The appointees join the board after an intensive and robust recruitment process. The Trust is the official charity of Propertymark, supporting estate and letting agents through life’s toughest moments.

The proposals form part of a wider ambition to accelerate housebuilding and tackle long-standing shortages, with large-scale developments expected to play a central role in delivering new homes and infrastructure. For property agents, these proposals signal continued focus on boosting supply, but also reinforce the need for practical, deliverable solutions that can bring homes to market more quickly

Propertymark is inviting member agents to apply for a place on the REACH UK Agent Advisory Board, offering a direct role in shaping and testing the next generation of property technology. The Board builds on a proven model that gives agents early access to emerging solutions and the opportunity to influence how they are developed and deployed in real agency settings.

From 6 April, 125,000 landlords and sole traders in the property sector must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) software, in the biggest change to the Self-Assessment system since 1997. Support is available to those impacted, and HMRC has confirmed that no penalties will be issued for late quarterly updates in the 2026 to 2027 tax year as the system beds in.

The Youth Jobs Grant, part of the UK Government’s New Deal for young people, is designed to create thousands of jobs and apprenticeships, with estate and letting agencies eligible to benefit from financial support. The scheme forms part of a wider employment drive to unlock opportunities for the next generation, with a focus on supporting businesses to take on younger workers and invest in skills.

Reforms coming into force during 2026, following the Employment Rights Act 2025, will affect recruitment, staff management, and workplace policies across the UK, including in property agencies. With many firms employing a mix of negotiators, property managers, administrative staff, and apprentices, understanding the changes early will help agencies remain compliant and continue to operate effectively.

The new Board formalises the separation between Propertymark’s regulatory and representative functions, ensuring that regulation is independent, impartial and firmly focused on the public interest. This approach aligns us with best practice across other regulated professional sectors, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to high standards and accountability and strengthening professionalism, transparency and public trust across the property sector.

Despite a multi-year commitment to affordable housing supply and increased investment in acquisitions and homelessness prevention, it is surprising that the Scottish Government is yet again failing to tackle the housing emergency, and the Budget misses an important opportunity to address the growing tax burden on housing. At a time of acute housing pressure, Scotland needs policies that encourage mobility and investment across all tenures.

Propertymark has worked tirelessly to ensure members’ voices are heard, practical concerns are addressed, and reforms are workable as the UK and devolved governments have pushed ahead with major legislative changes. Long-standing challenges around supply, affordability and standards have remained firmly in focus, and we will continue to scrutinise legislation, challenge unclear proposals and provide practical guidance to support members as reforms move from policy into practice across the UK.

Member feedback has highlighted the growing phenomenon of AI tools helping consumers create detailed, legal-sounding complaints in minutes. While many complaints are reasonable and well-intentioned, the speed and volume made possible by AI are creating new pressures for property agents, especially smaller firms with limited staff capacity. Propertymark is working to ensure members are supported through clear guidance, professional standards, and a strong voice with policymakers.

Propertymark head office is the proud home of a giant circus-themed gavel which was sold as part of the Bidpath Foundation’s Gavel Art Trail and Charity Auction in November 2025. The Foundation was set up in honour of Bidpath colleague and NAVA Propertymark Advisory Panel member George Wade following his brain tumour diagnosis in 2024. It aims to raise funds for underrepresented causes through community-led auction initiatives.

Checking carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and heating systems can help prevent avoidable tragedies. Known as the ‘silent killer’, CO has no smell, taste, or colour, yet even small amounts can be fatal. Hundreds of people are hospitalised each year due to this poisoning, and many could be prevented with simple maintenance and alarm checks.

Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, took the views and concerns of members directly to MPs as he gave evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry into housing conditions in England on 4 November 2025. Douglas highlighted the ongoing work of professional agents in driving up standards but warned that progress under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 depends on clarity from the UK Government, realistic timelines, and a fair regulatory framework.

HM Treasury must not delay any longer on measures to tackle the growing pressures across the housing market. Without bold action, the supply of homes to rent and buy will continue to fall short of demand. Our message to the Chancellor is clear - stability in the property market depends on policies that make investing, renting, buying and selling homes affordable and sustainable. The Budget on 26 November 2025 is the UK Government’s opportunity to restore confidence and drive growth across the housing sector.