The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 have now been published, which are seen as the vehicle for wider EPC reform. These regulations will include redesigned certificates, clearer metrics, and a five-year validity period, with the new regime coming in on 31 October 2026. The changes are to support the journey to net zero whilst improving the information that buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants receive.

Propertymark has responded to the Government of Jersey’s consultation on new Fire Precautions (Tall Residential Buildings) Regulations, which will extend protections to around 8,500 islanders living in 125 high-rise homes. The proposed framework would cover buildings over 11 metres in height and introduce measures drawn from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1, including stricter duties for building owners and managing agents.

REACH UK has opened applications for its 2026 cohort, inviting high-potential tech companies that are solving real problems for agents, landlords, buyers and renters. Propertymark and TDS are long-standing partners of the program, which connects founders with an unparalleled industry network, expert guidance and routes to adoption—speeding up the journey from promising prototype to practical, scalable tools used in day-to-day agency work.

The Northern Ireland Dilapidation Bill aims to modernise and consolidate the rules which equip local authorities to tackle run-down, dangerous, or dilapidated buildings and land. It creates a single toolkit to support earlier action to protect amenities, aid regeneration, and keep people safe. The overall direction of the legislation is sound, and Propertymark is engaging with Ministers and MLAs to make improvements so that it will work better in practice.

As the Senedd examines the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, set out members’ priorities to ensure the new framework is practical, proportionate, and aligned with existing regulations.

The 2025 National Risk Assessment (NRA) has once again placed the property sector in the spotlight as one of the most attractive ways for criminals to conceal illicit wealth. Complex ownership structures, offshore companies, and opaque trusts continue to disguise the identity of the individuals behind transactions, with both residential and commercial sales and lettings vulnerable.

A package of fundamental reforms, centred on upfront information, digital data and ID, higher professional standards, and earlier binding agreements, has been released for a 12-week public consultation. Designed to make home moves quicker, more certain, and less stressful, the changes could cut typical timelines by up to four weeks and save consumers about £255m a year, according to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The latest Propertymark Housing Insight Report shows the UK market edging toward recovery in August 2025. Sales activity and stock levels are rising, but affordability pressures and tax uncertainty continue to weigh on buyers. In lettings, rent growth is easing and arrears are falling, offering early signs of a market finally catching its breath.

Propertymark has responded to proposals on how future changes to the Welsh Tax Acts should be made, recommending that the Welsh Government should adopt a Land Transaction Tax (LTT) system that promotes accessibility, simplicity, and predictability, while avoiding excessive surcharges or complex rules that could slow transactions.

Cybercrime incidents can impact businesses of all sizes and industries, including property agencies. Propertymark industry supplier, Gallagher, is reminding all property agents about the importance of adequate risk prevention and management.

Gwynedd Council has confirmed it will appeal after a High Court judgement ruled its Article 4 Direction, intended to require planning permission for converting homes into holiday accommodation, was unlawful. The case is the first major legal test of new powers given to local authorities in Wales to control the growth of short term lets and second homes.

We have responded to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on its draft price transparency guidance under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA). From 6 April 2025 the DMCCA replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, so the CMA’s approach will shape day‑to‑day advertising for every agent. Our message is clear: property is different, and the guidance must reflect that.

Labour’s proposal is bold in scale and ambition — it could reshape growth corridors and open up new development frontiers. But much will depend on delivery, governance and market realism. Propertymark will engage with ministers, departments and stakeholders, pushing for a transparent, accountable, and sustainable delivery model. We’ll ensure our membership’s voice is heard — especially on fairness, consumer protection, and creating high-quality places people want to call home.

The Scottish Government has set out plans to modernise the 200-year-old legislation that underpins Compulsory Purchase Orders, making them fairer, faster and simpler for public bodies to use, and easier for people affected to understand. By removing barriers to the use of these powers, MSPs hope they can be used more frequently to support the delivery of new homes, infrastructure, and regeneration projects. However, the scale of the reform needed means legislation is unlikely to be brought forward until after the next Scottish Parliament Election in 2026.

Propertymark has responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation, which looks at changes to the way holiday lets are assessed for business rates and Council Tax. The consultation considers averaging days let over multiple years, recognising charitable donations, and introducing transitional arrangements for properties moving from non-domestic rates to Council Tax.