Barking and Dagenham Council is set to implement a borough-wide selective licensing scheme, requiring all private rental properties to be licensed from 6 April 2025. The scheme is among the first to leverage a law change introduced by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner at the end of 2024, allowing councils to establish larger licensing schemes without seeking central government approval.

Although we see key aspects of the economy stabilise, the commercial property sector continues to face challenges, as many business sectors evolve to keep pace with ever-progressing trends and shifts in demand. 

Amendments from the Committee Stage were voted on in the House of Commons before the Bill completed its journey in the Commons on 14 January 2025. The Bill now moves on to the upper house for further scrutiny. Disappointingly, the UK Government has so far refused to reconsider the removal of fixed-term tenancies despite challenges from the sector. It has been confirmed that the Bill will not contain any regulations for minimum EPC standards, which will be separately consulted on by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the coming months.

A recent auction has sent waves of excitement through the world of memorabilia collectors, with items from the legendary British comedian Eric Morecambe achieving record-breaking prices and highlighting the pivotal role of professional auctioneers in accurately valuing, presenting and selling these unique cultural artefacts.

August tends to be one of the quieter months in the auction calendar, however September’s figures demonstrated an extremely positive response, with a nearly 10% increase in lots offered and sold across the UK. As the economy continues to stabilise, it is fantastic to see members report strong demand and growth in performance.

Trading in ivory from the common hippopotamus, killer whale, narwhal and sperm whale will now be banned under The Ivory Act 2018 (Meaning of “Ivory” and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025. The new legislation was originally laid in parliament in May 2023, under the previous UK Government, but implementation has been delayed due to a lack of parliamentary time.

2024 marked a remarkable year for Propertymark, as the organisation made significant strides in raising its profile, engaging stakeholders, and shaping policy discussions. This year’s achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of our team, members, and partners. Together, we have raised the bar, set new benchmarks and solidified our position as the leading voice in the property industry.

The UK Government has proposed to ban upfront payments of more than two months’ rent, claiming this will crack down on discrimination against lower-income renters by unscrupulous landlords. Propertymark has challenged this position, stating that a one-size-fits-all approach will end up blocking access to the private rented sector (PRS) for some tenants.

Officers at Portsmouth Council investigated the unnamed business when concerns were raised that a significant number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under their management were unlicensed and overcrowded.

Propertymark has submitted a comprehensive response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements and written to Baroness Taylor to highlight the need for balanced support across the UK. While welcoming efforts to reduce carbon emissions, we raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and the broader impacts on the housing market.

The next few months are likely to prove busy for the sales market, with stock coming to the market and consumers showing they are keen to stay ahead of Stamp Duty threshold changes due in England and Northern Ireland in April 2025. The lettings market remains extremely challenging, with long-running issues regarding an intense lack of rental stock across the UK.

The UK Government has confirmed the Bill will proceed to the Report Stage in the House of Commons on 14 January 2025. All Members of Parliament will debate and consider amendments proposed during the committee stage in November 2024. Given Labour’s prioritisation of this legislation, the Report Stage is expected to be expedited, potentially concluding within a single day. Overall, there has generally been an agreement between all party MPs on most elements of the Bill.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Welsh Government seek agents’ views on proposals to limit the building insurance charges that freeholders, property managing agents and landlords can ask leaseholders to pay. There are long-standing concerns about unjustified and unfair fees which leaseholders are unable to properly scrutinise and challenge.

Mandatory housing targets, more funding for planning officers and a definition of ‘grey belt’ land feature in the new rules published on 12 December 2024. The revised framework underpins the Labour Party’s manifesto commitment to build 1.5 million homes over five years.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee has announced a new inquiry focused on the conditions faced by children and families living in temporary accommodation in England. This initiative is part of an effort to address concerns about the quality of such housing and its effects on children’s development, health, and overall well-being.

In a working paper published on 9 December 2024, the Secretary of State for Housing sets out options for revolution in the national planning system, which will be introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Proposals focus on modernising, up-skilling, and empowering local planning officers and committees to operate as effectively as possible and deliver the homes and infrastructure which are desperately needed across the country.