Fact Sheet: UK Sanctions Reporting Obligations for High Value Dealers

The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 have now been published, which are seen as the vehicle for wider EPC reform. These regulations will include redesigned certificates, clearer metrics, and a five-year validity period, with the new regime coming in on 31 October 2026. The changes are to support the journey to net zero whilst improving the information that buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants receive.

The Northern Ireland Dilapidation Bill aims to modernise and consolidate the rules which equip local authorities to tackle run-down, dangerous, or dilapidated buildings and land. It creates a single toolkit to support earlier action to protect amenities, aid regeneration, and keep people safe. The overall direction of the legislation is sound, and Propertymark is engaging with Ministers and MLAs to make improvements so that it will work better in practice.

The 2025 National Risk Assessment (NRA) has once again placed the property sector in the spotlight as one of the most attractive ways for criminals to conceal illicit wealth. Complex ownership structures, offshore companies, and opaque trusts continue to disguise the identity of the individuals behind transactions, with both residential and commercial sales and lettings vulnerable.

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.