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.

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.

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.

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.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Spring Budget on 6 March 2024, likely to be the last before a General Election. Whilst a cut in Capital Gains Tax on property transactions will be welcomed, the sector will be disappointed that key measures, such as stamp duty breaks for last time buyers, increasing mortgage availability and a suspension of the 3% stamp duty land tax premium on buy-to-let purchases have been overlooked.

Propertymark has long called for the regulation and today, 5 March 2024, gave evidence at a House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee Inquiry which examined whether there should be a new regulator as recommended by the report of the Regulation of Property Agents working group in 2019.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has published findings following a public dialogue, with simplicity, keeping control of personal data and robust complaints procedures emerging as key issues for digital identity services.

The UK Government is currently consulting on the implementation of Awaab’s Law, which was passed in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in December 2020 from exposure to serious mould in his parents’ social rented home.

From 1 March over 200 new members from across the Belvoir Group will become Propertymark Protected, enhancing their existing commitments to honesty, transparency, professionalism and going the extra mile for their clients. We are delighted that Belvoir recognises and values the growing consumer recognition of Propertymark Protection, which eligible members display in branches and on websites.

An increasing number of people are taking up apprenticeships in the property sector, and in 2023 Propertymark Qualifications delivered 201 End-Point Assessments for the Junior Estate Agent Apprenticeship, up an amazing 25% from the previous year.

The Devolved Government has been restored after 24 months of no activity. Whilst the Civil Service moved ahead with some actions, there are issues for the housing sector which have been on hold. Ministers must now act to make key improvements to address supply, implement the rest of the Private Tenancies Act, and rule out rent controls to protect the private rented sector.

Our pro-growth solution to tackle challenges the housing sector is experiencing has been sent to HM Treasury which focuses on increasing supply in the private rented sector, will boost home ownership, and generate momentum in the wider property market.

Propertymark is a founding member of the Digital Property Market Steering Group (DPMSG) which represents areas of the sector with the greatest potential for accelerated digital adoption. Today, 17 January 2024, sees the group publish its roadmap to drive crucial change in the land and property market, with information sharing, digital ID checks and AI research among the first key priorities.