Elected Board members and division Vice-Presidents announced
At the Propertymark AGM today, 28 June 2024, we welcomed three newly elected members of the Propertymark Board and marked the beginning of fresh Presidential terms for the ARLA Propertymark and NAEA Propertymark Advisory Panels. This year's successful Vice-Presidents were also announced and will join the presidential teams for the sales and lettings divisions.
Stunning Fort sales highlight thriving auction market
The sale of two historic sea island forts, each auctioned for significantly more than their initial asking prices, demonstrates that sale by auction is becoming increasingly popular for all kinds of property.
General Election 2024: housing policy round up
The property industry urgently needs a clear strategy and strong, consistent leadership from the next UK Government. As the nation prepares to go to the polls on Thursday 4 July Propertymark has examined the manifesto promises on housing from major parties to see what is on offer to voters who care about the future of our sector.
Auctions Barometer: Q1 2024
2024 has started well. In the Residential and Commercial property sectors, there seems to be a return of confidence, probably helped by the hold in interest rates. Catalogue numbers remain strong and registered bidder levels are also high. Our Fine Art and Chattels members report that 2024 has started buoyantly with plenty of bidders keen to get out of the blocks and acquire lots at all price levels and across all fields of collecting and furnishing.
Propertymark One is a roaring success leading members in the pursuit of excellence
Insights galore, new initiatives and tangible learning were the top takeaways from #PMOne that took place on Friday 14 June 2024 at ExCel London, where over 1500 delegates joined us to hear 50 speakers all experts in their field impart their wisdom and knowledge to help agents and their businesses grow.
Propertymark powers new UK-wide referral network
Connect is an exciting new intuitive, bespoke tech platform offering property agents an unprecedented opportunity to deliver potential instructions, increase portfolios and harness an additional income stream.
Propertymark enters a new era with launch of Propertymark Protection Company Membership
This decade has presented a near total transformation of the property sector with reduced confidence and supply, economic and interest rate uncertainty, dramatic changes in the conduct of consumers, new expectations among the workforce and the introduction of AI, the consequences of which are still being understood. As the only professional body dedicated to supporting sales, lettings, commercial agents, and auctioneers, Propertymark has reassessed not only the services we offer, but the whole structure of membership.
Assured Advice 40: Use of stock images or artist impressions
We have received requested advice in respect the use of stock images or artistic impressions in property advertising and scenarios where it is acceptable to use these types of images.
Private Tenancies Act Section 8 coming into force on 1 September
The Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 set the standards for the number and type of alarms that must be installed in privately rented properties. Once they come into force, letting agents and landlords will be responsible for installing and keeping alarms sufficient in any property they rent out.
Deciding cybersecurity spend: how much is enough?
As technology continues to advance, the threat of cyber-attacks becomes increasingly prevalent. Investing in robust cyber defence measures can help property agents protect their sensitive data and systems — but what proportion of an IT budget should be set aside?
Campaign continues as ground rent cap not included in leasehold reform
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill received Royal Assent and became law on Friday 24 May 2024. It was included as part of the 'wash-up', as the House of Lords dealt with Bills prioritised with cross-party agreement, following the announcement of the General Election on Wednesday 22 May 2024.
Labour's Lammy sets sights on tackling financial crime
In a keynote speech at a conference held by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) on 21 May 2024, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, announced policies to combat corruption, including increased registration requirements for trusts which are widely used to disguise the ownership of assets such as property.
High street auctions set to fill empty properties
The UK Government has announced that new powers to enable local authorities in England to regenerate high streets and fill empty shops will be in place by summer 2024. Propertymark welcomes the move, but we would like to see more detail on which areas will benefit the most, how the powers will be funded, and how they will be used in practice by councils.
Further Regulations confirmed under the Private Tenancies Act
Following the enactment of Sections 1-6 of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 1 April 2023, the Department for Communities has outlined that two further phases, Sections 8 and 10, will come into force by the end of 2024.
Issue 55: Summer 2024
In this summer issue, long-standing members reflect on their start in the property profession and we asked experts from Belvoir group to share their views on agent training and qualifications, and how they will both impact the future of our sector. The policy update looks at short-term lets which are under the spotlight from legislators.
Essential HM Land Registry services for estate agents
There are numerous ways that upfront information can help agents in today’s property market, including making it easier to value and list a property, and streamlining the buying and selling process . Propertymark encourages members to verify property details with HM Land Registry (HMLR) as best practice, particularly following the publication of Trading Standards’ full material information guidance in November 2023.