No sign from agents that the good times have yet ended
HOUSING REPORT: Despite recent murmurings of an impending slowdown in the property market, figures our agents reported for May appear to show the buoyant market continues. Perhaps as a result, lengthy waiting times from offer to exchange remain.
The importance of effective cyber risk management
There is now a greater reliance on digital services for agents, this makes it even more important to review and invest in cybersecurity to manage the risk of potentially disruptive cyber incidents.
New leaders announced to set and deliver strategy
Michael Alan Sears and Mish Liyanage join the specialist skillset of the current Propertymark Board following a rigorous election process to help drive forward our vision and business strategy. New Presidents of the lettings and sales divisions also take their posts from today, 17 June 2022.
First cost of living payments coming in July
The UK Government has announced the first instalment of the new cost of living payment will be given to households receiving income-related benefits from 14 July 2022, with a further instalment in the Autumn.
FAQs: Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022
This Act is part of a series of proposed powers to combat illicit finance and reduce economic crime. While the Act is necessary to impose sanctions as part of a wider set of actions the UK has taken against Russia, measures set out in the Act aim to tackle economic crime from all overseas entities.
Non-domestic smart meter policy changes
The UK Government has published a response to a consultation on improving the data offer and enabling innovation for non-domestic customers.
Generation buy to generation rent
The UK Government will launch an independent review of access to mortgage finance for first-time buyers, with the aim of making it easier to access low-cost, low-deposit finance such as 95 per cent mortgages.
Ivory Act comes into force
The near-total ban on the import, export and dealing of items containing elephant ivory comes into force today, 6 June 2022, which puts the UK at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
A shrinking private rented sector
Research reveals the full extent of landlords’ exit from the PRS (private rented sector) indicating the rate at which the sector is shrinking.
Fact sheet: Ivory Act 2018
The purpose of the Ivory Act is to prohibit commercial activities concerning ivory in the UK and the import and re-export of ivory for commercial purposes to and from the UK. This includes intra-EU trade to and from the UK.
High rents not deterring prospective tenants
PRS REPORT: Rents are rising across the UK. Despite this, we continue to see high demand from prospective tenants. An average of 95 new applicants were registered per member branch, an increase from 78 per branch recorded in February.
High demand continued in April
HOUSING REPORT: Despite the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and rising interest rates, the public remain convinced that now is a good time to buy. Properties currently being brought onto the market are 115 per cent more likely to sell than they were in the month of April from 2012–2021.
Cost of living help announced
The UK Government has launched a new £15 billion package targeted at those most in need. As living costs continue to increase, agents and landlords will want to ensure that their tenants receive all the help to which they are entitled.
Professional standards of letting agents
Good letting agents are highly trained and experienced professionals that offer a vast range of services and advice that can make all the difference to landlords and tenants. Propertymark member agents also follow a strict code of conduct and are regularly assessed to ensure they are meeting all the required standards.
How to cope with stressful situations
You are in the thick of one of life’s most stressful moments—moving home. It is an emotionally charged process from start to finish so it's important to know simple ways you can keep your customers calm and respond positively to any complaints.
Learning at work
Propertymark is supporting Learning at Work Week, 16-22 May 2022, which aims to put a spotlight on the importance and benefits of continual learning and development as well as promote a culture for learning at work.