The UK has more than 359,000 homes sitting empty for over six months. Long-term vacancy represents a wasted asset at a time of acute housing need, while also contributing to social decline, increased maintenance costs, and reduced local investment. A more strategic, well-resourced approach is essential to bring empty properties back into use and support thriving, sustainable communities.

Propertymark welcomes the tougher standards from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which place stricter responsibilities on energy suppliers to fix faulty meters, improving reliability for households and supporting smoother tenancy management.

The appointees join the board after an intensive and robust recruitment process. The Trust is the official charity of Propertymark, supporting estate and letting agents through life’s toughest moments.

Propertymark is inviting member agents to apply for a place on the REACH UK Agent Advisory Board, offering a direct role in shaping and testing the next generation of property technology. The Board builds on a proven model that gives agents early access to emerging solutions and the opportunity to influence how they are developed and deployed in real agency settings.

When it comes to deposit disputes in the private rental sector, one thing matters above all else: evidence. Not opinion. Not memory. And certainly not assumptions. What matters is time stamped, detailed and impartial documentation that shows exactly what condition a property was in at the start and end of a tenancy. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Inventory Hive, explains why inventory reports matter so much, what makes them stand up to scrutiny, and what can cause them to fall apart in front of a deposit adjudicator.

From 6 April, 125,000 landlords and sole traders in the property sector must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) software, in the biggest change to the Self-Assessment system since 1997. Support is available to those impacted, and HMRC has confirmed that no penalties will be issued for late quarterly updates in the 2026 to 2027 tax year as the system beds in.

For many buyers and renters, the start of 2026 still feels like a balancing act between opportunity and affordability. With interest rates now fluctuating and borrowing costs still elevated compared to previous years, people continue to approach moves cautiously.

The UK Government has published its partial response to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime, confirming a significant overhaul of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in England and Wales. Once implemented, domestic EPCs will move to four new headline metrics, whilst non-domestic EPCs will continue to use the existing Environmental Impact Rating. Importantly, certificates will still be valid for 10 years under the new regime.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has pledged £10,000 grants to help first-time buyers onto the housing ladder if the SNP is re-elected on 7 May. While the move signals recognition of affordability pressures, Propertymark believes broader action is still required to address the root causes of the country’s housing crisis.

The Renters’ Rights Act directly addresses rental discrimination practices, and the UK and Scottish governments have worked closely to extend these protections to Scotland. The new rules make it illegal for landlords and letting agents to disadvantage prospective or existing tenants because they have children or receive benefits.

Prioritising clear, proactive communication, ensuring transparent agreements and fees, and keeping robust records of actions and transactions are the top ways agents can reduce the likelihood of complaints escalating to formal disputes in an increasingly regulated housing market. The findings from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) reinforce the value of strong training, clear processes, and high service standards in maintaining trust with consumers and protecting the reputation of the sector.

With Holyrood elections set for 7 May 2026 and a national housing emergency declared in 2024, we have set out what the next Scottish Government must do to support a stable, affordable and functioning property market. Our manifesto focuses on practical reforms that increase supply, improve affordability and strengthen professional standards — shaped directly by member insight.

The 2025 data reveal a sharp rise in consumer complaints across the property sector, with a 47% increase compared with 2024 and a 77% rise since 2023. While many cases are resolved quickly, the figures highlight the types of issues that most often lead to disputes and where improvements can help prevent problems from escalating.

Reforms coming into force during 2026, following the Employment Rights Act 2025, will affect recruitment, staff management, and workplace policies across the UK, including in property agencies. With many firms employing a mix of negotiators, property managers, administrative staff, and apprentices, understanding the changes early will help agencies remain compliant and continue to operate effectively.