News and reports

The UK Government intends to begin a regional rollout of a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database in England from late 2026. Its legal framework is already in the Renters’ Rights Act 2025; but questions remain about how the system will work, what information users must provide, and how much time agents and landlords will have to prepare. The final design must reflect how agencies operate to avoid adding a significant new layer of data entry, checks, and liability to every instruction.

Revenue Scotland has refreshed its guidance on how Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) apply to leases. The update does not introduce new tax rules but provides a useful reminder that further returns may be required when a lease is reviewed, varied, assigned or ended. By treating LBTT as an ongoing responsibility, rather than a one-off task at the start of a lease, a lease begins, property professionals can support compliance by building tax prompts into their lease processes.

Commercial property agents handling telecommunications sites in England and Wales should note a change to where disputes under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 are decided. From 30 July 2026, certain disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, rather than the courts.

The UK Government is seeking evidence on whether a small group of residential leases, known as quid pro quo, should be exempt from its proposed annual ground rent cap. The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, which is due to be introduced to Parliament in autumn 2026, will cap ground rents on most existing residential long leases at £250, before reducing them to a peppercorn—effectively zero—after 40 years. However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is considering different treatment for specific cases.

Schemes designed to help people buy and renovate homes are expected to help up to 400 additional households purchase new-build properties and support bringing as many as 300 long-term empty homes back into use. Mortgage assistance will also remain available to eligible existing homeowners experiencing financial difficulty.

Two linked announcements are intended to reduce unnecessary delay, complexity and cost within England’s higher-risk building regime. One will change how occupied buildings are assessed, while the other could allow a wider range of urgent safety work to proceed without prior approval.

Legislation is being prepared that could reshape the private rented sector in Wales. Propertymark is already engaging with Welsh Government Ministers and officials to ensure that new duties are proportionate, evidence-based, and achievable for agents.

Forty years after estate agent Suzy Lamplugh disappeared while attending a work appointment, her legacy remains a powerful reminder that personal safety must be embedded in workplace culture. Our updated guidance and dedicated eLearning course help property agencies assess risks, strengthen procedures, and give staff the confidence to act when circumstances change.

Changes will include cheaper contents cover for some households, Flood Performance Certificates, premium discounts for resilient properties, and a revised approach to claims. The Scheme has helped more than 742,000 households access flood insurance since its launch in 2016, but rising claims, higher reinsurance costs, and the growing number of properties identified as being at risk have put it under increased pressure.