Landlord responsibilities
With responsibilities for landlords increasing, costs to meet these responsibilities — such as additional homes surcharge across each of the UK nations’ land transactions systems — are also mounting which could be leading to many landlords selling their properties or diversifying into the short-term lets sector.
Avoiding over-regulation across the UK should be a priority to keep existing landlords in the sector as well as attract new buy-to-let investment.
Propertymark has consistently called for the enforcement of existing rules, which we believe should be the main focus for governments to target rogue landlords rather than adding more red tape that may alienate those who try their hardest to comply/ have an interest in joining the sector.
We have also called for greater regulation of the private rented sector in Northern Ireland, as shown by our recent response to the Assembly’s Call for Evidence, in which we also urge caution against the introduction of too many regulatory changes at once because this could result in landlords leaving the sector.
In our representation to HM Treasury, we proposed that the UK Government develop a private renting sustainment and support programme to help prevent further debt, poverty and homelessness, and to help enhance access to affordable housing for households displaced as a result of COVID-19.
Since lockdown, renters and landlords whose finances have been affected cannot keep tenancies going without additional financial support. The £65 million funding for those in rental debt (England) provides some support, however almost four million low-income households across the UK are in arrears with their household bills, yet this money will be targeted at those who are most at risk of homelessness, excluding a significant number of others from help.
A programme of support would ensure Local Housing Allowance rates and Universal Credit are adequate and more effective so that landlords and letting agents would have more confidence to offer tenancies to claimants. Local councils would also be given adequate funding to drive up standards through enforcement.
Housing courts
The present route to possession via the courts for private landlords is slow, complex, and costly and with the UK Government’s Renters’ Reforms agenda on the horizon, the Chancellor had the perfect opportunity in the Spending Review to ensure there is a court system that can ensure faster access to justice for both landlords and help to safeguard the supply and quality of housing via enhanced confidence in the justice system.
Additionally, Propertymark has supported calls for the development of a specialist housing tribunal in Wales, similar to what has been introduced in Scotland. The implementation of a specialist housing tribunal in Wales could help prevent many more landlords from leaving the sector – particularly those who own a single property – which may mean higher rents and further pressure on social housing providers and local councils due to lack of supply.
Energy efficiency
For many landlords across the UK, the planned changes to energy efficiency rules may potentially lead to further costs that may be unsustainable for their current incomes, risking further landlords to leave the PRS.
Propertymark has long called for decision-makers across the UK to move away from a one-size-fits-all policy and develop energy efficiency proposals that work with the different ages, conditions, and sizes of properties. This way each of the governments across the UK can target grants and funding support based on the characteristics of a property rather than its tenure.
In particular, the UK Government must continue to invest in the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme or introduce a suitable alternative to help landlords and homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their properties, cut their carbon footprint, and reduce household energy bills.
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Trust qualification bursaries open until 31 January 2026
Following the success of the Class of 25 initiative, The Propertymark Trust has opened its 2026 bursary programme, offering vital financial support to individuals working towards industry qualifications. Promoting professionalism and supporting access to education for people who would otherwise struggle to meet the costs of training, membership and assessment sits at the heart of the Trust’s work.
Vital intel for property agents as Ofgem becomes heat networks regulator
Formal regulation marks a major shift in how these systems are overseen and how consumers are protected. For property agents, this change is important because it will affect how heat networks are operated, what information consumers must receive, and how agents advise clients and market properties connected to networks. Hundreds of thousands of homes, particularly in blocks of flats and new developments, are already connected, and their use is expected to grow as part of the UK’s decarbonisation plans.
Rent controls push a quarter of rural lets out of the market
Fresh analysis shows that there are fewer homes available in 14 Scottish local authority areas than in 2022, despite the introduction of rent control measures. Propertymark has consistently warned that restricting rents without tackling supply and costs can create unintended consequences for tenants, landlords and the agents supporting them.
Seven-month notice periods for long-term tenants
The Department for Communities (DfC) plans to extend notice- to-quit periods for tenants who live in homes for longer periods to provide greater stability; however, this goal must be balanced with a structured and predictable framework for letting agents and landlords.
What must change to make more home ownership dreams a reality
Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, has followed up our written submission to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry into housing affordability with in-person evidence on 6 January 2026. Our evidence reinforces the need for a joined-up approach to affordability which considers housing supply, rental market pressures, financial products, taxation, and consumer costs together.
Funding boost for legal support as housing pressures persist
The UK Government has announced a multi-million-pound funding package to expand access to free legal advice for people in England facing eviction or home repossession. The investment aims to ensure more households can get early, practical legal support to help them stay in their homes or secure alternative accommodation where needed. This comes at a time when demand for housing advice remains high, with many households facing affordability pressures and uncertainty.
