HOUSING REPORT: With increasing demand, 37 per cent of properties sold above the original asking price, a staggering 185 per cent increase year on year, from August 2020.

Clauses which see ground rents doubling in price every ten or fifteen years are to be removed from contracts supplied by Countryside Properties (Countryside).

A new licensing scheme is being developed to help ensure that short term lets are safe and help address issues faced by local residents and communities. All Scottish councils will have to adopt a short-term lets licensing system by October 2022.

The second reading of the Private Tenancies Bill took place on 13 September 2021, which was introduced to deliver more protections for private renters.

Requirements and expectations have been clarified in an update provided to Scotland’s private rented sector (PRS), particularly on training and registration.

There is equally high demand for new housing between homes for private ownership, within the PRS and social housing with not enough homes available to fulfil the growth in demand.

The UK Government has launched a ‘My Apprenticeship’ online service to help both apprentices and employers in England keep track of their progress and get support. Employers will also soon have the chance to apply for funding from unspent levy funds.

Running from 13 - 19 September, Propertymark is once again pledging its support to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety to its members and the public.

The UK Government has confirmed to Propertymark that notice periods will return to their pre-COVID lengths.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted unrealistic timeline expectations as a contributing factor to the scheme’s less than satisfactory delivery.

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The Home Office is researching options for a more secure system of remote checks on UK nationals using digital verification, when current Covid measures end in April 2022.

A new Report and Open Letter have been sent to the Secretary of State for Housing to highlight the negative impact the Tenant Fees Act has had on renting with pets.

In a letter to Patrick Harvie MSP, following his appointment as Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel, and Tenants' Rights, Propertymark highlighted it is vital that the introduction of any legislation around the private rented sector (PRS) is based on evidence.

As many agents will be aware, disputes over tenancy deposits at the end of tenancy can cause frustrating delays and unexpected costs. Fortunately, there are ways to resolve common disputes quickly and avoid them altogether.

The First Homes Scheme enables a first-time buyer purchasing their only home to take advantage of at least a thirty percent discount on the property’s market value.