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Displaying 221 results
Apartment block worms eye view
10 Jul 2025
Welsh Government unveils landmark building safety reforms

A new Building Safety (Wales) Bill has been introduced in the Senedd that includes wide-ranging reforms to improve the safety of flats and other multi-occupied residential buildings, with guidance expected later this year.

Construction site of new housing development
09 Jul 2025
Building Safety Regulator reforms promise faster approvals, but delivery is key

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.

Alternative energy.jpg
09 Jul 2025
Fairer heat network pricing protection realities

Propertymark has welcomed Ofgem’s proposals to improve transparency and implement fair pricing protections for heat network customers, but warns that implementation must consider the operational realities of managing agents and ensure true consumer fairness.

Flooded street – AdobeStock_1191253687.jpg
08 Jul 2025
Largest flood defence programme to benefit homes and businesses

A record £7.9 billion has been committed over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding. From high-performance flood barriers to nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the programme will deliver long-term protection for communities and strengthen local economies, delivering on the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

Sun setting on British houses AdobeStock_266182040.jpeg
07 Jul 2025
UK Government launch Decent Homes Standard consultation

The proposals included will apply to both the social and private rented sectors in England so that all homes are free from damp, mould, and other hazards. The consultation, launched on 2 July 2025, also covers how local authorities would enforce the new standard and includes a proposal that it becomes an enforceable requirement in privately rented homes from 2035 or 2037.

Heating engineer servicing a boiler
16 Jun 2025
Boiler Upgrade Scheme must evolve to protect availability of homes

Propertymark’s response to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) consultation sets out a clear and urgent case for reform of the scheme, which provides financial support for households in England and Wales to install low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps or biomass boilers. A more ambitious scope is needed to help overcome the barriers landlords face in meeting the UK Government’s energy efficiency ambitions — especially the proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) of EPC C for new tenancies by 2028.

Solar panels on roof.jpg
12 Jun 2025
Rooftop solar to become standard for new builds

The UK Government has confirmed the change will be part of the upcoming Future Homes Standard, to be published this autumn. Propertymark supports efforts to reduce household energy costs and improve energy efficiency in new homes but has urged Ministers to address practical implementation challenges and ensure support is in place for the UK’s 29 million existing homes.

Scotland, Kingussie aerial view.jpg
06 Jun 2025
Tougher energy standards incoming for landlords in Scotland

Proposals published for consultation state that all private rented sector (PRS) homes must meet a minimum standard based on a reformed Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by the end of 2033, with new tenancies expected to comply from 2028. Propertymark welcomes the intention to improve energy efficiency across the housing stock, but we remain concerned about the potential burden on landlords and the capacity of the sector to meet these new obligations

Wheel chair access to property.jpg
02 Apr 2025
Propertymark calls for greater focus on accessible homes

The UK Government has responded to a report on the experiences of disabled people in the housing sector, which was published by the former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in 2024. Propertymark provided evidence to the inquiry and has written to current housing minister Rushanara Ali, MP, renewing our calls for a more robust and inclusive approach within the UK’s wider housebuilding agenda.

Cold woman wrapped in blanket next to radiator
14 Mar 2025
Propertymark calls for realistic, fair, and effective action of fuel poverty

The Northern Ireland Executive has published a draft Fuel Poverty Strategy with proposals for improving energy efficiency in homes, protecting consumers, and fostering collaboration across sectors. Propertymark supports the key principles but has highlighted critical areas that need further consideration, including achievable timescales, sensible exemptions, and cost caps that reflect property values.

Safety first.jpg
13 Mar 2025
Maximising fire safety relies on effective support and enforcement for property owners

The Scottish Government has launched a review of fire safety regulations following the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017. Recommendations from the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) highlighted key safety failings and proposed regulatory changes to prevent similar incidents in the future with a particular focus on traditional buildings converted to be used as hotels.

Japanese Knotweed
05 Mar 2025
Data shows Japanese knotweed consistently mistaken

Harmless plants, including Bindweed and dogwood, are frequently mistaken as Japanese knotweed, leading to unnecessary alarm and potential complications during property transactions, and further education is needed to help with identification.

Mother and daughter viewing a garden
02 Mar 2025
Who should maintain the garden in a rental property?

Maintaining outdoor spaces is a priority for many landlords and tenants, as well-kept gardens enhance a property’s appeal and provide a pleasant environment. But disagreements over upkeep can lead to disputes. Being aware of the most common garden maintenance issues, and their impact on tenancy agreements, can help agents act to minimise disputes.

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21 Feb 2025
Assessing property viewing risks

Property agents and their businesses must assess risk, create safe systems of working, communicate these to their employees as well as monitor and review their systems on a regular basis. By making customers aware of potential hazards, property agents will be offering a higher level of professionalism and customer service.

Safety first.jpg
20 Feb 2025
Fire safety responsibility moves to Housing Ministry

The UK Government has announced a significant change in fire safety oversight, transferring responsibility from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) effective from 1 April 2025. The move responds to a recommendation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report and puts responsibility for building safety and fire under a single Secretary of State, enabling a more joined-up approach.

Unhappy couple with boxed up home
19 Feb 2025
Warning for estate agents after High Court case of misleading details

The buyers of a £32.5 million mansion sued the seller after he failed to give honest information about the state of the property in pre-sale enquiries, particularly, a serious moth infestation. As a result, the court ordered the sale to be reversed, with the buyers receiving a refund of the purchase price plus £4m in damages, including compensation for ruined items.

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