King's Speech: what will impact property agents
Opening the new session of Parliament, King Charles III announced more than 40 Bills the UK Government has committed to introduce, with housing and planning firmly in the spotlight. Housebuilding, renters’ rights, and leasehold reform are all on the legislative agenda, along with significant devolution of powers to local authorities.
And the rest is politics: How Propertymark amplifies member voices
To represent Propertymark members’ views and the property sector to ensure their voices are heard, we interpret key policy developments and lobby for change. Working with members, we research and survey to develop evidence-based arguments to campaign for policy change across the devolved nations on issues, including supply of property, tenancy management, economic crime, property taxation, enforcement, material information, and welfare reform.
Simplify management of Legionella assessments in-house
KPR offers a LRA report within their inspection and repairs software to record the test results and help fulfil the owner’s legal obligations, as well as generating an additional income source for managing agents by allowing them to conduct this assessment as part of their service. The software is simple and convenient to use, with pre-set template questions ensuring nothing is overlooked. KPR also supply a full Legionella test kit, allowing anyone in the agency can conduct the report, and presents the result as a clear and professional report.
The new government must address the country's housing crisis promptly
The UK General Election has returned the Labour Party to power with a parliamentary landslide, ending 14 years of Conservative government. Aiming to channel the spirit of Clement Attlee with a proactive and strategic approach to housing, the party campaigned on a manifesto that promised significant changes to planning rules, strict targets for delivery of new homes, reform of the private rented sector (PRS), long-term schemes to help young people onto the housing ladder, and local powers for councils to take over empty commercial premises.
Elected Board members and division Vice-Presidents announced
At the Propertymark AGM today, 28 June 2024, we welcomed three newly elected members of the Propertymark Board and marked the beginning of fresh Presidential terms for the ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark Advisory Panels. This year's successful Vice-Presidents were also announced and will join the presidential teams for the sales and lettings divisions.
General Election 2024: housing policy round up
The property industry urgently needs a clear strategy and strong, consistent leadership from the next UK Government. As the nation prepares to go to the polls on Thursday 4 July Propertymark has examined the manifesto promises on housing from major parties to see what is on offer to voters who care about the future of our sector.
Propertymark One is a roaring success leading members in the pursuit of excellence
Insights galore, new initiatives and tangible learning were the top takeaways from #PMOne that took place on Friday 14 June 2024 at ExCel London, where over 1500 delegates joined us to hear 50 speakers all experts in their field impart their wisdom and knowledge to help agents and their businesses grow.
Propertymark enters a new era with launch of Propertymark Protection Company Membership
This decade has presented a near total transformation of the property sector with reduced confidence and supply, economic and interest rate uncertainty, dramatic changes in the conduct of consumers, new expectations among the workforce and the introduction of AI, the consequences of which are still being understood. As the only professional body dedicated to supporting sales, lettings, commercial agents, and auctioneers, Propertymark has reassessed not only the services we offer, but the whole structure of membership.
Private Tenancies Act Section 8 coming into force on 1 September
The Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 set the standards for the number and type of alarms that must be installed in privately rented properties. Once they come into force, letting agents and landlords will be responsible for installing and keeping alarms sufficient in any property they rent out.
Deciding cybersecurity spend: how much is enough?
As technology continues to advance, the threat of cyber-attacks becomes increasingly prevalent. Investing in robust cyber defence measures can help property agents protect their sensitive data and systems — but what proportion of an IT budget should be set aside?
Further Regulations confirmed under the Private Tenancies Act
Following the enactment of Sections 1-6 of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 1 April 2023, the Department for Communities has outlined that two further phases, Sections 8 and 10, will come into force by the end of 2024.
Issue 55: Summer 2024
In this summer issue, long-standing members reflect on their start in the property profession and we asked experts from Belvoir group to share their views on agent training and qualifications, and how they will both impact the future of our sector. The policy update looks at short-term lets which are under the spotlight from legislators.
Fact sheet: Lead in drinking water
In Scotland, the Tolerable Standard states that properties should have an adequate piped supply of wholesome drinking water. Statutory guidance on the Repairing Standard, which came into effect on 1 March 2024, now specifies that the property should be free of lead pipes from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap.
Propertymark has authoritative voice on UK money-laundering risk
Every two years, the European Commission assesses the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing affecting both the EU internal market and cross-border activities. As a member of CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professionals, we work with them to provide the perspective of the UK market.
Propertymark lettings helpline hits new milestone
Six months have now passed since we launched our dedicated Lettings Helpline, providing unlimited free advice to members in England and Wales from landlord and tenant specialists. For many, it has become an essential membership benefit for dealing with lettings issues, no matter how complex, plus, we have ambitious plans to grow the service further.
Lords tell UK Government to get on with agent regulation
Following a short inquiry, at which Propertymark gave evidence, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has bluntly asked the UK Government why it has not yet established a regulator of property agents, four years after it committed to doing so.