With the Senedd election approaching on 7 May 2026, housing remains a critical issue across Wales. All major parties recognise the need to increase supply and improve affordability, but their approaches differ significantly. The next Welsh Government will need to strike a careful balance between raising standards and maintaining investment, particularly in the private rented sector (PRS).

With the Scottish Parliament election approaching on 7 May 2026, all major political parties have set out their housing priorities. The next Scottish Government will need to strike a careful balance between improving standards and maintaining supply. Policies that focus too heavily on regulation risk reducing investment, while those that prioritise supply must still ensure quality and consumer protection.

The UK Government has published draft regulations introducing a new disclosure regime for land agreements that give control over development without transferring ownership. The rules, which will apply in England and Wales, stem from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and are expected to come into force on 6 April 2027.

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.

The proposals form part of a wider ambition to accelerate housebuilding and tackle long-standing shortages, with large-scale developments expected to play a central role in delivering new homes and infrastructure. For property agents, these proposals signal continued focus on boosting supply, but also reinforce the need for practical, deliverable solutions that can bring homes to market more quickly

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.

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.

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 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.