MARKET MOVES: THIS WEEKS PROPERTY MARKET UPDATE FROM DAVID JAMES
Renters Rights Bill Update
The Renters’ Rights Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords, is expected to become law by September 2025, with implementation commencing later this year or in early 2026. The bill aims to overhaul the private rental sector in England, introducing significant reforms to enhance tenant protections.
The bill is scheduled for its first Report Stage debate in the House of Lords on 1 July 2025, with subsequent debates on 7 and 15 July. Given the parliamentary recess from 22 July to 1 September, the bill is anticipated to receive Royal Assent by September, with implementation expected shortly thereafter.
Controversial Planning Reforms Push Ahead Amid Fears of Overdevelopment and Loss of Local Control
The UK government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill has passed its third reading in the House of Commons with a 132-vote majority, marking a significant step toward delivering the pledge of building 1.5 million homes. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook described the bill as transformative, aiming to modernize the planning system and accelerate housing development to address the UK's housing crisis.
Some MPs and stakeholders express concerns that the bill may lead to generic developments lacking community character and consultation.
The bill now proceeds to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. If enacted, it is expected to play a central role in achieving the government's housing objectives.
PM Launches AI Tool to Speed Up Planning Process and Tackle Housing Shortage
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the launch of "Extract," an AI-powered tool developed with Google's Gemini model, aimed at digitising England's outdated planning system. This initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to accelerate housebuilding and meet the target of delivering 1.5 million new homes over the next Parliament.
The government plans to roll out Extract to all local authorities by Spring 2026, aiming to fully digitise the planning system by the end of 2026. This move is expected to streamline planning processes, reduce delays, and support the government's housing delivery goal.
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