The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is considering the design of transparency and standardisation measures to be implemented in England and Wales under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. In addition, it has outlined new proposals around the fees and charges leaseholders pay, reform of the major works regime, and mandatory qualifications for managing agents.

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.

Propertymark has responded to the Government of Jersey’s consultation on new Fire Precautions (Tall Residential Buildings) Regulations, which will extend protections to around 8,500 islanders living in 125 high-rise homes. The proposed framework would cover buildings over 11 metres in height and introduce measures drawn from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1, including stricter duties for building owners and managing agents.

REACH UK has opened applications for its 2026 cohort, inviting high-potential tech companies that are solving real problems for agents, landlords, buyers and renters. Propertymark and TDS are long-standing partners of the program, which connects founders with an unparalleled industry network, expert guidance and routes to adoption—speeding up the journey from promising prototype to practical, scalable tools used in day-to-day agency work.

As the Senedd examines the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, set out members’ priorities to ensure the new framework is practical, proportionate, and aligned with existing regulations.

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.

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.

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.

Propertymark has responded to the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget for 2026–27 with a warning that without tax reform, the continued loss of landlords will deepen affordability issues for tenants and increase pressure on local authorities to house more people in the social sector. A vibrant private rented sector (PRS), alongside investment in social and affordable housing, is essential to meet demand and ensure all people in Wales have access to decent and secure homes.

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reveal that supply in England continues to lag demand, with new build activity well below the level needed to reach the UK Government target of 300,000 additional homes per year. Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, MP, has vowed to ‘build, baby, build’, as he doubles down on plans for major planning reform and investment.

Any newly self-employed agents, those earning untaxed income, or receiving income outside PAYE who need to complete a tax return for the first time for the 2024-2025 tax year, must register with HMRC by 5 October 2025.

The charitable arm of Propertymark, who help members, their families, colleagues, and friends in times of hardship, and also funds qualifications and professional development, has a new website designed to make its support more accessible to members than ever before.

Property agents in Wales could face a landscape where changes to Land Transaction Tax (LTT) occur with far less notice, under new proposals from the Welsh Government that include options for streamlining how tax laws are updated, including those governing property transactions. The proposals, open for response until 28 November 2025, could have significant implications for agents and their clients.

Stage 1 scrutiny of the Bill is underway in the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee, and Propertymark is set to give evidence in person on 9 October. We have also submitted written feedback, outlining how the legislation can be improved to ensure it achieves its aims.

Auctions remained resilient this quarter, with 81% of lots achieving or exceeding the reserve price, increased stock levels, persistent 3.6% inflation and a 4.25% base rate. Growth in online participation and steady demand signal continued market strength heading into H2 2025.

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.