In its 2023 Annual Review, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) reported that it resolved 1,663 sales disputes last year, with the main concerns arising from instructions and fees, the under-offer period, and marketing and advertising. Issues of conditional selling and buyer reservation fees were highlighted as key concerns.

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.

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.

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.

Agents mustn't become complacent when it comes to property sales and lettings boards, as badly maintained, or illegally erected ones can cause injury or nuisance and could result in legal action.

If the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill becomes law, it’s expected that the sales market for leasehold properties will be reinvigorated. Leasehold is a complex area and can be intimidating for agents and consumers, so what are the fundamentals of the current situation, and how will this change if the Bill is introduced?

Although the General Data Protection Regulation has been with us since 2018, for many organisations it has remained a complex piece of legislation, difficult to navigate and something that always sits at a bottom of a to do list. With that in mind, Propertymark has partnered with Risk Evolves to give members access to free training opportunities throughout 2024.

The National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) has released comprehensive new guidelines covering all three phases of the programme, which aims to improve and standardise disclosures in property listings, helping agents to meet their legal obligations.

The unique partnership has seen client account health checks and accountants' reports waived for letting agent members who use PayProp’s client accounting platform.

Due to take effect at the start of 2024, the higher fines represent what the Home Office describes as the biggest shake up of civil penalties since the checks were first introduced and will include charges of up to £20,000 for repeat breaches.

The terminology surrounding the renting and sale of properties can be confusing for some consumers and new guidance from the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSELAT) provides definitions of commonly used terms to improve consistency and understanding for everyone involved.

The introduction of the Renter's (Reform) Bill resulted a lot of media coverage, with agents and landlords voicing valid concerns about the potential impact of future legislation on their businesses. However, it is important to note that the Bill has not yet become law and is still undergoing scrutiny and possible amendments.

As the leading regulator for the property sector, our team of experienced agency auditors has increased to help Propertymark members avoid the hazards that generate local authority fines worth tens of thousands of pounds.