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.

Propertymark has welcomed the launch of Extract, the UK Government’s new technology solution, which aims to reduce delays and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes through its Plan for Change. However, we urge ministers to recognise that digitising the planning system is only one part of the solution to tackling the housing crisis – recruitment, inefficient processes, and skills gaps must still be addressed.

As the new Stamp Duty thresholds were introduced from April across England and Northern Ireland, it’s inevitable that a slowing in the pace of the market was to be noted. In the lettings market, we have seen a welcome jump in the number of properties on the market.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a technical consultation on reforming planning committees in England. The proposals could lead to significant changes in how planning decisions are made locally. Propertymark has responded on behalf of our members to ensure the voice of the property sector is heard, and we also encourage individuals to

The House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has held a one-off evidence session to examine how property management companies operate and the impact this has on homeowners. Held on 17 June 2025, the session explored concerns about high service charges, lack of transparency, and limited control over how estates are managed, issues that Propertymark has repeatedly raised in our calls for regulation.

The UK’s largest multi-disciplinary conference for property professionals was hosted at ExCeL London on Friday 13 June, with attendees from the whole spectrum of property disciplines. The energy, insight, and enthusiasm throughout the day reaffirmed Propertymark’s role at the heart of the industry.

With rising enforcement by HMRC and an increase in consumer complaints to The Property Ombudsman (TPO), the risks to property businesses from non-compliance are growing fast. At the same time, complexity and the pace of change are escalating; rules around financial sanctions reporting, material information, and unfair commercial practices have shifted in recent weeks, and for the lettings sector, the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill is rapidly approaching.

Propertymark’s response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consultation sets out a clear and urgent case for reform of the scheme, which provides financial support for households in England and Wales to install low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps or biomass boilers. A more ambitious scope is needed to help overcome the barriers landlords face in meeting the UK Government’s energy efficiency ambitions — especially the proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) of EPC C for new tenancies by 2028.

The UK Government has confirmed the change will be part of the upcoming Future Homes Standard, to be published this autumn. Propertymark supports efforts to reduce household energy costs and improve energy efficiency in new homes but has urged Ministers to address practical implementation challenges and ensure support is in place for the UK’s 29 million existing homes.

The Act, now over 70 years old, gives business tenants a legal right to renew their leases in many circumstances — a framework that has faced growing criticism for being outdated and overly complex. Propertymark responded to the consultation, advocating for modernisation of the legislation to reflect the current needs of businesses. These initial recommendations come as part of a wider review focusing on how well the law is functioning for commercial property leases.

The first quarter of 2025 delivered a strong performance for the UK auction sector. Despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and pending Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) changes, activity across England and Northern Ireland accelerated, driven by motivated buyers and sellers.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, delivered her first Spending Review on 11 June 2025, setting out the UK Government’s financial plans through to 2029. With major implications for the housing sector, the review includes a headline investment in social and affordable housing – the biggest such commitment in 50 years. Propertymark welcomes this clear signal that housing is a top priority. We also recognise the importance of scrutinising how this investment will be delivered in practice and what it means for agents across the property sector.

2024 was a year defined by strategic investment, enhanced member support, and strong financial performance. Despite a challenging economic landscape, we held membership fees and Client Money Protection levies at 2022 levels for a third consecutive year, while growing membership by 4.3% to 18,711.

Proposals published for consultation state that all private rented sector (PRS) homes must meet a minimum standard based on a reformed Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by the end of 2033, with new tenancies expected to comply from 2028. Propertymark welcomes the intention to improve energy efficiency across the housing stock, but we remain concerned about the potential burden on landlords and the capacity of the sector to meet these new obligations

The Energy Security and Next Zero Committee (ESNZC) has published its first inquiry report on retrofitting homes, concluding that at the present rate of progress, the UK is far off track for meeting its legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050. Around 29 million homes require upgrades, but support schemes are too complicated, short-term, and are failing to engage consumers and the supply chain.

The funding, delivered through the Land Division, will support 17 projects aimed at addressing housing need and creating stronger communities. Propertymark has consistently called for greater collaboration between devolved governments and the private sector to support housing delivery. This latest announcement reflects similar calls raised in our reports on planning reform and housing supply.