Property industry news
Homeowner loses compensation as a result of knotweed ruling
In February 2023, Marc Christopher Davies won a Court of Appeal case against Bridgend Council after Japanese knotweed encroached into his property from council land. He was awarded £4,900 for the diminution in value of his home, due to the stigma associated with it. However, Bridgend Council appealed, and the Supreme Court has now ruled that he is not entitled to any compensation.
Leaseholders to get access to free legal advice
The Welsh Government has launched a new scheme to help support leaseholders in medium and high-rise buildings affected by fire safety issues in Wales. Launched on 10 May 2024, the scheme offers free and bespoke legal advice to help resolve potential disputes.
Innovate and improve letting agency services with specialist insurance
To remain competitive in today’s market it’s important to provide exceptional service beyond the basic tasks of property management. Adding extra value for landlords and tenants enables an agency to stand out, and one way to achieve this is by making insurance products an integrated part of the service offered to clients.
Committee explores chief obstacles to stress-free home buying and selling
The cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (LUHCC), chaired by Clive Betts, MP, is gathering evidence on the stumbling blocks to improvements, and has highlighted a lack of transparency around conveyancing services, ‘referral fees’, and the regulation of estate agents as key areas of focus. Propertymark has submitted written evidence to the LUHCC and our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, will speak to the Committee in person on 13 May 2024.
Ground rent reforms at risk of being diluted after resistance from Treasury
Over 30 Conservative MPs have written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt expressing concern that plans for reform are being weakened as the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill progresses through parliament. In particular, and despite a promise in the 2019 Conservative manifesto, it is now expected that ground rents will be capped at £250 per year instead of being cut to zero.
Further Regulations confirmed under the Private Tenancies Act
Following the enactment of Sections 1-6 of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 1 April 2023, the Department for Communities has outlined that two further phases, Sections 8 and 10, will come into force by the end of 2024.
End Scotland's housing emergency
Propertymark has urged Scotland’s new First Minister, John Swinney following his appointment on 7 May as leader of the Scottish National Party, to end the housing crisis across the country.
Distaste for rent controls in Wales
The Summary of Responses to the Green Paper Call for Evidence on Securing a Path towards Adequate Housing Including Fair Rents and Affordability has been published, which showed an aversion to rent controls being implemented as a long-term measure, a view shared by Propertymark.
Housing Minister sets expectations for Safety Case Reports
The Housing Minister, Lee Rowley, MP, and Philip White, Director of Building Safety for the Building Safety Regulator, have published a joint open letter to building managers addressing the issue of charges associated with managing safety in buildings over 18 metres.
Housing Insight Report: March 2024
Demand increased within the residential sales sector, with the number of buyers registered and the number of viewings per property both increasing. In the residential lettings sector, tenant demand decreased, and stock levels increased marginally. However, legislative change including the Renters (Reform) Bill and Housing (Scotland) Bill, continues to dominate the wider discourse.
Enhancing efficiency and service in lettings through technology integration
Letting agents have access to a wide array of industry tools to elevate their business operations, including CRM platforms, marketing software, referencing providers, accounting tools, and deposit services. Integrating suppliers is a straightforward method to maximise the utility of existing resources, streamline operations, prevent fraud, and improve the experience for both tenants and landlords.
Next London Mayor must leverage powers to tackle housing backlog
On Thursday 2 May 2024, Londoners will cast their votes for the next Mayor and 25 Assembly Members. With a population of over nine million, and the highest house sales and rental values in the country, London presents unique challenges. Propertymark has written to the candidates outlining our housing plan for London, highlighting key priorities for the next four years and our proposals for addressing the city’s crisis in housing availability.