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.
8,500 islanders to benefit from greater fire safety protections
A consultation on the Fire Precautions (Tall Residential Buildings) (Jersey) Regulations sets out proposals from Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, to introduce mandatory fire safety requirements, directly responding to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.
MPs to examine mortgage access and support for first-time buyers
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into how schemes such as Stamp Duty relief, ISAs, mortgage guarantees, and rent payment history in mortgage decisions affect first-time buyers. It will also consider the effectiveness of Lifetime ISAs, 95% mortgages, Shared Ownership, and the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill and the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill.
Building Safety Regulator told to tackle delays
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee continues its inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and quizzed Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP), who said that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will do more to unblock delays and improve collaboration with industry.
Companies House mandatory identity verification roll out
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.
The risks offices are exposed to and how to protect against them
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.
Housing Insight Report: June 2025
While mortgage lending shows resilience, affordability remains the foremost barrier for buyers and renters alike. With supply shrinking in lettings and confidence uneven in sales, policymakers and market participants face ongoing challenges in achieving balance across the housing sector.