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Displaying 1438 results
welsh flag
01 Nov 2024
Second Homes pilot extended as progress from local authority revealed

Jayne Bryant MS, The Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has outlined the progress of the controversial Second Homes Pilot Scheme in the Dwyfor areas and expansion plans that 21 other local authorities will charge a council tax premium on second homes and long-term empty properties from April 2025.The Scheme looks to implement higher tax rates for second homes and holiday lets and introduce grants for first-time buyers to renovate empty homes.

Membership team displaying benefits
01 Nov 2024
Propertymark members benefit from inflation-busting fee freeze for the third year running

With membership at an all-time high, we are delighted to extend our support to thousands of colleagues across the industry by locking in our membership fee at 2022 rates for another 12 months. We have worked hard to mitigate the impacts of challenging economic conditions for our members and are proud to offer a robust membership package that delivers tangible benefits across the entire sector.

Aberdeen
31 Oct 2024
Scottish Government pushes ahead with rent control despite pleas from sector

Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, MSP, has outlined proposals to introduce a rent cap linked to the Consumer Price Index as part of the Housing (Scotland) Bill. Propertymark has campaigned robustly against the introduction of rent controls since the Scottish Government first enacted them as part of emergency measures under the Cost of Living Act, including launching a legal challenge against that legislation. We are continuing our engagement with policy makers to assert that alternative policy must be developed to improve affordability in the private rented sector (PRS).

Rachel Reeves Red Briefcase.jpg
30 Oct 2024
Budget aims to unlock housing with investment in affordable homes

The UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, MP, delivered the first Labour Budget for 14 years on 30 October 2024, announcing tax increases worth £40 billion. Whilst agents will be relieved not to see a hike in Capital Gains rates, it is disappointing that the reversal of Section 24 and support for property owners to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards have been overlooked. It is also a missed opportunity to give structured support to first-time buyers and downsizers to boost consumer confidence.

Phil Spencer
29 Oct 2024
Phil Spencer backs Propertymark's call for Stamp Duty reform

The property expert and MoveiQ founder has agreed with the proposals we submitted in our Autumn Budget representation. This Budget offers Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP a real opportunity to promote much-needed progress in the sector. Her decisions regarding SDLT reform, support for first-time buyers and energy efficiency, and the clarity she provides on landlord taxation, will be crucial in determining the future direction of the UK housing market.

Estate agent stood outside of branch
29 Oct 2024
Agent regulation is still on the UK Government agenda, confirms Housing Minister

With all eyes on the Renters’ Rights Bill, discussion around the regulation of property agents (RoPA) has taken a back seat. However, responding to a question in Parliament, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP stated that reforming the sector included raising professional standards amongst agents to protect consumers and defend the reputation of good agents from the actions of rogue operatives.

High volume of data and reports
28 Oct 2024
REACH UK: ambitious proptech startups invited to join 2025 cohort

Since its launch, REACH UK has successfully run four programs, providing startups with unparalleled access to the real estate industry. Backed by strategic investment and partnerships with Propertymark and TDS, the 2025 program continues to offer high-impact support and industry connections, empowering startups to scale and driving innovation in real estate and adjacent sectors.

Smiling agent holding tablet device
25 Oct 2024
Economic Crime Act: new guidance for agents on information sharing

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published in-depth advice for anti-money laundering (AML) regulated firms to explain the legal protections around sharing client data. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023 introduced provisions that allow businesses to tackle AML by voluntarily sharing and receiving information, however, agents have raised concerns that they may be liable for breaches of confidentiality.

Aerial view of colorful buildings in a seaside town
25 Oct 2024
Failure to prioritise local homes will stunt the long-term growth of communities

MPs debated the regulation of short-term lets (STL) and second homes in England on 23 October 2024, and Propertymark’s briefing pack was shared with those taking part to ensure they were equipped with key statistics and vital member insight. Whilst policymaking should recognise the economic benefits of the tourism sector, there is an urgent need to create and protect a healthy and balanced property ecosystem as the UK tackles the housing and cost-of-living crises.

Apartment block worms eye view
25 Oct 2024
Propertymark supports members as leasehold regulations come into force

From 31 October 2024, Part 5 of the Building Safety Act 2022 will be updated to clarify landlords’ responsibilities for remediation, to make remediation orders more effective, and to provide more detail about who can be required to contribute to the cost of remediation works. The UK Government is committed to enacting the legislation and has indicated that work to formulate further regulations is in progress.

New build properties with scaffolding around them
25 Oct 2024
Councils call for greater support to deliver affordable and decent homes

The Local Government Association (LGA) submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system has been released. It urges the UK Government to collaborate more closely with local councils, to improve and increase the delivery of affordable and social housing and calls for the necessary resources and powers to ensure the successful delivery of local housing plans.

New build house in yellow brick
23 Oct 2024
Structural flaws in housebuilding to be rectified

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has responded to recommendations made by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) based on their year-long investigation of residential construction in England, Scotland, and Wales. Ministers agree that reform is essential to ensure the market delivers homes that the country needs and have committed to creating a long-term housing strategy with the buy-in of local authorities, developers, landowners and investors.

Smart Meter monitor
23 Oct 2024
Flexible Green Homes Wales Scheme doesn’t address support for landlords

The Welsh Government has launched a £70 million initiative to upgrade housing stock to support the country’s drive towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2025. The Scheme will run until March 202 and prioritises lower-income households, help tackle fuel poverty and improve living conditions while cutting energy bills.

Gallagher - Understanding the risk of underinsurance.jpg
23 Oct 2024
Protect your business from risks of underinsurance

Inadequate or insufficient insurance cover may result in serious financial loss and can affect organisations of any size. Underinsurance can have potentially serious consequences for a business when they make a claim. Gallagher, Propertymark’s official insurance broking partner, offers advice on the potential impacts and how to avoid them.

e7c0bb56-c701-46e9-9f16-3accfc81b984.jpg
22 Oct 2024
Propertymark highlights the positive role of agents in Renters' Rights reform

Giving evidence to the first session of the Renters’ Rights Bill Committee on 22 October 2024, our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, demonstrated the value of engagement from our 18,000 members and raised several key areas where amendments should be made to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose. We will continue to share members’ insights and concerns about the legislation and advocate for balanced measures that protect renters while supporting landlords in offering safe, high-quality homes.

Welsh Assembly tower, Cardiff
22 Oct 2024
Welsh PRS report reflects Propertymark recommendations, but concerns remain

The Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee has published its long-anticipated report on the Private Rented Sector (PRS), with 13 recommendations set to shape the future of housing in Wales. We provided written and oral evidence as part of the inquiry and welcome the adoption of several of our long-term policy calls but warn proposals could negatively impact landlords and the supply of rental properties.

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