Propertymark’s response to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) regime addresses the wide-ranging proposals, covering changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Display Energy Certificates (DECs), and Air Conditioning Inspection Reports (ACIRs). We welcome many of the proposed reforms but have also raised concerns, especially around commercial and heritage buildings and HMOs, and made recommendations to ensure the final policy is fair, practical, and effective.

Propertymark works to ensure our members understand the full extent of their legal obligations, and for letting agents this includes tenancy deposit protection. The Siddeeq v Alaian court case highlighted concerns about how and when prescribed information must be served, and with the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill on the horizon, it’s a relevant reminder that agents must be precise and compliant when dealing with tenancy deposits in England and Wales.

The Welsh Government has confirmed it will not proceed with proposals that would have required landlords to pay tenants compensation when issuing a Section 173 possession notice. The decision follows extensive consultation and lobbying from Propertymark and other sector stakeholders, who welcomed the move as a win for common sense and fair reform.

The UK Government’s proposed disability and health-related benefits system reforms could significantly reshape support for vulnerable people. Propertymark responded to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry on these plans and welcomed many proposals. We made it clear, however, that housing must be central to any efforts to ‘Get Britain Working’.

From 29 May 2025, one of the major planning barriers landlords and property agents in England have faced when upgrading private rented sector (PRS) properties with low-carbon technology will be quietly eliminated. The changes are expected to accelerate installations and unlock thousands of properties previously constrained by limited outdoor space, assisting the UK Government to meet its target of installing 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028.

Amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill discussed on 12 May 2025 highlight growing support for the regulation of property agents (RoPA), including professional standards and mandatory qualifications, as well as increasing awareness of the market imbalance between the private rented sector (PRS) and holiday lets. Led by Lord Best and backed by senior peers, the amendments sought to push the UK Government to take faster action, referencing Propertymark’s campaign positions on both these key issues.

Wider economic factors and upcoming interest rate decisions will likely play a key role in the trajectory of the housing market moving forward. Nevertheless, overall pricing, mortgage products, and confidence are all trending upward, providing a perfect mix to help get people onto or move up the property ladder.

Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government announced that the survey will be undertaken in 2026–27, marking a major step forward in improving housing policy. This is a great campaign win for Propertymark – we have been calling for this for some time, including in evidence to the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee, where we made it clear that without up-to-date and reliable information, ministers can’t make informed decisions that truly reflect what’s happening across Wales.

The property sector has seen a significant regulatory shift with the quiet withdrawal of the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) Material Information Guidance. This change coincides with the enforcement of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC Act) on 6 April 2025 which supersedes the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) and has shifted power over consumer protections to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Property agents and landlords across England and Wales are increasingly facing prolonged delays when attempting to evict problem tenants—an issue being described as a postcode lottery due to the inconsistent and regionally varied response times within the County Court system. In response, the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), in partnership with Propertymark and other stakeholders, have launched a campaign to speed up possessions, calling on landlords to consider High Court enforcement as a more efficient solution in the most severely affected areas.

The House of Lords Committee stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill on 6 May 2025 reignited debate over one of the most emotive topics in the private rented sector: tenants’ rights to keep pets. While peers acknowledged the welfare and well-being benefits, concerns over landlord autonomy and property management featured prominently. Propertymark has consistently called for policy that safeguards landlords’ ability to protect their property and manage risks, while recognising tenants’ desire for companionship and emotional support through pet ownership.

The Scottish Government has set out detailed plans to tackle Scotland’s ongoing housing challenges in its Programme for Government 2025-26, with significant implications for property agents across the country. Propertymark welcomes the renewed focus on affordable housing and tenant protections, issues we have consistently highlighted through our policy engagement, particularly with regard to the Housing (Scotland) Bill. However, we reiterate our stance that truly resolving Scotland’s housing crisis requires the Scottish Government to urgently reassess the broader financial landscape affecting housing.

From 14 May 2025, all UK letting agents will be required to check tenants, landlords, and other clients against the UK’s official sanctions list. If a match is found — or even suspected — agents will be legally required to report it to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). Sanctions checks are already a standard part of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) due diligence, but for the first time, these checks will now be a separate legal requirement in their own right. Propertymark Industry Supplier, The Letting Partnership, explores the new requirements.

Landlords in Portsmouth are actively opposing the city's proposed selective and additional licensing schemes, arguing that these measures are burdensome and ineffective. Their concerns are echoed by Blackburn with Darwen Council's recent decision to halt a similar licensing initiative, due to fears it would reduce the availability of private rented homes. Propertymark regularly responds to consultations objecting to the introduction of licensing schemes because we strongly disagree that licensing is the best method to improve housing stock within the private rented sector.

From January 2026, Ofgem will take on regulatory responsibility for heat networks in England, Scotland and Wales, with a remit to protect consumers, support investment in the sector, and help the UK Government achieve its net zero targets. Significant growth in the use of heat networks is being driven by government policy and funding, making it crucial that managing agents, estate and letting agents, and auctioneers are part of the conversation.