Autumn Budget 2024: strengthening housing markets whilst boosting energy efficiency
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.
Self-assessment tax returns up-to-date guidance
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.
Fact sheet: Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 makes a number of changes which will affect long term homeownership for leaseholds and homeowners on managed estates. Key changes within the Act include restricting the granting of new long residential leases for houses.
FAQs: Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
One in five properties in England (4.98 million) and one in six in Wales (235,000) are leasehold. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 follows the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 and makes a number of changes which will affect long term homeownership for leaseholds and homeowners on managed estates.
Propertymark One 2025: An extraordinary gathering of industry experts
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.
The UPRN is a vital part of the digital property market infrastructure
Propertymark, alongside organisations from the UK property sector, has reopened dialogue with the UK Government to outline three key actions Ministers should consider during this parliament: embedding the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) in public sector projects, enabling market adoption, and ensuring ethical data use.
Most inefficient homes to get fully funded upgrades from local grant scheme
The UK Government has published details of their Warm Homes Plan to upgrade five million homes in England to EPC C over the next five years. Beginning in April 2025, the Warm Homes: Local Grant will be delivered by Local Authorities and provide up to £15,000 each for low-carbon heating and energy performance improvements in owner-occupied or privately rented homes.
Ministry signals tough stance on empty homes with Compulsory Purchase Order
A Local Authority has been given the go ahead by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to repossess a rental property left empty and in disrepair since 2018. Objections raised by the property owner were overruled by a Planning Inspectorate hearing and the Council will now ensure the building is sold to a new owner who will renovate and occupy it within a reasonable timeframe.
Housing Insight Report: August 2024
Although the year to date has seen the economy take a more stable footing, which has assisted in bringing an enhanced level of consumer confidence to the housing market, it is important to consider there are still challenges ahead. The housing sector continues to suffer from a long-standing absence of available stock, within both the sales and rental sectors.
Multi-million-pound boost to brownfield development must balance speed, quality and infrastructure
Targeted at clearing empty buildings, former car parks, and industrial land for development, the £68 million will be delivered directly to 54 councils through the Brownfield Land Release Fund. The UK Government has stated that 5,400 houses will be built across the UK with projects in Manchester, Eastbourne, Northampton, and Weston-Super-Mare already confirmed.
Balancing conservation with energy efficiency in listed and historic buildings
Despite a reputation for being draughty and inefficient, old houses were designed to work with their environment and can still do that well if properly repaired and maintained. To understand the performance of a particular building, and identify opportunities for improvement, owners and managers should consider all the factors that impact energy use and efficiency and remember that some retrofit measures may simple not be feasible.
Fears that suspicious payment powers could delay property transactions
From the end of October 2024, UK banks will be able to hold payments for up to four days whilst investigations of potential fraud are carried out, raising concerns that the large transactions needed for property purchases may be incorrectly blocked. The change follows stricter rules on fraud compensation which came into force on 7 October 2024, meaning that banks must refund scam victims up to £85,000 within five days.
Key barriers to new home delivery missed in plans for reform
Practical measures to ensure local demand is properly considered and a realistic approach to incentives for developers and landowners are key issues Propertymark members highlighted in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation.
Tough restrictions on small HMOs
Concerns about the amount of available housing, pressure on local services, and a perceived threat to the area's character are behind the decision by Rugby Borough Council to use new powers to stop the spread of houses of multiple occupations in the town.
Brownfield passports call for evidence launched
As part of its brownfield-first approach to development, the UK Government has announced plans to support and expedite the approval of urban sites to sit alongside their plans to deliver 1.5 million homes.
Taskforce launch marks key milestone for housebuilding mission
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, MP, addressed the inaugural meeting of the New Towns Taskforce on 17 September 2024, asking them to identify and recommend locations for the next generation of new towns within 12 months.