Forty years after estate agent Suzy Lamplugh disappeared while attending a work appointment, her legacy remains a powerful reminder that personal safety must be embedded in workplace culture. Our updated guidance and dedicated eLearning course help property agencies assess risks, strengthen procedures, and give staff the confidence to act when circumstances change.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published a new data collection strategy to support monitoring of the private rented sector (PRS) and evaluate the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act in England. The paper sets out how surveys, local authority data, court and tribunal data, the new PRS Database, Ombudsman Information, and market evidence will be utilised to assess how the reforms are working in practice.

Whilst it is best practice for letting agents to review their Terms of Business ahead of the reforms kicking in, especially if they are making changes to the type of services they offer to clients, there is no requirement for these business-specific documents to be formally Renters’ Rights compliant.

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.

With two months to go until the first changes take effect, letting agents should now be focused on operational readiness. Continuing our support for members, our latest webinar in a long series addressed the issues most frequently raised by agents. These included written information requirements, payment processes, rent increases, possession grounds and internal systems. With early planning, clear documentation and robust processes, agents can approach 1 May 2026 with confidence.

Member feedback has highlighted the growing phenomenon of AI tools helping consumers create detailed, legal-sounding complaints in minutes. While many complaints are reasonable and well-intentioned, the speed and volume made possible by AI are creating new pressures for property agents, especially smaller firms with limited staff capacity. Propertymark is working to ensure members are supported through clear guidance, professional standards, and a strong voice with policymakers.

From 27 October 2025, fixed, enforceable timeframes will be in place for social landlords in England to investigate, make safe and start prevention works to address hazards (including damp and mould), with powers to require alternative accommodation if a home can’t be made safe in time. Similar requirements are set to be extended to the private rented sector (PRS), so now is the time for agents to adopt best practice, future-proof their businesses, and protect tenants and properties.

The UK Government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative is transforming how taxes are reported and managed, with significant implications for property agents. Self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000 per year must comply with MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) from 2026, and those earning over £30,000 from April 2027. In her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, announced that the threshold will decrease to £20,000 in 2028.

The UK Government introduced the Bill to Parliament on 10 October 2024, proposing significant changes to workers' rights and employer obligations across everything from sick pay to trade union membership. Described as the biggest upgrade to employment rights for a generation, the legislation aims to help create secure economic growth, provide better support for businesses, and raise living standards across the UK.

Trading Standards is examining the impact of Rent-to-Rent and Guaranteed Rent (R2R) schemes on the private rented sector (PRS) in England, with the aim of identifying and evidencing areas of good practice, and issues of relevant non-compliance or emerging concerns. Propertymark was invited to provide input to an exploratory consultation as an interested party.

We are the sole representative body for estate agents in the Land Registry’s new steering group deciding on the next steps for speeding up property transactions and reducing fall-throughs. The Digital Property Market Steering Group (DPMSG), of which Propertymark is a founding member, wants everyone involved in buying, leasing, and selling land or property to experience a secure, modern market that is transparent, customer and business-friendly at all stages.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to transform various industries and the property sales sector is no exception. It’s anticipated that within the next ten years, AI will drive many business processes, and early adopters will gain a competitive edge with previously unattainable efficiencies.

Following the launch of Propertymark’s Calm About Compliance service in December 2022, designed to help property agents navigate the myriad of sector laws, regulations and guidance, we are partnering with PayProp to trial an extra service where agencies no longer incur costly annual accountant reports and health checks.

Working alone is common across the property sector. Agents may conduct viewings, valuations and inspections, visit people in their homes, travel between appointments, work remotely or remain in an office without colleagues nearby. Most appointments pass without incident, but lone workers may have nobody close at hand if something goes wrong. A clear policy, suitable training, and reliable ways to raise the alarm can reduce the risks and help workers respond confidently when circumstances change.

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