Based on findings from a survey of over 700 letting agents, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has published new guidance to help agents, landlords and tenants to deal with condensation, damp, and mould in their properties. Casework undertaken by the service in 2023 included over 1,000 enquiries, 200 investigations, and £36,000 in compensation awarded for cases involving damp and mould.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, MP, addressed the inaugural meeting of the New Towns Taskforce on 17 September 2024, asking them to identify and recommend locations for the next generation of new towns within 12 months.

The ongoing cost of living crisis and challenging economic environment have significantly increased the demand for guarantor services, as many tenants face financial uncertainty. This growing market underscores the importance of partnering with a reliable guarantor service which provides the necessary security for landlords and letting agents to continue renting properties with confidence, even in uncertain times.

Includes recommendations on how those dependent on welfare support can have better access to the Private Rented Sector (PRS), and how letting agents and landlords can be supported to improve access to the PRS for other vulnerable groups.

Regulation offers the potential to professionalise the industry, stamp out bad practice, create transparency and give consumers more control over who manages their property. Minimum qualification requirements and statutory Code of Practices to be adhered to by all letting and managing agents in England and sales agents across the UK should be introduced.

The Renters Rights Bill represents a significant overhaul of the way that the private rented sector functions. Following its introduction to parliament on 11 September 2024, myths and misconceptions have begun circulating throughout the property sector and amongst consumers about what the proposed legislation means in practice. With so many seeking clarity, Propertymark is here to provide confidence about what is going to change and what will remain the same.

From 9 December 2024, fees will double for accessing and obtaining copies of title plans and registers – the first change to the cost in more than 10 years – and customers with automated systems are advised to make the necessary changes to their systems before the implementation date. According to HMLR, even with this increase, most customers will pay less than in 1992.

The culprit claimed she could not afford to carry out maintenance at the property, and ignored an Improvement Notice and further requests from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For several years, tenants at the property were forced to put up with a temperamental boiler that often left them without heating or hot water, as well as a condemned cooker. An HSE investigation found that the landlord was receiving full rent from the tenant at the time enforcement action was taken.

The Renters' Reform Bill was introduced to parliament on 11 September 2024. If passed without amendment, the Bill will significantly overhaul the structure for private rented sector housing and repeal Section 21, alongside a number of other significant measures including the removal of fixed term tenancies, the expansion of Rent Repayment Orders, and a new landlord Ombudsman. There are many hurdles for the Bill to clear as part of the process of parliamentary scrutiny, but as Labour have a majority in the House of Commons the legislation could go through as quickly as next spring, with the reforms being implemented by late summer 2025.

Propertymark met with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, MP, and Baroness Taylor, Lords Housing Minister, ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill being introduced to parliament on 11 September 2024, to hear details of the UK Government’s proposals and provide initial feedback on behalf of members. Key features of the Bill include the abolition of Section 21, a ban on in-tenancy rent increases, and the removal of fixed-term tenancies. Our engagement with Ministers and officials will continue as the Bill progresses, with further meetings already arranged.

A survey of 1,500 UK renters has revealed that three in ten tenancies do not benefit from a property inventory, leaving agents, landlords, and tenants more vulnerable to costly disputes further down the line.

The auction sector is buoyant with 38% of agents reporting increased lot numbers in Q2 2024. Despite this positivity, challenges remain. The economic outlook remains mixed; our members are concerned about the cost of doing business. Positively, the quarter ended with inflation in line with the Bank of England’s target, a precursor to a long-awaited reduction in the base rate.

The final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry has concluded that the 72 deaths caused by the devastating fire on 14 June 2017 were avoidable. Sir Martin Moore-Bick, who chaired the Inquiry, stated that there was widespread incompetence from those responsible for the safety of the building and its occupants, including the local authority, contractors, and tenant management organisations. Prime Minister Kier Starmer, MP, said it is likely that further legislation will be needed to implement recommendations made in the report and proposals will be put before parliament as soon as possible. He also accepted that remediation work is behind schedule and must be speeded up.

Eight companies have been selected to receive investment and support from the REACH UK 2024 technology scale-up program, run by Second Century Ventures (SCV) in partnership with Propertymark and TDS. The project represents a strategic investment in high-potential companies positioned to deliver significant value across the property industry.

We entered July with a new government and the prospect of a reset in major housing policy areas. Despite this, and a wetter than normal July, prospective buyer registrations in the residential sales sector were up, and so too were the number of sales agreed. Reflecting seasonal trends alongside the anticipation of an August rate cut, most other sales metrics remained static.

Jas Athwal, MP, has endured a weekend of backlash after reports revealed his tenants were living in flats containing black mould and an infestation of ants. It was also discovered that Mr Athwal, previously the leader of Redbridge Council who introduced the scheme, had not correctly renewed the selective licences for his properties.