The government has indicated that the existing Housing Ombudsman Service is intended to operate the new Private Rental Sector Ombudsman, which will provide mandatory redress for private landlords. However, landlords will not be required to join immediately, as further regulations will set out the scope and timing of membership once the scheme is prepared for designation.
Industry figures have welcomed the government’s focus on first-time buyers but criticised the Autumn Budget for not doing enough on Stamp Duty Land Tax and wider homebuying reform. The new Your First Home scheme, a government-backed equity loan for new-build homes, has prompted both support and concern, particularly around transaction complexity, lender requirements and the need for clearer processes.
The Government has confirmed that the High Value Council Tax Surcharge, described as a Mansion Tax, will begin at the £2 million threshold, with bills expected from March 2028. The consultation response also sets out proposed deferral arrangements, exemptions for certain property types, and penalties for failing to provide valuation information when requested.
A Goodlord survey suggests tenant confidence and awareness of the Renters Rights Act are rising, with many renters feeling more secure in their tenancies. The article also claims some tenants are using AI to help generate complaints and make use of their new rights, based on responses from landlords, lettings professionals and tenants.
The Chancellor has defended Budget changes that increase Income Tax on rental earnings, arguing the policy protects earned income from employment while asking more from asset holders. From April, landlords will face a 2 percentage point rise in tax on property income, with higher and additional rates also increasing.
Propertymark is partnering with Rent Smart Wales to run a webinar aimed at helping letting agents in Wales prepare for five-yearly regulatory audits. The session will focus on audit readiness, compliance processes and recent developments in Welsh private rented sector policy.
Government figures show that nearly half of residential buildings with life-critical fire-safety defects covered by the developer remediation contract had not yet started repairs by 30 September 2026. Of the 2,682 affected buildings, work had not begun on 1,266, indicating continued delays in progressing remediation.
The article examines the expanding use of building liability orders (BLOs) under the Building Safety Act 2022, which can extend liability for building safety defects beyond the directly responsible company to associated entities. Recent Technology and Construction Court decisions suggest the courts are taking a purposive approach, with the scope of BLOs likely to continue developing through further cases and appeals.
The article assesses the 2026 Budget’s implications for construction, highlighting a larger infrastructure pipeline, efforts to speed up consenting and reduce legal delay, and a more cautious approach to energy funding. It argues that delivery will depend less on headline commitments and more on planning, regulatory stability, skills capacity and commercial viability.
The article argues that proposed upfront information reforms in conveyancing will shift legal and administrative work earlier in the transaction process, making client onboarding more important. It highlights that better early information can reduce delays and fall-throughs, but also notes the operational and commercial pressures this may place on firms.
The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit for Reclamet (Holdings) Limited’s recycling centre in Birchington, Kent, citing breach of permit conditions linked to significant noise pollution and a failure to implement adequate mitigation. The operator has appealed the revocation, and the matter is due to be heard at a public inquiry in May 2026.
The Environment Agency, Drinking Water Inspectorate, Natural Resources Wales and Ofwat have published their first joint Water Industry Performance Insights report, combining evidence to give a clearer picture of water company performance. The report highlights strong drinking water quality but continued underperformance on wastewater and pollution, with regulators signalling tougher enforcement where standards are not met.
