Assessing property viewing risks

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), which passed into law on 24 May 2024, contains provisions to prohibit unfair commercial practices, replacing and updating the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (the 2008 regulations). The legislation hands direct enforcement powers to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), giving them the authority to act on breaches of consumer protection rules, including requirements for providing material information.

The UK Government has responded to a report on the experiences of disabled people in the housing sector, which was published by the former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in 2024. Propertymark provided evidence to the inquiry and has written to current housing minister Rushanara Ali, MP, renewing our calls for a more robust and inclusive approach within the UK’s wider housebuilding agenda.

The Scottish Government is consulting on the process for a Mental Health Moratorium designed to give people with severe mental health conditions respite from debt recovery action, including rent arrears. Propertymark supports the proposals with recommendations to ensure the scheme works effectively in practice and recognises the rights of landlords.

The Northern Ireland Executive has published a draft Fuel Poverty Strategy with proposals for improving energy efficiency in homes, protecting consumers, and fostering collaboration across sectors. Propertymark supports the key principles but has highlighted critical areas that need further consideration, including achievable timescales, sensible exemptions, and cost caps that reflect property values.