The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 have now been published, which are seen as the vehicle for wider EPC reform. These regulations will include redesigned certificates, clearer metrics, and a five-year validity period, with the new regime coming in on 31 October 2026. The changes are to support the journey to net zero whilst improving the information that buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants receive.

REACH UK has opened applications for its 2026 cohort, inviting high-potential tech companies that are solving real problems for agents, landlords, buyers and renters. Propertymark and TDS are long-standing partners of the program, which connects founders with an unparalleled industry network, expert guidance and routes to adoption—speeding up the journey from promising prototype to practical, scalable tools used in day-to-day agency work.

The 2025 National Risk Assessment (NRA) has once again placed the property sector in the spotlight as one of the most attractive ways for criminals to conceal illicit wealth. Complex ownership structures, offshore companies, and opaque trusts continue to disguise the identity of the individuals behind transactions, with both residential and commercial sales and lettings vulnerable.

A package of fundamental reforms, centred on upfront information, digital data and ID, higher professional standards, and earlier binding agreements, has been released for a 12-week public consultation. Designed to make home moves quicker, more certain, and less stressful, the changes could cut typical timelines by up to four weeks and save consumers about £255m a year, according to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The latest Propertymark Housing Insight Report shows the UK market edging toward recovery in August 2025. Sales activity and stock levels are rising, but affordability pressures and tax uncertainty continue to weigh on buyers. In lettings, rent growth is easing and arrears are falling, offering early signs of a market finally catching its breath.

The Bill completed Stage 3 in the Scottish Parliament on 30 September, leaving Royal Assent as the final step before it becomes law. The legislation provides a framework for rent control, fresh rights for tenants to keep pets, and stronger tools to prevent homelessness. However, most of the key measures require further consultation and regulations, meaning agents and landlords are unlikely to see rent controls in place until 2028.

Cybercrime incidents can impact businesses of all sizes and industries, including property agencies. Propertymark industry supplier, Gallagher, is reminding all property agents about the importance of adequate risk prevention and management.

We have responded to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on its draft price transparency guidance under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA). From 6 April 2025 the DMCCA replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, so the CMA’s approach will shape day‑to‑day advertising for every agent. Our message is clear: property is different, and the guidance must reflect that.

The Scottish Government has set out plans to modernise the 200-year-old legislation that underpins Compulsory Purchase Orders, making them fairer, faster and simpler for public bodies to use, and easier for people affected to understand. By removing barriers to the use of these powers, MSPs hope they can be used more frequently to support the delivery of new homes, infrastructure, and regeneration projects. However, the scale of the reform needed means legislation is unlikely to be brought forward until after the next Scottish Parliament Election in 2026.

Stage 3 proceedings for the Housing (Scotland) Bill began on 23 September 2025 in the Scottish Parliament. MSPs are considering around 400 amendments over two days before holding a final vote on whether the Bill should become law. This marks the last opportunity to shape one of the most significant reforms to renting in Scotland since the introduction of the Private Residential Tenancy.

The long-anticipated Renters Reform Bill is due to land this year, and with it comes one of the most significant shifts in the UK rental market in decades: the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions. Once this change takes effect, landlords and letting agents will no longer be able to regain possession of their property without specific grounds. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Inventory Hive, explains why this will make robust documentation more important than ever.

Any newly self-employed agents, those earning untaxed income, or receiving income outside PAYE who need to complete a tax return for the first time for the 2024-2025 tax year, must register with HMRC by 5 October 2025.

The charitable arm of Propertymark, who help members, their families, colleagues, and friends in times of hardship, and also funds qualifications and professional development, has a new website designed to make its support more accessible to members than ever before.

The second quarter of 2025 shows the commercial property sector is balancing short-term challenges with long-term opportunities, as agents report shifting confidence across sectors.

Ofgem has issued draft guidance on protections for heat network consumers, and is seeking views on the rules and requirements set out in the authorisation conditions. This includes obligations around billing clarity, complaint handling, and safeguards for vulnerable residents.