We are proud to renew our support for the annual safety campaign, which is running from 8–14 September 2025. Coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, the week raises awareness of the importance of gas safety and highlights what individuals can do to protect themselves, their clients, and their communities. This year’s theme, “Looking after your home, friends, and family”, emphasises that gas safety is everyone’s responsibility. Agents, landlords, and homeowners can all take small steps which make a big difference in keeping people safe.

Propertymark has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on how powers in the Housing (Scotland) Bill could be used to exempt properties from rent control, allow rents to rise above the cap in certain circumstances, and change the way joint tenancies are ended.

Propertymark has responded to the Scottish Government’s plans to require private rented homes to meet a new EPC Heat Retention Rating of band C — from 2028 for new tenancies and 2033 for all lets — focusing on a property’s fabric and heating system to better link upgrades with reduced emissions. Whilst we support the principle of improving energy efficiency, we are concerned that the proposals place significant financial and practical pressures on landlords.

Self-employed businesses in the UK with income over £50,000 will need to follow new rules for recording and submitting tax information under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA). Businesses and landlords affected by the change will be required to maintain digital records, use HMRC-approved software, and submit tax information quarterly, rather than through a single annual Self-Assessment return.

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.

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.

A BBC investigation has revealed that criminals used the UK Government’s unclaimed estates list to commit probate fraud. The list, published on the Gov.uk website, included details of around 6,000 estates left by people who died without a will or known heirs. It was taken offline in July 2025 after evidence showed fraudsters used it to submit fake wills and claim millions of pounds in assets.

When the Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy, the nation rightly celebrated their sporting prowess — but their journey to the top was no fluke. It was the product of years of targeted investment in grassroots infrastructure, coaching, and pathways for talent development. In short, a long-term plan with delivered results.

All sales and letting agents in England are urged to share their experience to inform the future of property industry qualifications and regulation. Propertymark strongly supports the introduction of professional standards and mandatory qualifications – regulation is essential to improve trust , protect consumers, and ensure high standards across the board. This survey will provide decision-makers with a clear picture of the current landscape and help influence how any new regime is implemented.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) was fast tracked through Parliament in May 2024, ahead of the last UK general election, but not all sections of the legislation have yet been brought into force. The reforms affect approximately 4.5 million leasehold homes in England and Wales, but are now being challenged by freeholders, who claim the provisions infringe their human rights.

194 agents have incurred penalties totalling over £1 million for breaches identified by HM Revenue and Customs between October 2024 and March 2025. The vast majority are a result of failing to register for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision on time – the most common reason agents are fined. This highlights how important it is for property professionals to understand the rules, apply correctly, and maintain an up-to-date registration with HMRC.

Our robust response to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee consultation on sanctions scrutiny outlines the disparity between the sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) regimes and underscores the necessity for clearer, more consistent regulations and stronger UK Government support for letting agents navigating complex obligations. Implementing our recommendations will bolster compliance, protect agents, and significantly reduce the risk of economic crime in the UK property sector.

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.

Propertymark has welcomed Ofgem’s proposals to improve transparency and implement fair pricing protections for heat network customers, but warns that implementation must consider the operational realities of managing agents and ensure true consumer fairness.

A record £7.9 billion has been committed over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding. From high-performance flood barriers to nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the programme will deliver long-term protection for communities and strengthen local economies, delivering on the UK Government’s Plan for Change.