News and reports

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.

Launched in October 1996, buy-to-let followed several years of work by ARLA (now ARLA Propertymark), its members, and established UK banks and mortgage lenders. Their aim was to create finance that reflected the needs of landlords and the income generated by rented homes. Three decades on, the anniversary is also an opportunity to consider how agents, lenders, and policymakers can support investment in good-quality rental homes.

Local authorities in England will be able to apply for Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) for homes left empty for six months, rather than two years, from 5 November 2026. This is a positive move, although EDMOs should be used only as a last resort. The measures could be enhanced by adding a requirement for local authorities to consult a qualified agent to speed up the process of returning stock to the market.