The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed a wide-ranging review of mortgage rules to support sustainable home ownership while ensuring standards of consumer protection remain high. The reform signals positive change on the horizon for first- and last-time buyers, self-employed people, and vulnerable customers, who may have experienced limited access to borrowing under the current rules.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is keeping up the pace of change by beginning consultation on ‘definitive’ changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before the ink is dry on the newly approved Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. The latest proposals are the final step in the regearing of the planning system, which the UK Government says will be followed by a period of stability and laser-focused delivery.

Propertymark has worked tirelessly to ensure members’ voices are heard, practical concerns are addressed, and reforms are workable as the UK and devolved governments have pushed ahead with major legislative changes. Long-standing challenges around supply, affordability and standards have remained firmly in focus, and we will continue to scrutinise legislation, challenge unclear proposals and provide practical guidance to support members as reforms move from policy into practice across the UK.

The English Housing Survey (EHS) for 2024-25 provides a detailed picture of how people across England are buying, renting and coping with rising housing costs. For Propertymark members, the findings highlight important shifts in first-time buyer behaviour, demand in the private rented sector (PRS), and growing affordability challenges — with London continuing to stand apart from the rest of the country.

The latest figures reveal a steadier, more confident property market, with committed buyers driving sales and rental arrears falling to their lowest level since 2022. In spite of slight dips in demand, rising stock levels and stabilising rents signal a sector gradually finding its balance.

Member feedback has highlighted the growing phenomenon of AI tools helping consumers create detailed, legal-sounding complaints in minutes. While many complaints are reasonable and well-intentioned, the speed and volume made possible by AI are creating new pressures for property agents, especially smaller firms with limited staff capacity. Propertymark is working to ensure members are supported through clear guidance, professional standards, and a strong voice with policymakers.

Propertymark head office is the proud home of a giant circus-themed gavel which was sold as part of the Bidpath Foundation’s Gavel Art Trail and Charity Auction in November 2025. The Foundation was set up in honour of Bidpath colleague and NAVA Propertymark Advisory Panel member George Wade following his brain tumour diagnosis in 2024. It aims to raise funds for underrepresented causes through community-led auction initiatives.

Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, met senior officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on 8 December to discuss how economic crime affects the property sector, particularly the role of real estate in laundering illicit wealth and the regulatory gaps that can facilitate this activity. Meanwhile, the UK Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy 2025, setting out plans to strengthen the UK’s defences against illicit finance.

It has been argued that the existing planning system is no longer fit for purpose, that it is blocking the delivery of new homes. Across the UK, national governments have looked to reform the planning sector—Propertymark explores if this will be enough to build the homes we need.

The Scottish Government has confirmed it will bring forward new legislation to amend the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, giving councils more flexibility in how they design and run local schemes. This sits alongside the existing timetable for visitor levies to start from spring/summer 2026, with Edinburgh already committed to introducing a 5% levy on overnight stays from 24 July 2026.

The UK Government has announced long-term investment packages for new and expanded Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), with a clear focus on unlocking housing delivery and revitalising high streets. These agreements will give local leaders devolved powers and funding settlements to drive regeneration, build new homes, and support economic growth.

The Scottish Government has announced a new national drive to match empty homes with people who want to buy and renovate them, a practical step aimed at reducing the country’s 43,000 long-term empty properties and easing pressure across the housing system. For agents, especially those operating in rural or regeneration areas, this offers new opportunities to support owners, connect with motivated buyers and help local authorities increase housing supply.

The 2025 Autumn Budget confirmed a new £1.5 billion allocation for the Warm Homes Plan, intended to support insulation and low-carbon heating upgrades across England. According to the UK Government, the funding will target households in the least efficient homes, as part of a long-term ambition to upgrade up to five million properties.