The UK has more than 359,000 homes sitting empty for over six months. Long-term vacancy represents a wasted asset at a time of acute housing need, while also contributing to social decline, increased maintenance costs, and reduced local investment. A more strategic, well-resourced approach is essential to bring empty properties back into use and support thriving, sustainable communities.

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.

With Holyrood elections set for 7 May 2026 and a national housing emergency declared in 2024, we have set out what the next Scottish Government must do to support a stable, affordable and functioning property market. Our manifesto focuses on practical reforms that increase supply, improve affordability and strengthen professional standards — shaped directly by member insight.

The UK Government’s Affordable Homes Programme annual report 2024 to 2025 underlines a simple truth: affordability won’t improve without more homes being built and a system that helps people move. This is why we’re campaigning for delivery that matches local needs, better mortgage access for first-time buyers, and reforms that reduce the pressure on the whole housing sector.

Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, has followed up our written submission to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry into housing affordability with in-person evidence on 6 January 2026. Our evidence reinforces the need for a joined-up approach to affordability which considers housing supply, rental market pressures, financial products, taxation, and consumer costs together.

The English Housing Survey (EHS) for 2024-25 provides a detailed picture of how people across England are buying, renting and coping with rising housing costs. For Propertymark members, the findings highlight important shifts in first-time buyer behaviour, demand in the private rented sector (PRS), and growing affordability challenges — with London continuing to stand apart from the rest of the country.

It has been argued that the existing planning system is no longer fit for purpose, that it is blocking the delivery of new homes. Across the UK, national governments have looked to reform the planning sector—Propertymark explores if this will be enough to build the homes we need.

Labour’s proposal is bold in scale and ambition — it could reshape growth corridors and open up new development frontiers. But much will depend on delivery, governance and market realism. Propertymark will engage with ministers, departments and stakeholders, pushing for a transparent, accountable, and sustainable delivery model. We’ll ensure our membership’s voice is heard — especially on fairness, consumer protection, and creating high-quality places people want to call home.

The Scottish Government has published its Tackling Scotland’s Housing Emergency strategy, renewing efforts to bring empty homes back into use, boost affordable housing delivery, and tackle issues such as damp and mould. While some measures have been applauded, the plan fails to address urgent problems in the social and private rented sectors, as well as the pressing challenges facing Scotland’s housing market.

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 Social and Affordable Homes Programme, as outlined in the June 2025 Spending Review, has been announced, which will see 300,000 homes delivered across England, with at least 60% for social rent.

Reforms include longer tenancy requirements, reduced discounts, and new protections to improve delivery, reduce fraud, and help councils replace the homes they lose have been announced by the UK Government following a consultation period.

Propertymark has issued a robust response to the Mayor of London’s consultation on the next London Plan, warning that without urgent action to address the capital’s acute housing shortage, the Plan risks failing to meet its fundamental aims. The proposals lack critical focus on the role of the Private Rented Sector (PRS), underplay the challenge of housing delivery, and fail to fully embrace the potential of private landlords to meet housing need.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP, delivered her first Spending Review on 11 June 2025, setting out the UK Government’s financial plans through to 2029. With major implications for the housing sector, the review includes a headline investment in social and affordable housing – the biggest such commitment in 50 years. Propertymark welcomes this clear signal that housing is a top priority. We also recognise the importance of scrutinising how this investment will be delivered in practice and what it means for agents across the property sector.

The UK Government’s proposed disability and health-related benefits system reforms could significantly reshape support for vulnerable people. Propertymark responded to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry on these plans and welcomed many proposals. We made it clear, however, that housing must be central to any efforts to ‘Get Britain Working’.

The Scottish Government has set out detailed plans to tackle Scotland’s ongoing housing challenges in its Programme for Government 2025-26, with significant implications for property agents across the country. Propertymark welcomes the renewed focus on affordable housing and tenant protections, issues we have consistently highlighted through our policy engagement, particularly with regard to the Housing (Scotland) Bill. However, we reiterate our stance that truly resolving Scotland’s housing crisis requires the Scottish Government to urgently reassess the broader financial landscape affecting housing.