UK Property Law Changes 2026: Complete Guide for Landlords, Buyers, Sellers and Developers
Twelve property legislation changes — some already in force, some staged, and some still proposals. This guide summarises each one, who it affects, and what action is needed. Last updated 7 May 2026.
Free tools for these laws
Check whether each change applies to your property in seconds.
Information Sheet checker
31 May 2026 deadline check for landlords
Possession Ground selector
Pick the right Schedule 2 ground after Section 21
MTD start-date checker
When you must start Making Tax Digital
EPC upgrade planner
Cost path to EPC C against the £10,000 cap
HVCTS calculator
Estimate the £2m+ surcharge from April 2028
Ground rent cap modeller
See your rent under the proposed cap options
Scotland rent cap calculator
Maximum lawful in-tenancy rent increase
Advert compliance scanner
Spot bidding wars and discrimination flags
For buyers and sellers
Changes to upfront information requirements, leasehold reform, and home buying process.
Are Property Packs Coming Back? Material Information Explained →
What estate agents must now disclose in listings under Parts A, B and C, and where the government's home buying reform consultation is heading.
Ground Rent Cap and Commonhold: What the 2026 Bill Really Changes →
What is already law from the 2022 and 2024 Acts, what the draft 2026 Bill proposes, and how commonhold would replace leasehold for new flats.
For landlords
Tenancy reform, tax changes, EPC requirements, and rent controls — most with immediate deadlines.
Renters' Rights Act 2026: What Landlords Must Do Now →
Section 21 gone, all tenancies periodic, 31 May deadline for information sheets. The full checklist for landlords with existing tenants.
Section 21 Abolished: New Possession Grounds Explained →
The replacement possession grounds under Schedule 2 of the Act — which grounds landlords can use now and which require a court order.
31 May 2026 Landlord Deadline: The Information Sheet Explained →
What the prescribed information sheet must contain, how to serve it correctly, and what happens if you miss the 31 May deadline.
Making Tax Digital for Landlords: April 2026 Start Date →
Income thresholds, compatible software, quarterly reporting obligations, and what exemptions are available for 2026.
EPC C by 2030: What the 2026 MEES Decision Means for Landlords →
The government's confirmed EPC C target, the enforcement timeline, cost caps, and how to prioritise upgrades across a portfolio.
Scotland Rent Controls 2026: RPZs, Exemptions and What Has Started →
How Rent Pressure Zone designations work, which landlords are exempt, and how Scotland's approach compares with England's Renters' Rights Act.
For developers
Planning reform, infrastructure levy transition, and the Building Safety Levy starting October 2026.
Planning Rules 2026: After the Planning and Infrastructure Act →
Mandatory housing targets, grey belt, the Infrastructure Levy replacing CIL and S106, and streamlined NSIP consenting — what is in force and what is still transitioning.
Building Safety Levy October 2026: Rates and Appraisal Impact →
How the per-m² levy is calculated, which developments are exempt, and how it sits alongside CIL, S106, and SDLT in a development appraisal.
For short-term let owners and higher-value properties
Holiday let regulation across the UK nations, and the proposed council tax surcharge on high-band properties.
Holiday Let Rules 2026: Registration, Planning and Tax Changes →
FHL regime abolished April 2025, new C5 use class, England's mandatory registration scheme expected late 2026, and Scotland and Wales schemes already in force.
Mansion Tax 2028? The High Value Council Tax Surcharge Explained →
What the proposed HVCTS would charge, which Band H properties it affects, how it differs from earlier mansion tax proposals, and what to do before April 2028.
Property data behind the legislation
EPC ratings, council tax bands, leasehold data, planning history, and flood risk — the property-level data points you need to respond to the 2026 reforms.
Relevant Homedata data and tools
EPC Energy Data →
Current EPC rating, fuel type, and heating system for any UK property. Essential for MEES compliance planning.
Leasehold Data →
Unexpired lease terms, ground rent data, and freehold ownership from Land Registry title registers.
Planning Application API →
Planning history, use class, Article 4 Directions, and appeal outcomes by UPRN or address.
Market Activity Data →
Listed rents and sale prices, listing event timeline, and days-on-market for every UK property.
Council Tax Bands API →
Current council tax band and billing authority by UPRN — relevant for HVCTS impact assessment.
Leasehold Reform 2026 Data →
Identify properties affected by leasehold reform provisions by lease term, ground rent, and location.
See also: Freehold vs leasehold explained · Can a landlord refuse pets? · Is now a good time to buy?