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.

Despite a multi-year commitment to affordable housing supply and increased investment in acquisitions and homelessness prevention, it is surprising that the Scottish Government is yet again failing to tackle the housing emergency, and the Budget misses an important opportunity to address the growing tax burden on housing. At a time of acute housing pressure, Scotland needs policies that encourage mobility and investment across all tenures.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is keeping up the pace of change by beginning consultation on ‘definitive’ changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before the ink is dry on the newly approved Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. The latest proposals are the final step in the regearing of the planning system, which the UK Government says will be followed by a period of stability and laser-focused delivery.

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.

The UK Government has announced long-term investment packages for new and expanded Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), with a clear focus on unlocking housing delivery and revitalising high streets. These agreements will give local leaders devolved powers and funding settlements to drive regeneration, build new homes, and support economic growth.

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 latest statistics from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reveal that supply in England continues to lag demand, with new build activity well below the level needed to reach the UK Government target of 300,000 additional homes per year. Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, MP, has vowed to ‘build, baby, build’, as he doubles down on plans for major planning reform and investment.

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.

Plans for the Shaping Sustainable Places programme propose £165 million investment over 10 years to regenerate villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland, driving long-term growth and prosperity. Propertymark warns that new homes alone cannot support a growing economy and urges ministers to adopt an infrastructure-first approach so that new developments are supported by schools, healthcare, transport and community facilities. Without this, homes risk standing empty.

When the Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy, the nation rightly celebrated their sporting prowess — but their journey to the top was no fluke. It was the product of years of targeted investment in grassroots infrastructure, coaching, and pathways for talent development. In short, a long-term plan with delivered results.

Propertymark has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on Reforming Site Thresholds, a key element of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s wider planning reform agenda. The proposed reforms aim to simplify the planning system and ease regulatory barriers for small to medium-sized housing developments, which will help more homes to be built in a shorter timeframe.

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.

Sweeping changes have been announced in a bid to accelerate housebuilding and clear the backlog of stalled high-rise projects, with updated operational guidance expected in the Autumn alongside further steps to establish the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) as a standalone construction regulator.

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 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.