Renters’ rights, HMLR paywall changes and tax adviser registration explained: nine property stories you might have missed
1. Iran war creates “turmoil” in UK mortgage market
BBC News
The BBC reports on the level of “turmoil” in the UK mortgage market, and points to data which suggests that people renewing a fixed mortgage, or those looking for a new one, will be affected.
2. ‘Even if you don’t think you’re a tax adviser, your firm might be affected’: HMRC tax adviser registration
The Law Society
With potential implications for conveyancing, private client and tax solicitors, the Law Society’s tax law and private client policy adviser Charlotte Garvey explains how the UK government’s tax adviser registration could affect your firm – and why you should prepare for the new requirements by 18 May 2026.
3. Concerns raised in months before law firm collapse
BBC News
A firm affected by PM Law Ltd’s collapse has alleged that clients began reporting issues with mortgage redemption payments in September 2025, the BBC reports. Note: you can find information on HM Land Registry support for conveyancers and home buyers here.
4. Housing minister questioned on leasehold reform
PropertyWire
Communities and Local Government committee questioning of the housing minister included scrutiny of delays to the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, PropertyWire reports.
5. Landlords now to fulfil new legal duty for Renters’ Rights Act
Gov.uk
The government has published a new official document explaining tenancy changes, which landlords and agents must legally give to their tenants by the end of May 2026.
6. Government sets out new building product safety proposals and updates on Grenfell recommendations
Gov.uk
The government has announced new proposals strengthen the safety and regulation of building products and reported progress on implementing the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations.
7. Government set to lift paywall from parts of the Land Registry
The Guardian
The government is set to announce that finding out who owns land – including grouse moors, peatland and river catchments – in England will be simpler due to a paywall being lifted from “large parts” of the Land Registry, the Guardian exclusively reports.
8. MHCLG publishes contractual control agreement guidance for conveyancers
Today’s Conveyancer
The guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government explains new requirements to provide information about certain land agreements to HM Land Registry such as options, conditional contracts and pre-emption rights. The aim is to improve transparency over who holds control over land, short of legal ownership, the department said.
9. Law Society publishes new practical guide to help solicitors make safer, more informed technology decisions
Today’s Conveyancer
As well as assessing the risks of AI, the Buying New Technology guide sets out clear information for small and medium-sized firms who may be new to procurement – to help them identify business needs find the right technology solution for them.