For agents in England working with landlords in this specialist market, it is vital to understand the changes, the risks, and the opportunities ahead. Propertymark has been campaigning hard to ensure student housing is not undermined by reforms designed for the wider private rented sector (PRS). The loss of fixed terms is the single biggest risk for this market, and we continue to fight for workable solutions that protect the annual student lettings cycle.

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on proposals to align reliefs on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) for investor schemes with those available in England and Northern Ireland, making Scotland more attractive to large-scale investors. Propertymark supports this move but urges Ministers to give equal priority to incentives for individual landlords to ensure a diverse and sustainable property sector.

The Bill may face further amendments before final approval, which must be agreed to by both the Commons and the Lords. This process begins on 8 September, when the legislation could bounce between the two as the fine details are hammered out. For agents working to adapt, it’s a confusing time – so we’ve pulled together a round-up of the reforms, highlighting the areas that are still under discussion.

Hackney Council is consulting on plans to introduce two new five-year licensing schemes in the private rented sector (PRS) from early 2026, arguing that they will improve standards. Propertymark supports the aim of raising housing standards, but we strongly urge Hackney and other local authorities to rethink their approach. A healthy PRS is fundamental to meeting growing housing demand, and under-resourced licensing schemes too often end up penalising good landlords and agents while allowing poor practice to persist.

A consultation on the Fire Precautions (Tall Residential Buildings) (Jersey) Regulations sets out proposals from Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, to introduce mandatory fire safety requirements, directly responding to recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry into how schemes such as Stamp Duty relief, ISAs, mortgage guarantees, and rent payment history in mortgage decisions affect first-time buyers. It will also consider the effectiveness of Lifetime ISAs, 95% mortgages, Shared Ownership, and the impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill and the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill.

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee continues its inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and quizzed Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP), who said that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will do more to unblock delays and improve collaboration with industry.

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for the incorporation and appointment of new directors and people with significant control (PSCs). Companies House is encouraging individuals to verify their identities as early as possible.

Property agents looking to safeguard their business against financial loss can benefit from suitable office insurance. Offices and those who work within them can be exposed to risks such as theft, damage, or liability claims. Gallagher, Propertymark’s official insurance broking partner, explains the benefits and the potential business-saving cover it can provide.

The UK Government has confirmed it will move forward with plans to end hidden commission payments on buildings insurance — a change welcomed for improving transparency, but one that raises new challenges for managing agents and landlords. Propertymark has warned that while reforms aim to protect leaseholders, unanswered questions around costs, VAT, and permitted activities could have significant consequences for the sector.

While mortgage lending shows resilience, affordability remains the foremost barrier for buyers and renters alike. With supply shrinking in lettings and confidence uneven in sales, policymakers and market participants face ongoing challenges in achieving balance across the housing sector.

The first Scottish city has introduced a visitor levy, adding a 5% charge to overnight stays from 24 July 2026. The charge will apply to bookings made on or after 1 October 2025, and letting agents and landlords should start preparing now.

A BBC investigation has revealed that criminals used the UK Government’s unclaimed estates list to commit probate fraud. The list, published on the Gov.uk website, included details of around 6,000 estates left by people who died without a will or known heirs. It was taken offline in July 2025 after evidence showed fraudsters used it to submit fake wills and claim millions of pounds in assets.

Reforms announced are going to make it easier and cheaper for empty commercial units to be turned into hospitality venues will be introduced to support efforts to boost footfall and revitalise town centres.

The warmer months bring a surge of tenancy turnovers, from student lets ending around graduation, to families relocating during school holidays. For letting agents, this can be a hectic period with a high volume of move-outs to process. Propertymark Industry Supplier, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme shares best practices to help agents manage summer check-outs smoothly, ensure deposits are returned promptly, and minimise the chance of disputes.