. For agents working to adapt, it’s a confusing time – so we’ve pulled together a round-up of the reforms, highlighting the areas that are still under discussion.
Well-supported communities are the bedrock of economic success
Plans for the Shaping Sustainable Places programme propose £165 million investment over 10 years to regenerate villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland, driving long-term growth and prosperity. Propertymark warns that new homes alone cannot support a growing economy and urges ministers to adopt an infrastructure-first approach so that new developments are supported by schools, healthcare, transport and community facilities. Without this, homes risk standing empty.
Proposed licensing schemes risk duplication and higher costs for compliant landlords
Hackney Council is consulting on plans to introduce two new five-year licensing schemes in the private rented sector (PRS) from early 2026, arguing that they will improve standards. Propertymark supports the aim of raising housing standards, but we strongly urge Hackney and other local authorities to rethink their approach. A healthy PRS is fundamental to meeting growing housing demand, and under-resourced licensing schemes too often end up penalising good landlords and agents while allowing poor practice to persist.
8,500 islanders to benefit from greater fire safety protections
A consultation on the Fire Precautions (Tall Residential Buildings) (Jersey) Regulations sets out proposals from Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, to introduce mandatory fire safety requirements, directly responding to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.
MPs to examine mortgage access and support for first-time buyers
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into how schemes such as Stamp Duty relief, ISAs, mortgage guarantees, and rent payment history in mortgage decisions affect first-time buyers. It will also consider the effectiveness of Lifetime ISAs, 95% mortgages, Shared Ownership, and the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill and the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill.
Renters’ Rights Bill — the end of fixed-term tenancies
Central to the Bill is the complete shift from Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) to Assured Periodic Tenancies in England, which will bring an end to fixed-term rental contracts altogether. While it will require adjustment, those who act now—by updating processes, seeking professional advice, and making full use of industry resources—will be best placed to adapt and thrive in the new landscape.
Building Safety Regulator told to tackle delays
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee continues its inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and quizzed Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP), who said that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will do more to unblock delays and improve collaboration with industry.
Companies House mandatory identity verification roll out
From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for the incorporation and appointment of new directors and people with significant control (PSCs). Companies House is encouraging individuals to verify their identities as early as possible.
The risks offices are exposed to and how to protect against them
Property agents looking to safeguard their business against financial loss can benefit from suitable office insurance. Offices and those who work within them can be exposed to risks such as theft, damage, or liability claims. Gallagher, Propertymark’s official insurance broking partner, explains the benefits and the potential business-saving cover it can provide.
New rules set out on insurance fees for freeholders and agents
The UK Government has confirmed it will move forward with plans to end hidden commission payments on buildings insurance — a change welcomed for improving transparency, but one that raises new challenges for managing agents and landlords. Propertymark has warned that while reforms aim to protect leaseholders, unanswered questions around costs, VAT, and permitted activities could have significant consequences for the sector.