Housing quality and energy efficiency underline the progress made, and the scale of the challenges still facing the sector is the headline finding in the EHS (English Housing Survey). Policy ambitions must have clear guidance, realistic timescales, workable exemptions, and sustained funding to reflect the diversity of the housing stock. Active involvement by qualified property professionals is also a must if raising standards is to be achieved.

After a sustained consultation with members and a Propertymark campaign, the UK Government has confirmed an enforcement date of 2035 for the Decent Homes Standard in the PRS. Key exemptions and removal of age-based replacement rules have also been confirmed in a UK Government statement on 28 January 2026.

Ofgem has issued draft guidance on protections for heat network consumers, and is seeking views on the rules and requirements set out in the authorisation conditions. This includes obligations around billing clarity, complaint handling, and safeguards for vulnerable residents.

The Energy Security and Next Zero Committee (ESNZC) has published its first inquiry report on retrofitting homes, concluding that at the present rate of progress, the UK is far off track for meeting its legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050. Around 29 million homes require upgrades, but support schemes are too complicated, short-term, and are failing to engage consumers and the supply chain.

A fragmented and inconsistent approach to enforcement in the private rented sector (PRS) is letting residents down and highlighting the crucial role of responsible lettings agents in providing accurate advice and ensuring properties are safe and compliant. Research commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation concludes poor coordination between local authorities and other bodies allows rogue operators to slip through the net, leaving tenants vulnerable.

Recent data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reveals that individuals aged between 18 and 39 account for nearly 75% of reported rental fraud cases, resulting in losses nearing £9 million across approximately 5,000 incidents last year. Property professionals must be vigilant and proactive in combating rental fraud to protect consumers and themselves.

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.

Matthew Pennycook MP, Shadow Housing Minister said that a future Labour government would look to introduce the recommendations in Lord Best’s report to regulate property agents.

Following complaints about a significant minority of landlords and letting agents who are not complying with Consumer Protection Regulations, the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) will re-issue guidance, and investigations will then take place to check compliance followed by enforcement action where necessary.

A paper from the Geospatial Commission sets out technological support for commitments from HM Land Registry and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to make critical information digitally available to homebuyers and set up a reliable Private Rented Property Portal to raise standards and drive criminal landlords out of the sector.

A study by UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) looks at practices which affect tenants’ ability to make a home in the PRS (private rented sector), with the findings echoing the importance of letting agents, especially in educating landlords and encouraging compliance.

Good letting agents are highly trained and experienced professionals that offer a vast range of services and advice that can make all the difference to landlords and tenants. Propertymark member agents also follow a strict code of conduct and are regularly assessed to ensure they are meeting all the required standards.