Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, met senior officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) on 8 December to discuss how economic crime affects the property sector, particularly the role of real estate in laundering illicit wealth and the regulatory gaps that can facilitate this activity. Meanwhile, the UK Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy 2025, setting out plans to strengthen the UK’s defences against illicit finance.

A post-legislative review of the Ivory Act 2018 has been published by the UK Government, examining how the ban on dealing in ivory is operating and whether further changes are required. Selling, hiring, exporting, or commercial ivory dealing will continue to be prohibited, except in limited circumstances such as certain musical instruments, portrait miniatures, and items of outstanding artistic value.

The UK Government has announced long-term investment packages for new and expanded Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), with a clear focus on unlocking housing delivery and revitalising high streets. These agreements will give local leaders devolved powers and funding settlements to drive regeneration, build new homes, and support economic growth.

Despite weeks of speculation, the Chancellor’s speech contained no changes to Stamp Duty and, disappointingly, no announcement on LHA rates , which remain frozen. However, Rachel Reeves, MP, has pushed ahead with plans for a ‘mansion tax’ on properties worth over £2 million, an increase in property income tax, and increases to the National Minimum Wage.

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) launched the Panel to give publicans reliable, specialist support on property and valuation matters. Advisors are selected only after demonstrating rigorous professional standards, deep sector expertise, and a strong track record, and we are delighted that three Propertymark members have been appointed to this national panel.

Propertymark audit visits are receiving excellent feedback and giving firms greater confidence in their compliance processes—challenging the perception that audits are designed to catch agents out. Increasingly, members use the visits as a practical check on how daily procedures work and to identify improvements early.

Homes England’s latest edict on building specifications and best-practice sets out a modern blueprint for housing that is energy-efficient, moisture-resilient, comfortable, and easy to live in. While formally aimed at the social and affordable housing sectors, the scale of Homes England-funded delivery and its influence on design culture mean its impact will be felt far beyond those boundaries.

Despite acknowledging concerns from Propertymark and others that property firms find pricing more complex because of tax, fees, and other variables, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has pressed ahead with publishing generic guidance on price transparency under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. From 6 April 2025, the DMCCA replaced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, so the CMA’s approach will shape day to day advertising for every agent.

The Q3 2025 Propertymark Auctions Barometer reveals a confident auction market despite wider economic uncertainty, with rising lot numbers and strong reserve-price performance. The industry awaits potential policy changes in the Autumn Budget, auctioneers remain optimistic heading into 2026, encouraged by steady demand, evolving technology, and expectations of improving affordability.

Joining industry leaders at FutureFinance.AI Proptech conference on 7 November 2025, our CEO, Nathan Emerson, discussed the crucial role that data quality and regulatory reform will play in driving growth and emphasised that agents need to have confidence that the digital product will have longevity before making significant investments.

Checking carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and heating systems can help prevent avoidable tragedies. Known as the ‘silent killer’, CO has no smell, taste, or colour, yet even small amounts can be fatal. Hundreds of people are hospitalised each year due to this poisoning, and many could be prevented with simple maintenance and alarm checks.

Plans for a transparent and balanced system are welcome and could have significant benefits for Scotland’s regeneration and housing ambitions. However, reform must not come at the expense of fairness. Clearer legislation, early engagement, and collaboration with qualified property professionals will ensure that public projects can proceed efficiently while protecting the rights and confidence of property owners and agents.

By 2035, automation, AI, and digital registers will speed up transactions and strengthen fraud protection, bringing major opportunities and responsibilities for property agents. HM Land Registry’s (HMLR) ambitious plan will reshape how information is stored, verified and shared across the property sector.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will become the Single Professional Services Supervisor (SPSS) overseeing Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance for the legal, accountancy, and trust and company service sectors. HMRC will continue to supervise agents under the Money Laundering Regulations, and firms that are already compliant do not need to make any changes to their existing AML procedures.

Stability is returning to the UK commercial property market as stats and sentiment reveal steady base rates, easing inflation, and renewed confidence across industrial and office sectors.