Important deadline for registering for a self-assessment
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.
Trust unveils new website to better support members
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.
Rules on property taxation could soon be more nimble
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.
Unaffordable AML fees could drive greater non-compliance
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.
Wales must learn from mistakes in England to polish Building Safety Bill
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.
Propertymark Supports Gas Safety Week 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.
Exemptions regime must be balanced and incentivise upgrades
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.
Timetable for energy efficiency regulations must be realistic and achievable
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.
Housing Plan fails to address crisis in rented sector
The Scottish Government has published its Tackling Scotland’s Housing Emergency strategy, renewing efforts to bring empty homes back into use, boost affordable housing delivery, and tackle issues such as damp and mould. While some measures have been applauded, the plan fails to address urgent problems in the social and private rented sectors, as well as the pressing challenges facing Scotland’s housing market.
Issue 60: Autumn 2025
As the seasons shift and children head back to school, we share practical tips for balancing parenting with a property career, take the sector’s temperature on the growing interest in commonhold, and reflect on a visit from the National Association of REALTORS® as our U.S. ties deepen. We also scan the horizon to equip you with the tools, insight, and support needed to thrive in an evolving UK legislative landscape.
Housing Insight Report: July 2025
The July 2025 report shows steady sales with stronger appraisals, but affordability remains stretched amid high inflation and static interest rates. Rental demand continues to outpace supply, keeping competition intense despite slight stock growth.
Refinement to holiday let tax rules
Proposed refinements to the classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes have been put forward by the Welsh Government, with a consultation open until 20 November 2025. Whilst many holiday lets have met the thresholds that are in place, adjustments have been called for to reflect the operational realities of running a seasonal business.
Tax is going digital on 6 April 2026
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.
Fact Sheet: Building Safety (Wales) Bill
The Building Safety (Wales) Bill sets regulations for the occupation phase of buildings. Propertymark members managing and letting individual flats within these buildings should be mindful of any requirements for residents, so that any key documents for contract-holders can be provided.
Reforms must go further to attract long-term landlord investment
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposals to align reliefs on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) for investor schemes with those available in England and Northern Ireland, making Scotland more attractive to large-scale investors. Propertymark supports this move but urges Ministers to give equal priority to incentives for individual landlords to ensure a diverse and sustainable property sector.
Well-supported communities are the bedrock of economic success
Plans for the Shaping Sustainable Places programme propose £165 million investment over 10 years to regenerate villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland, driving long-term growth and prosperity. Propertymark warns that new homes alone cannot support a growing economy and urges ministers to adopt an infrastructure-first approach so that new developments are supported by schools, healthcare, transport and community facilities. Without this, homes risk standing empty.