Latest property news
Committee backs key Propertymark calls on leasehold and commonhold reform
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has called for major changes to the Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill before it is introduced to Parliament in autumn 2026. Propertymark has long campaigned for meaningful leasehold reform, including action on ground rents, service charges, building safety, consumer information and the regulation of property agents. We welcome the Committee’s recognition that reform must work in practice for homeowners, agents, lenders and managing agents.
Visitor levy powers expanded ahead of Edinburgh’s new tourism tax
Scotland’s visitor levy framework has been expanded after the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Act received Royal Assent on 21 May 2026, giving councils greater flexibility over how tourist taxes can be charged.
Archaic leasehold system Is adding to the housing crisis
It has been nearly ten years since the Leasehold: A Life Sentence report was published, launching a sustained Propertymark campaign. Despite the introduction of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024—of which only 10 of 125 sections have come into force—leaseholders continue to face significant financial pressures, rising and often unjustified service charges, and ongoing building safety concerns.