The UK housing market is entering one of its most reform-heavy periods in decades with a raft of regulatory, tax and planning changes due to take effect across all four nations in 2025 and beyond.
Renters, homebuyers and landlords are expected to feel the impact as governments pursue stronger tenant protections, new-build targets and tougher action on unsafe properties.
In England, the Renters’ Rights Act marks the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector since the introduction of assured shorthold tenancies.
The legislation, which will be phased in through 2026, will ultimately end so-called “no-fault” evictions, replace fixed-term tenancies with rolling periodic agreements, and restrict rent increases to once a year with two months’ notice.
BIDDING WARS BANNED
Rental bidding wars will be banned and limits introduced on rent paid in advance, while tenants will gain a clearer right to request pets. A new Ombudsman and national landlord register are scheduled to follow in late 2026.
Alongside rental reform, ministers are pursuing planning and infrastructure changes designed to accelerate housing delivery.
The Planning and Infrastructure Act aims to remove bottlenecks in the planning system and support ambitions to deliver up to 1.5 million homes, particularly in high-demand locations.
UPDATED THRESHOLDS
Stamp duty thresholds are also being updated in England and Northern Ireland, with first-time buyers paying Stamp Duty Land Tax on homes above £300,000 (for properties valued up to £500,000), while the threshold for other buyers remains £125,000. Some purchasers are likely to face higher bills than under previous arrangements.
Scotland is advancing separate legislation introducing potential rent control zones, stronger rights around pet ownership and expanded homelessness prevention duties on public bodies.
In Northern Ireland, new powers will enable councils to act more swiftly against derelict or unsafe buildings. Wales, meanwhile, is tightening rules around building safety and reforming homelessness and social housing allocation frameworks.
Industry body Propertymark said the breadth of change underlines the importance for consumers of taking professional advice as governments across the UK continue to recast the regulatory landscape for housing.
DRAMATIC CHANGE
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), CEO at Propertymark, said: “The housing landscape has changed dramatically in 2025.
“From new rights for renters to major planning reforms and stronger safety rules, it has never been more important to use a qualified professional when considering moving house.
NEW PROTECTIONS
And he added: “It is positive to see new protections introduced to help safeguard those who may find themselves in a vulnerable position regarding housing, as well as see plans to increase the supply of sustainable housing and keep pace with ever growing demand right the way across the entire UK.”
