Property industry news

In 2018, Propertymark Industry Supplier RentGuarantor launched with a clear purpose: to support people who deserved access to rental homes but were being turned away—not for financial reasons, but because they didn’t fit the system. RentGuarantor set out to provide an alternative, a support mechanism that helped tenants secure a place to live, while giving landlords and letting agents the confidence to say yes. Seven years on, they explain why their purpose hasn’t changed, but the scale has.

Police have called on auctioneers and high-value dealers to help recover four historic bronze statues stolen from the grounds of Iford Manor in Wiltshire during the night of 19 June 2025. This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of heritage assets and the crucial role that auctioneers and agents can play in preventing the circulation of stolen goods.

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 officially became law on 19 June, marking the biggest update to the UK’s digital data laws since Brexit. The Act amends — but does not replace — the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). For Propertymark members, the new law presents a golden opportunity to streamline processes and embrace innovation, all while continuing to protect people’s personal data.

As the new Stamp Duty thresholds were introduced from April across England and Northern Ireland, it’s inevitable that a slowing in the pace of the market was to be noted. In the lettings market, we have seen a welcome jump in the number of properties on the market.

The UK’s largest multi-disciplinary conference for property professionals was hosted at ExCeL London on Friday 13 June, with attendees from the whole spectrum of property disciplines. The energy, insight, and enthusiasm throughout the day reaffirmed Propertymark’s role at the heart of the industry.

With rising enforcement by HMRC and an increase in consumer complaints to The Property Ombudsman (TPO), the risks to property businesses from non-compliance are growing fast. At the same time, complexity and the pace of change are escalating; rules around financial sanctions reporting, material information, and unfair commercial practices have shifted in recent weeks, and for the lettings sector, the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill is rapidly approaching.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, delivered her first Spending Review on 11 June 2025, setting out the UK Government’s financial plans through to 2029. With major implications for the housing sector, the review includes a headline investment in social and affordable housing – the biggest such commitment in 50 years. Propertymark welcomes this clear signal that housing is a top priority. We also recognise the importance of scrutinising how this investment will be delivered in practice and what it means for agents across the property sector.

2024 was a year defined by strategic investment, enhanced member support, and strong financial performance. Despite a challenging economic landscape, we held membership fees and Client Money Protection levies at 2022 levels for a third consecutive year, while growing membership by 4.3% to 18,711.

The Energy Security and Next Zero Committee (ESNZC) has published its first inquiry report on retrofitting homes, concluding that at the present rate of progress, the UK is far off track for meeting its legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050. Around 29 million homes require upgrades, but support schemes are too complicated, short-term, and are failing to engage consumers and the supply chain.

The modern rental property is working harder than ever, with millions of people adopting remote or hybrid work patterns in the last five years and spending more time at home. This increased usage isn’t unreasonable: it’s reality. But under current rules, tenants are being penalised for “damage” that’s normal use, whilst landlords are absorbing more frequent replacement costs. Propertymark emphasises the importance of understanding fair wear and tear and applying it appropriately to avoid misunderstanding, confusion, and disputes.

The global venture arm of the National Association of Realtors has selected eight high-growth start-ups for its 2025 REACH UK scale-up programme. Tackling critical challenges across the property sector - from late rent and retrofit finance to water use, waste and leasing inefficiencies, the companies represent the next wave of innovation set to modernise housing, lettings, finance, and sustainability. Delivered in collaboration with Propertymark and TDS Group, the programme provides a tailored pathway to growth through industry access, investment, and targeted support.

Backed by £17 million in UK Government funding, the strategy will refurbish empty homes, expand support hubs and offer help before people are forced onto the streets. Propertymark supports a shift from crisis response to early intervention. We campaign for local authorities to prioritise a housing-led approach and increasing engagement with our members, who are well placed to help identify at-risk tenants and support local efforts to improve access to the private rented sector (PRS).