With the Senedd election approaching on 7 May 2026, housing remains a critical issue across Wales. All major parties recognise the need to increase supply and improve affordability, but their approaches differ significantly. The next Welsh Government will need to strike a careful balance between raising standards and maintaining investment, particularly in the private rented sector (PRS).

With the Scottish Parliament election approaching on 7 May 2026, all major political parties have set out their housing priorities. The next Scottish Government will need to strike a careful balance between improving standards and maintaining supply. Policies that focus too heavily on regulation risk reducing investment, while those that prioritise supply must still ensure quality and consumer protection.

The UK Government has published draft regulations introducing a new disclosure regime for land agreements that give control over development without transferring ownership. The rules, which will apply in England and Wales, stem from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and are expected to come into force on 6 April 2027.

The UK has more than 359,000 homes sitting empty for over six months. Long-term vacancy represents a wasted asset at a time of acute housing need, while also contributing to social decline, increased maintenance costs, and reduced local investment. A more strategic, well-resourced approach is essential to bring empty properties back into use and support thriving, sustainable communities.

The proposals form part of a wider ambition to accelerate housebuilding and tackle long-standing shortages, with large-scale developments expected to play a central role in delivering new homes and infrastructure. For property agents, these proposals signal continued focus on boosting supply, but also reinforce the need for practical, deliverable solutions that can bring homes to market more quickly

Consultation on proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aims to ensure planning decisions better reflect Local Plans across England. Propertymark’s response emphasises that policy must focus on delivering the homes people actually need, supported by infrastructure, clear guidance, and stronger safeguards to ensure developers fulfil their commitments.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is keeping up the pace of change by beginning consultation on ‘definitive’ changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before the ink is dry on the newly approved Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. The latest proposals are the final step in the regearing of the planning system, which the UK Government says will be followed by a period of stability and laser-focused delivery.

It has been argued that the existing planning system is no longer fit for purpose, that it is blocking the delivery of new homes. Across the UK, national governments have looked to reform the planning sector—Propertymark explores if this will be enough to build the homes we need.

Proposals to remove consultation requirements from the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects process could result in poorer-quality developments being fast-tracked at the expense of long-term outcomes. While a faster system is important, this must not come at the cost of scrutiny and public confidence. Skipping or shortening consultation stages risks creating legal challenges and public backlash that could ultimately delay, rather than speed up, projects.

Labour’s proposal is bold in scale and ambition — it could reshape growth corridors and open up new development frontiers. But much will depend on delivery, governance and market realism. Propertymark will engage with ministers, departments and stakeholders, pushing for a transparent, accountable, and sustainable delivery model. We’ll ensure our membership’s voice is heard — especially on fairness, consumer protection, and creating high-quality places people want to call home.

The Scottish Government has set out plans to modernise the 200-year-old legislation that underpins Compulsory Purchase Orders, making them fairer, faster and simpler for public bodies to use, and easier for people affected to understand. By removing barriers to the use of these powers, MSPs hope they can be used more frequently to support the delivery of new homes, infrastructure, and regeneration projects. However, the scale of the reform needed means legislation is unlikely to be brought forward until after the next Scottish Parliament Election in 2026.

Plans for the Shaping Sustainable Places programme propose £165 million investment over 10 years to regenerate villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland, driving long-term growth and prosperity. Propertymark warns that new homes alone cannot support a growing economy and urges ministers to adopt an infrastructure-first approach so that new developments are supported by schools, healthcare, transport and community facilities. Without this, homes risk standing empty.

Reforms announced are going to make it easier and cheaper for empty commercial units to be turned into hospitality venues will be introduced to support efforts to boost footfall and revitalise town centres.

When the Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy, the nation rightly celebrated their sporting prowess — but their journey to the top was no fluke. It was the product of years of targeted investment in grassroots infrastructure, coaching, and pathways for talent development. In short, a long-term plan with delivered results.

Propertymark has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on Reforming Site Thresholds, a key element of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s wider planning reform agenda. The proposed reforms aim to simplify the planning system and ease regulatory barriers for small to medium-sized housing developments, which will help more homes to be built in a shorter timeframe.

The UK Government has unveiled major initiatives in its Modern Industrial Strategy that will significantly influence the housing supply and overall property market, signalling huge opportunities and implications for our members. Proper consultation and partnership will be key to delivering genuine benefits, and we remain committed to providing representation to ensure the best outcomes for agents and the wider property market.