A Dickensian legal process
Propertymark's monthly Housing Insight Report has identified a significant deterioration in the number of transactions progressing from offer acceptance to exchange of contracts within 12 weeks. In the first of our research spotlight series, this report looks into the reasons why the time taken to exchange contracts is elongating.
Reforming the PRS: landlord views of the Renters (Reform) Bill
In this report, we share insights into the Renters (Reform) Bill from the perspective of landlords, which was obtained via Propertymark letting agent members' landlords. If the Bill is implemented, landlords whose properties are managed by Propertymark member agents will receive professional support to assist with implementation and compliance. However, it remains to be seen if the UK Government plan to provide further guidance, and whether it is sufficient to support self-managing landlords.
Reforming the PRS: letting agent views of the Renters (Reform) Bill
In this report, we share insights into the Renters (Reform) Bill from the perspective of letting agents, a key force for change within the sector. The research, conducted with a geographically representative sample of Propertymark letting agent members, provides valuable evidence, which policy makers can use to help shape the Bill in its final stages and thereafter inform its implementation.
Energy efficiency in UK property: Where to go from here?
Starting with a review of the influence of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) on the decisions of homebuyers, property investors, and tenants, this report reveals that while there is some consumer interest in EPCs, the level of importance varies across different sectors.
Leasehold 2023: Has anything changed?
In 2018 Propertymark published a report titled 'Leasehold: A Life Sentence?' Based on the findings of that report, we helped to drive legislative change that has so far culminated in the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022. Following this change, we investigated whether anything had changed in the world of leasehold.
Fair rent and the right to adequate housing in the private rented sector in Wales
This report analyses the sentiment of letting agents in Wales regarding the Welsh Government’s plan to introduce fair rents. 41 per cent of agents reported that landlords had raised concerns with them about the potential fair rent legislation, indicating anxiety about the impact on their ability to provide homes in Wales.
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland): Letting Agent Insight, April 2023
In December 2022, we responded to a call for evidence from the Scottish Government using data from a survey of Propertymark member agents. This report is based on a follow-up survey that was open in February 2023 and looked predominantly at the impact of the extension to the temporary measures of The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act.
Annual Housing Review of 2022 and Outlook for 2023
Propertymark reveals concerns and opportunities for the property sector and an analysis of market trends in 2022. Above all, we saw more people than ever looking to live in the private rented sector and seasonal peaks and troughs coming back, as well as a return to a buyer’s market by the end of the year that is the status-quo pre-pandemic.
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland): Letting Agent Insight, December 2022
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 came into force on 28 October 2022 and introduced temporarily restrictions on landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge and restrictions on evictions from residential tenancies.
The impact of short-term/holiday lets on UK housing
This research piece presents an updated picture of the current market for short-term lets (STLs), looks at the broader costs/benefits to our communities, and potential solutions that could maximise the benefits while minimising the drawbacks as seen by property agents.
Renting with pets survey reveals extent of damage costs to landlords
An online survey showed that pet damage is extremely common in properties where landlords rent to tenants with pets and the costs are difficult to recoup. With the demand for pet-friendly homes continuing to increase, the UK Government must now understand the costs for landlords and implement rules that support the sector.
A shrinking private rented sector
Research reveals the full extent of landlords’ exit from the PRS (private rented sector) indicating the rate at which the sector is shrinking.
2021 Housing Review: Highest Buyer Demand in 17 Years
In our latest analytical look at the housing market, we review 2021 trends, property supply and sales using member data and statistics. The year began with an average availability of 38 homes for sale per branch. This dramatically decreased over the course of the year.
Lagging behind: energy efficiency in low-viability properties
This report raises concerns over the affordability of retrofitting properties and highlights that residents in the North of England will be the hardest hit. Failure to factor in huge regional variations in property costs when incentivising homeowners and landlords to meet national net zero targets risks deepening economic inequality.
The impact of short-term lets
Nearly half a million properties could be left unavailable for residents looking to rent in the private rented sector. More landlords are exiting the market and moving into short-term lets due to the raft of legislative changes they have to face.
Private rented sector costs: property maintenance and rent controls
We consulted with our member letting agents across the UK to better understand both the costs associated with maintaining private rented properties and the impacts of introducing rent controls.