Renters Reform must balance interests of tenants and landlords
Propertymark has submitted written evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Renters (Reform) Bill, citing data demonstrating the level of concern amongst our members about measures likely to make the PRS increasingly hostile to property owners and the unintended consequences for people in need of homes.
Propertymark Qualifications Awards 2023 – winners announced
Phil Spencer, Founder of Move iQ, presented learners who had gone above and beyond with their Awards, spotlighting all finalists by commending the standards they were setting for the industry and their professionalism’s impact on consumers. In the graduation-style ceremony, those who achieved their qualification in the last 12 months were also recognised for their achievements.
Housing Insight Report: October 2023
The Autumn statement had an upbeat feel and yielded some positive news for the housing industry. However, this is no time to celebrate while the cost-of-living crisis continues to limp on. In the letting sector, the number of new prospective tenants registered per member branch has decreased month on month since July 2023.
Ambitious proposals to switch a nation to clean heating
Fossil fuel systems will be replaced by 2045 and new minimum energy efficiency standards will be set for homes of all tenures, according to plans which have been put out for consultation by the Scottish Government.
Compliance simplified: annual client account inspections
In the fast-paced world of property management, letting agents face a myriad of challenges, with client money management sitting high on the list of priorities. Ensuring the safety and transparency of client funds is not only a legal obligation; it’s good business practice.
Full Material Information guidance published
The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) has released comprehensive new guidelines covering all three phases of the programme, which aims to improve and standardise disclosures in property listings, helping agents to meet their legal obligations.
Rent control fears drive cost increases
The average rent for a two-bedroom home in Scotland has increased by over 14%, reaching an average of £841 – an extra £105 per month compared to the previous year – as landlords try to cover increasing costs and prepare for the impact of new legislation.
Issue 53: Winter 2023
Is your agency looking a bit tired or ragged round the edges? Time for a bit of TLC? This issue contains advice from the professionals in sprucing up your agency, whether it's a top-to-toe reinvention or a simple mini-update. Our polcy special looks at what an announced White Paper for Wales could mean for the PRS, phase two of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and a report on the political party conferences.
Propertymark Welsh Budget representation
Focusing on the key housing sector themes, Propertymark is calling for prioritisation of work with the PRS on homelessness, investment in reliable data collection, and a boost in support for decarbonisation.
Leasehold and Freehold Bill starts progress through UK Parliament
A ban on new leasehold houses and limits on ground rent for new flats are contained in the long-promised and eagerly awaited Bill, and for existing leaseholders, selling should be made quicker and easier.
Propertymark helps launch group committed to fairer renting
Collaborating with other leading sector organisations, forums and landlord associations, the Housing Coalition's first in-person meeting was held at Propertymark's offices in London on 22 November 2023.
First time buyer support extended in Autumn Budget
Further details have emerged from the fine print of the Autumn Budget Statement, which Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, MP, announced on 22 November 2023, with positive news for the mortgage guarantee scheme, proptech and new housing developments.
Behaviour Hotspots and Immediate Justice added to ASB Action Plan
Extra policing will be deployed in ten initial target areas before the plan is rolled out across England and Wales in 2024. The public will also have a simpler way to report ASB (anti-social behaviour), and perpetrators could face penalties within 48 hours.
Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2023
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) will at last be unfrozen and Universal Credit (UC) will rise under UK Government tax and spending plans announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, MP, today, 22 November 2023. Rate relief and full expensing for businesses are also included.
More new supported and specialist homes are needed
The National Housing Federation (NHF) predicts that by 2045 around 2.3 million older people could be living in homes that don’t meet their needs unless the housing sector is given the tools and policy landscape they need to provide a solution.
Service Occupancy Agreement
The main characteristics of a service occupancy are that the occupation of the property is closely linked to the occupier’s employment, they have a personal licence to occupy for so long as they are employed by the employer and that the service occupancy terminates automatically when the employment contract ends.