The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) was fast tracked through Parliament in May 2024, ahead of the last UK general election, but not all sections of the legislation have yet been brought into force. The reforms affect approximately 4.5 million leasehold homes in England and Wales, but are now being challenged by freeholders, who claim the provisions infringe their human rights.

194 agents have incurred penalties totalling over £1 million for breaches identified by HM Revenue and Customs between October 2024 and March 2025. The vast majority are a result of failing to register for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision on time – the most common reason agents are fined. This highlights how important it is for property professionals to understand the rules, apply correctly, and maintain an up-to-date registration with HMRC.

July 2025 will see the first EICRs expire following the Electrical Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) regulations coming into force in July 2020 for new tenancies and April 2021 for existing tenancies. Approaching expiry dates should be checked to allow time to arrange contractors and inspections, and any follow-up actions should be suitably recorded.

Upward-only rent reviews will be outlawed in new leases across England and Wales under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Concerns have been raised by the sector about how this move could affect property values and investor confidence. Plus, a shift of this magnitude requires careful implementation to prevent unintended consequences for future development and commercial supply.

Our robust response to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee consultation on sanctions scrutiny outlines the disparity between the sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) regimes and underscores the necessity for clearer, more consistent regulations and stronger UK Government support for letting agents navigating complex obligations. Implementing our recommendations will bolster compliance, protect agents, and significantly reduce the risk of economic crime in the UK property sector.

A new Building Safety (Wales) Bill has been introduced in the Senedd that includes wide-ranging reforms to improve the safety of flats and other multi-occupied residential buildings, with guidance expected later this year.

Propertymark has welcomed Ofgem’s proposals to improve transparency and implement fair pricing protections for heat network customers, but warns that implementation must consider the operational realities of managing agents and ensure true consumer fairness.

The UK and Welsh Governments have, today, 4 July 2025, launched a two-part consultation that includes proposals seeking to hold landlords and managing agents to account — Strengthening Leaseholder Protections Over Charges and Services.

The UK Government has unveiled major initiatives in its Modern Industrial Strategy that will significantly influence the housing supply and overall property market, signalling huge opportunities and implications for our members. Proper consultation and partnership will be key to delivering genuine benefits, and we remain committed to providing representation to ensure the best outcomes for agents and the wider property market.

Propertymark has responded to the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee’s consultation on the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill, warning that the legislation’s success will depend on adequate funding, cross-sector collaboration, and clear implementation plans.

A mixed performance across the UK housing market in May. Despite broader economic uncertainties, including stubborn inflation and modest GDP contraction, the sector remains resilient with both challenges and signs of recovery.

We were delighted to welcome members from across the UK and internationally to our interactive digital AGM, which gave members a chance to hear updates on key issues from our Chair, CEO, and Head of Finance, along with the opportunity to ask questions. We also marked the beginning of fresh Presidential terms for the ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark Advisory Panels and announced this year's successful Vice-Presidents, who now join the presidential teams for the sales and lettings divisions.

In 2018, Propertymark Industry Supplier RentGuarantor launched with a clear purpose: to support people who deserved access to rental homes but were being turned away—not for financial reasons, but because they didn’t fit the system. RentGuarantor set out to provide an alternative, a support mechanism that helped tenants secure a place to live, while giving landlords and letting agents the confidence to say yes. Seven years on, they explain why their purpose hasn’t changed, but the scale has.

Police have called on auctioneers and high-value dealers to help recover four historic bronze statues stolen from the grounds of Iford Manor in Wiltshire during the night of 19 June 2025. This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of heritage assets and the crucial role that auctioneers and agents can play in preventing the circulation of stolen goods.

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 officially became law on 19 June, marking the biggest update to the UK’s digital data laws since Brexit. The Act amends — but does not replace — the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). For Propertymark members, the new law presents a golden opportunity to streamline processes and embrace innovation, all while continuing to protect people’s personal data.

Propertymark has welcomed the launch of Extract, the UK Government’s new technology solution, which aims to reduce delays and support the delivery of 1.5 million homes through its Plan for Change. However, we urge ministers to recognise that digitising the planning system is only one part of the solution to tackling the housing crisis – recruitment, inefficient processes, and skills gaps must still be addressed.