Revenue Scotland has refreshed its guidance on how Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) apply to leases. The update does not introduce new tax rules but provides a useful reminder that further returns may be required when a lease is reviewed, varied, assigned or ended. By treating LBTT as an ongoing responsibility, rather than a one-off task at the start of a lease, a lease begins, property professionals can support compliance by building tax prompts into their lease processes.

Commercial property agents handling telecommunications sites in England and Wales should note a change to where disputes under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 are decided. From 30 July 2026, certain disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, rather than the courts.

The UK Government is seeking evidence on whether a small group of residential leases, known as quid pro quo, should be exempt from its proposed annual ground rent cap. The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, which is due to be introduced to Parliament in autumn 2026, will cap ground rents on most existing residential long leases at £250, before reducing them to a peppercorn—effectively zero—after 40 years. However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is considering different treatment for specific cases.

Schemes designed to help people buy and renovate homes are expected to help up to 400 additional households purchase new-build properties and support bringing as many as 300 long-term empty homes back into use. Mortgage assistance will also remain available to eligible existing homeowners experiencing financial difficulty.

Two linked announcements are intended to reduce unnecessary delay, complexity and cost within England’s higher-risk building regime. One will change how occupied buildings are assessed, while the other could allow a wider range of urgent safety work to proceed without prior approval.

Legislation is being prepared that could reshape the private rented sector in Wales. Propertymark is already engaging with Welsh Government Ministers and officials to ensure that new duties are proportionate, evidence-based, and achievable for agents.

Forty years after estate agent Suzy Lamplugh disappeared while attending a work appointment, her legacy remains a powerful reminder that personal safety must be embedded in workplace culture. Our updated guidance and dedicated eLearning course help property agencies assess risks, strengthen procedures, and give staff the confidence to act when circumstances change.

Changes will include cheaper contents cover for some households, Flood Performance Certificates, premium discounts for resilient properties, and a revised approach to claims. The Scheme has helped more than 742,000 households access flood insurance since its launch in 2016, but rising claims, higher reinsurance costs, and the growing number of properties identified as being at risk have put it under increased pressure.

The UK Government has taken its most significant step towards regulating property agents since the RoPA (Regulation of Property Agents) Working Group published its recommendations in 2019. Property professionals can prepare for future requirements now by gaining a recognised qualification, with financial support available through The Propertymark Trust’s Class of 26 initiative.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first days in office have brought several announcements and appointments with implications for the property sector. Angela Rayner has returned as Housing Secretary, rent controls have been ruled out for England, targeted business rates support has been announced, and Burnham has confirmed that Stamp Duty will not change at the Autumn Budget.

While we have seen a slight dip in prospective buyer registrations, stock levels have edged upwards, giving consumers more choice and helping to create a more balanced sales market. Although tenant demand increased throughout May, available stock fell slightly, leaving an average of eight applicants competing for every available property.

Responding to the UK Government’s consultation, our primary concern is the practicality of identifying and valuing properties that would be subject to the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS). Many high-value homes have not been sold for several years, meaning accurate valuations cannot be based solely on online estimates or market appraisals.

Propertymark has responded to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's consultation on proposed changes to the House Sales Scheme. Whilst reforming the scheme is the right approach, we urge the Housing Executive to protect social housing supply while maintaining opportunities for home ownership.

More than 834,000 homes have left the UK private rented sector over the past decade, but a rise in new listings—driven partly by Build to Rent—means that rental supply is currently at its highest level for seven years. Professional agents play a crucial role in helping landlords understand their obligations, adapt to regulatory change, and operate successfully. Supporting responsible landlords to remain in the market is vital if tenants are to have access to an adequate choice of safe, affordable, and suitable homes.

New research covering more than 2,000 buildings in remediation programmes in England and Wales shows that insurance rates remain higher where flammable cladding or other external defects are present. The findings reinforce our call for faster remediation, transparent pricing, and premiums that respond when building risks are reduced.

Nearly ten years after we first began campaigning on this issue, reform is still not moving fast enough. Flat owners remain trapped by rising costs, complex rules, and a sales market that is becoming harder to navigate. We’ve drawn on fresh evidence from more than 1,200 leaseholders and over 200 Propertymark members to expose the current impact of unaffordable costs linked to building safety defects, the difficulty of challenging unreasonable service charges, and the increasing barriers to sale which are putting the market under significant pressure.