The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published in-depth advice for anti-money laundering (AML) regulated firms to explain the legal protections around sharing client data. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023 introduced provisions that allow businesses to tackle AML by voluntarily sharing and receiving information, however, agents have raised concerns that they may be liable for breaches of confidentiality.

MPs debated the regulation of short-term lets (STL) and second homes in England on 23 October 2024, and Propertymark’s briefing pack was shared with those taking part to ensure they were equipped with key statistics and vital member insight. Whilst policymaking should recognise the economic benefits of the tourism sector, there is an urgent need to create and protect a healthy and balanced property ecosystem as the UK tackles the housing and cost-of-living crises.

From 31 October 2024, Part 5 of the Building Safety Act 2022 will be updated to clarify landlords’ responsibilities for remediation, to make remediation orders more effective, and to provide more detail about who can be required to contribute to the cost of remediation works. The UK Government is committed to enacting the legislation and has indicated that work to formulate further regulations is in progress.

The Local Government Association (LGA) submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system has been released. It urges the UK Government to collaborate more closely with local councils, to improve and increase the delivery of affordable and social housing and calls for the necessary resources and powers to ensure the successful delivery of local housing plans.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has responded to recommendations made by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) based on their year-long investigation of residential construction in England, Scotland, and Wales. Ministers agree that reform is essential to ensure the market delivers homes that the country needs and have committed to creating a long-term housing strategy with the buy-in of local authorities, developers, landowners and investors.

The Welsh Government has launched a £70 million initiative to upgrade housing stock to support the country’s drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2025. The Scheme will run until March 202 and prioritises lower-income households, help tackle fuel poverty and improve living conditions while cutting energy bills.

Inadequate or insufficient insurance cover may result in serious financial loss and can affect organisations of any size. Underinsurance can have potentially serious consequences for a business when they make a claim. Gallagher, Propertymark’s official insurance broking partner, offers advice on the potential impacts and how to avoid them.

Giving evidence to the first session of the Renters’ Rights Bill Committee on 22 October 2024, our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, demonstrated the value of engagement from our 18,000 members and raised several key areas where amendments should be made to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose. We will continue to share members’ insights and concerns about the legislation and advocate for balanced measures that protect renters while supporting landlords in offering safe, high-quality homes.

The Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee has published its long-anticipated report on the Private Rented Sector (PRS), with 13 recommendations set to shape the future of housing in Wales. We provided written and oral evidence as part of the inquiry and welcome the adoption of several of our long-term policy calls but warn proposals could negatively impact landlords and the supply of rental properties.

Propertymark has prepared deliverable and achievable spending commitments that will increase the supply of privately rented accommodation, boost owner-occupation, and support landlords and homeowners decarbonise properties. Our proposals include Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) reform to encourage last-time buyers to downsize, reversing Section 24 of the Finance Act, and interest-free energy-efficiency loans.

For many property agents, self-assessment tax returns are the norm. Created in 1996, self-assessment has streamlined tax collection for those with untaxed income who declare and pay tax on it and has evolved into an online mechanism for digital tax returns.

The UK’s largest property conference is set to bring together 40 speakers, 70 industry suppliers, and 2,000 property professionals at ExCeL London on 13 June 2025 for an exhilarating day of learning and networking followed by an exclusive post-event after party. With the first 250 tickets available at an exclusive price, delegates are urged to book their spot to be part of property excellence, shaping a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive future for all property agents.