The Scottish Government has set out plans to modernise the 200-year-old legislation that underpins Compulsory Purchase Orders, making them fairer, faster and simpler for public bodies to use, and easier for people affected to understand. By removing barriers to the use of these powers, MSPs hope they can be used more frequently to support the delivery of new homes, infrastructure, and regeneration projects. However, the scale of the reform needed means legislation is unlikely to be brought forward until after the next Scottish Parliament Election in 2026.

Propertymark has responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation, which looks at changes to the way holiday lets are assessed for business rates and Council Tax. The consultation considers averaging days let over multiple years, recognising charitable donations, and introducing transitional arrangements for properties moving from non-domestic rates to Council Tax.

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.

Stage 3 proceedings for the Housing (Scotland) Bill began on 23 September 2025 in the Scottish Parliament. MSPs are considering around 400 amendments over two days before holding a final vote on whether the Bill should become law. This marks the last opportunity to shape one of the most significant reforms to renting in Scotland since the introduction of the Private Residential Tenancy.

The long-anticipated Renters Reform Bill is due to land this year, and with it comes one of the most significant shifts in the UK rental market in decades: the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions. Once this change takes effect, landlords and letting agents will no longer be able to regain possession of their property without specific grounds. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Inventory Hive, explains why this will make robust documentation more important than ever.

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.

Ofgem has issued draft guidance on protections for heat network consumers, and is seeking views on the rules and requirements set out in the authorisation conditions. This includes obligations around billing clarity, complaint handling, and safeguards for vulnerable residents.

Responding to the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) consultation on the Price Index of Private Rents (PIPR), Propertymark urges better alignment of UK-wide rental data, the use of achieved rather than advertised rents, and faster income statistics to strengthen affordability analysis. Clearer explanations of methodology are needed, as well as greater transparency around Rent Officer data, and quicker publication to make the index more useful.

Propertymark has responded to HMRC’s consultation on plans to increase the fees it charges businesses it supervises under the Money Laundering Regulations, warning that higher costs could affect small, independent agents hardest and risk undermining compliance. Proposals include raising the annual premises fee from £300 to £400, reintroducing a £400 application fee, and restructuring penalty charges into a new sanction regime with fines of up to £2,000.

The Renters’ Rights Bill could upend the entire student housing cycle. Gone are fixed-term contracts. In their place: rolling tenancies with just two months' notice. For the student market — built on predictability — it risks creating instability that the market hasn’t seen in decades. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Rent Guarantor, explores how landlords and letting agents can adapt, and a safety net that might help them land a little softer.

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.

Propertymark has submitted a detailed response to the UK Government consultation based on roundtables and surveys with agents across England. Our engagement shows that most properties managed by our members are already largely compliant. However, the extension of the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will bring new obligations, particularly around damp and mould, safety measures, and clearer repair thresholds. We support a data-driven, proactive approach to property management that considers tenant experience.