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.

The UK Government has published the final version of the document, which sets out key changes for tenants ahead of reforms coming into force on 1 May 2026. Letting agents and landlords now have a clear legal duty to provide this document to relevant tenants, with a strict 31 May 2026 deadline and financial penalties for non-compliance.

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.

The Youth Jobs Grant, part of the UK Government’s New Deal for young people, is designed to create thousands of jobs and apprenticeships, with estate and letting agencies eligible to benefit from financial support. The scheme forms part of a wider employment drive to unlock opportunities for the next generation, with a focus on supporting businesses to take on younger workers and invest in skills.

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.

Consultation on proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aims to ensure planning decisions better reflect Local Plans across England. Propertymark’s response emphasises that policy must focus on delivering the homes people actually need, supported by infrastructure, clear guidance, and stronger safeguards to ensure developers fulfil their commitments.

With elections to the Senedd approaching, we have set out clear priorities for the next Welsh Government to support a stable, professional and sustainable housing sector. Our new manifesto, published in Welsh and English, outlines practical steps to increase supply, raise standards and support property professionals, while ensuring consumers are protected.

Recent headlines may have made fraud sound like a fast-growing threat across the whole market; however, HM Land Registry’s own figures show that in 2024–25 it received 4,429,092 applications to create or update the register and identified only 86 as fraudulent, or just over 0.0019 per cent. Even so, the sums involved can be significant. In the same year, HM Land Registry says it prevented the registration of fraudulent applications against more than £59 million worth of property.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is examining whether the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will strengthen the rights of leaseholders and effectively pave the way for commonhold in practice. We’ve provided written evidence, based on feedback from members, which focuses on the areas where change is most urgently needed to support agents and consumers and create a housing market that functions more effectively.

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.

Whilst nothing significant was delivered defining housing policy, the statement set the tone for future decisions. Yet, without sustained, targeted support for housing, the underlying pressures in the property market will remain. Transactions depend on confidence, investment depends on stability, and supply depends on a coherent long-term strategy.

The evidence that underpins the policy has been criticised by the Regulatory Policy Committee as not fit for purpose, with concerns raised about whether it can genuinely drive improvements in housing quality across the private rented sector (PRS). As the UK Government considers extending and reforming the DHS, it is vital that policymakers recognise a simple truth: standards alone will not improve homes unless they are enforceable, understood and supported by a professional, regulated sector.