Labour's Lammy sets sights on tackling financial crime
In a keynote speech at a conference held by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) on 21 May 2024, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, announced policies to combat corruption, including increased registration requirements for trusts which are widely used to disguise the ownership of assets such as property.
Logbook pilot launched to address Working Group concerns
The Home Buying and Selling Group (HBSG) has arranged the test and learn scheme involving a group of lawyers and conveyancers to iron out specific barriers to the adoption and use of logbooks for property transactions. For logbooks to be effective, widespread adoption across the industry is essential, and the HBSG is also planning engagement with surveyors and estate agents.
Adjusted Right to Rent checks to continue to 31 August
The Home Office has further extended the period in which letting agents and landlords managing properties in England can carry out Right to Rent checks by video call, to the end of August.
House prices continue to rise as buyers outweigh sellers 19 to one
A combination of the Stamp Duty Tax holiday, which transitioned to a new phase at the end of June, as well as a nationwide shift in lifestyle needs during the pandemic bred record-breaking sales.
Fact sheet: Selective Licensing (Wales)
The Housing Act 2004 allows local authorities in England and Wales to apply for Selective Licensing of privately rented properties in areas which are experiencing low housing demand and/or suffering from anti-social behaviour.
Regulatory evolution in Northern Ireland
A report, commissioned by the NIHE (Northern Ireland Housing Executive) and supported by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) on letting agent regulation and fees, focuses on developing a new regulatory framework, and spotlights mandatory registration, a fit and proper person test, minimum qualifications, a code of practice and strict enforcement.
Mr Mishantha Liyanage (Appealed)
An Appeal Tribunal of Propertymark Limited was convened on 18 April 2024 following a Disciplinary Tribunal held on 12 December 2023. Mr Mishantha Liyanage was re-admitted to membership in August 2025, and his relevant companies became regulated by Propertymark in January 2026.
More clarity needed on SNP housing policy
Propertymark welcomes plans to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, but questions how the Scottish National Party intend to deliver on this ambition.
Propertymark supports smart meter awareness week 2023
The annual campaign runs from 30 October to 5 November and is designed to give domestic and commercial renters, landlords and letting agents a better understanding of the benefits of the technology, and encourage more people to have them installed. Smart meters are a part of UK Government plans for a smart energy system that will support carbon emissions cuts.
EWS1 forms not necessary for low rise buildings
The UK Government has said that they see no reason why an EWS1 form, or equivalent, should be requested on buildings below 18 metres following recommendations from a small group of experts on fire safety set up to look at the issue.