Welcome to This Week in Property, your essential update on the latest UK construction and property news. This week brings major developments across building safety, regulation, and market trends. From the pause on the Grenfell suppliers’ contract ban to the formal launch of the CROSS structural safety reporting framework, the focus on accountability and compliance remains strong. In the housing sector, policy shifts, market pressures, and innovative technologies are reshaping how homes are built, bought, and sold. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or industry professional, here’s what you need to know.

Building safety and regulatory changes

A significant update in building safety regulation reveals that the Grenfell suppliers’ public contracts ban has been put on hold, raising questions about accountability. Meanwhile, CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) has gone official, establishing a formal framework for reporting structural safety concerns.

In housing market regulation, top house-builders have agreed to a £100m payment to head off Competition and Markets Authority investigations, addressing concerns about potential market abuses.

Industry concerns and challenges

A Gleeds report has revealed industry caution about future prospects, suggesting economic uncertainty is affecting confidence. Additionally, SMEs are pushing for the removal of area thresholds for medium-sized sites to enhance development opportunities.

A concerning statistic shows that 31% of women construction workers have been sexually assaulted at work, highlighting serious workplace safety and culture issues that need urgent addressing.

On the environmental front, the Bank of England deputy governor has warned of climate risks to commercial assets, emphasising the growing importance of sustainability in property valuation.

Housing policy and market dynamics

The government’s housing policies continue to evolve, with plans to fast-track big projects deemed ‘essential’ to developing affordable homes. However, Rayner’s affordable target falls 56,000 homes short of 2014-2024 output, according to Make NW, suggesting challenges in meeting housing needs.

A report suggests that stamp duty relief for downsizers could unlock 500,000 homes in a year, while the Chancellor’s permanent mortgage guarantee scheme is described as ‘no housing demand silver bullet’.

The rental market is seeing growth in rental yields in Q2, but there are concerns that landlords may hike rents ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill and that new laws could push landlords to exit the market.

Technological and market innovations

Technology continues to transform the property sector, with 3D house tours reshaping property marketing in the UK’s shifting market. Legal technology is also advancing, with Legalito extending its enquiry management platform to offer legal document analysis, and AI helping estate agents better understand their customers.

In market trends, Prime London has seen reduced asking prices dominate sales in H1 2025. A surprising analysis shows UK property prices growing at half the rate of savings accounts, challenging traditional investment wisdom.

 Estate Agency and property management issues

A BBC Panorama investigation has exposed conditional selling by estate agents, prompting a broker to write to an MP calling for a halt to such practices. Meanwhile, a letting agency has been fined for ‘endangering vulnerable tenants’, highlighting regulatory enforcement in the sector.

In more positive news for agencies, a pandemic-born estate agency has opened a new office, and United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty has opened a new Wimbledon office, showing continued investment in physical presence despite digital trends.

The UK property and construction sectors are navigating a complex and fast-evolving landscape shaped by regulatory reform, shifting market dynamics, and growing demands for safety, accountability, and sustainability. From structural safety reporting frameworks and landmark legal investigations to innovations in technology and estate agency practices, it’s clear that the industry is undergoing significant transformation. While challenges remain from housing shortfalls and economic uncertainty to deep-rooted cultural issues, there are also signs of resilience and progress. As the sector adapts to new expectations, policies, and risks, staying informed and agile will be key to success in an increasingly scrutinised and competitive environment.

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