Largest flood defence programme to benefit homes and businesses
A record £7.9 billion has been committed over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding. From high-performance flood barriers to nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the programme will deliver long-term protection for communities and strengthen local economies, delivering on the UK Government’s Plan for Change.
Propertymark secures Renters’ Rights Bill victory
The House of Lords has backed a series of amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill, delivering key wins for Propertymark’s campaigning to create a fair, practical and professional private rented sector. Among the positive changes passed were pet damage deposits, expanded student tenancy protections, mandatory post-legislative reviews, and a new measure enabling Primary Authority assured advice for letting agents under the Tenant Fees Act.
UK Government launch Decent Homes Standard consultation
The proposals included will apply to both the social and private rented sectors in England so that all homes are free from damp, mould, and other hazards. The consultation, launched on 2 July 2025, also covers how local authorities would enforce the new standard and includes a proposal that it becomes an enforceable requirement in privately rented homes from 2035 or 2037.
Leaseholder protections and Managing Agents qualifications consultation
The UK and Welsh Governments have, today, 4 July 2025, launched a two-part consultation that includes proposals seeking to hold landlords and managing agents to account — Strengthening Leaseholder Protections Over Charges and Services.
Pet insurance withdrawn from Renters’ Rights Bill
Proposals for landlords to require tenants to take out pet damage insurance have been scrapped following amendments tabled by the UK Government ahead of the Bill's Report Stage in the House of Lords. Propertymark is urging Peers to support an alternative amendment to allow for a dedicated pet deposit.
Updated guidance for Right-to-Rent checks issued
The Home Office has updated Right to Rent guidance for landlords, letting agents, and homeowners on conducting checks for privately rented properties. Non-compliance with right-to-rent obligations can lead to substantial fines or penalties.
Ambitious housing and planning reforms set to transform property market
The UK Government has unveiled major initiatives in its Modern Industrial Strategy that will significantly influence the housing supply and overall property market, signalling huge opportunities and implications for our members. Proper consultation and partnership will be key to delivering genuine benefits, and we remain committed to providing representation to ensure the best outcomes for agents and the wider property market.
Amendment to extend student ground accepted by Lords
Propertymark was pleased to see our campaign work pay off on the first day of the Renters’ Rights Bill Report Stage debate in the House of Lords (1 July 2025) as Peers supported a proposal to allow Ground 4a to be extended to non-HMO student properties. The Report Stage provides an opportunity for further scrutiny and refinement of the Bill with two further sessions scheduled for 7 and 15 July.
Propertymark urges Lords to fix flawed Renters' Rights Bill
The House of Lords will sit for the Report Stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill on 1, 7, and 15 July 2025, before the parliamentary summer recess, providing the Lords with a further opportunity to examine and make changes. The UK Government and Peers must make key amendments to ensure the legislation is workable for letting agents, landlords and tenants alike.
New homelessness legislation must be underpinned with solid implementation plans
Propertymark has responded to the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee’s consultation on the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill, warning that the legislation’s success will depend on adequate funding, cross-sector collaboration, and clear implementation plans.
Housing Insight Report: May 2025
A mixed performance across the UK housing market in May. Despite broader economic uncertainties, including stubborn inflation and modest GDP contraction, the sector remains resilient with both challenges and signs of recovery.
Division Presidents launch their term as elected Vice-Presidents announced
We were delighted to welcome members from across the UK and internationally to our interactive digital AGM, which gave members a chance to hear updates on key issues from our Chair, CEO, and Head of Finance, along with the opportunity to ask questions. We also marked the beginning of fresh Presidential terms for the ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark Advisory Panels and announced this year's successful Vice-Presidents, who now join the presidential teams for the sales and lettings divisions.
London’s housing future hinges on bold action
Propertymark has issued a robust response to the Mayor of London’s consultation on the next London Plan, warning that without urgent action to address the capital’s acute housing shortage, the Plan risks failing to meet its fundamental aims. The proposals lack critical focus on the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS), underplay the challenge of housing delivery, and fail to fully embrace the potential of private landlords to meet housing need.
Renters' Rights Bill – next steps and getting prepared
The Bill cleared the Committee Stage in the House of Lords on 15 May 2025, and the next step, the Report Stage, will take place over three sessions between 1–15 July. It seems unlikely the Bill will complete the final stages and gain Royal Assent before Summer recess, however, key measures - like changes to tenancy agreements and possession rules – could still come into force later this year. More complex elements, such as the landlord and agent database and the Decent Homes Standard, are expected to follow in 2026 or 2027.
RentGuarantor: making 'no place like home' possible since 2018
In 2018, Propertymark Industry Supplier RentGuarantor launched with a clear purpose: to support people who deserved access to rental homes but were being turned away—not for financial reasons, but because they didn’t fit the system. RentGuarantor set out to provide an alternative, a support mechanism that helped tenants secure a place to live, while giving landlords and letting agents the confidence to say yes. Seven years on, they explain why their purpose hasn’t changed, but the scale has.
New data law signals a chance for agents to do things differently
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 officially became law on 19 June, marking the biggest update to the UK’s digital data laws since Brexit. The Act amends — but does not replace — the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). For Propertymark members, the new law presents a golden opportunity to streamline processes and embrace innovation, all while continuing to protect people’s personal data.