News and reports

The UK Government has responded to the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report, setting out its approach to improving housing choice in England. Published on 10 November 2026, the response promises a wider roadmap within the next year. We have long called for a joined-up approach that helps older people find suitable, affordable homes or adapt their existing property.

More than three million leaseholders in England are set to gain stronger rights to understand and challenge service charges from April 2027. The UK Government has announced a phased timetable for reforms which will affect how landlords and managing agents provide information, explain insurance costs and handle legal expenses.

New AI technology is being rolled out to help planning officers process routine applications more quickly, with expanded tools designed to reduce delays for property owners and small businesses seeking permission for property improvements. However, wider reforms and resources remain essential to delivering the homes the UK needs.

The UK Government has introduced its Energy Independence Bill, which plans to strengthen enforcement of energy efficiency standards in rented properties, establish a new Warm Homes Agency and reduce energy costs. While the proposals aim to improve homes and protect tenants, Propertymark continues to campaign for realistic requirements and financial support to help landlords meet their obligations.

The UK Government plans to require agents managing residential property to send HMRC monthly or quarterly reports on landlords’ rental income, collect tax reference numbers from clients, and carry out further checks on their records. Members should input their experience and raise concerns in the consultation, which has opened to seek views on how these duties should work, including reporting deadlines, software requirements, and the time businesses would need to prepare.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) is consulting on changes to how people access land ownership information in England and Wales. The proposals cover new datasets, free access to some information and safeguards to protect individuals.

HM Land Registry (HMLR) is consulting on a restructured fee model in England and Wales aimed at reducing calculation errors and avoidable delays as part of a wider drive for more efficient public services. The proposals would leave some customers paying more and others less.

Letting agents and property managers will be able to submit and update certain property details on behalf of landlords through England’s new ‘Register your rental property’ service. Guidance published on 29 October 2026 explains how this will work, who is responsible, and how teams can prepare before the service launches in December.

Landlords face a further rise in property income tax from April 2027, while first-time buyers will gain access to a new £4.7 billion equity loan scheme. Chancellor John Healey’s Budget, delivered on 28 October 2026, also sets out more funding for affordable homes, changes to business rates and further details of the council tax surcharge on high-value properties.