Agents tell Jeremy Hunt what they want in Autumn Statement

Propertymark has urged the Treasury to do more to alleviate the cost of living crisis for those on low-income budgets, reduce costs for landlords and encourage greater investment in the property sector as well as making homes more energy efficient.  

The calls were made in its representations to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of next month’s Autumn Statement.

Propertymark argues that the Government must issue a combination of grants, loans and help with survey costs to incentivise landlords and homeowners to make homes energy efficient.

This can help homes become more energy efficient, ensure the Government meets its net-zero targets, and reduce long-term costs for homeowners, Propertymark said.

It has also outlined a range of benefit reforms in the rental sector to support tenants and ensure they don’t fall into arreas.

For landlords, it is calling on the Government to bring back rules allowing 100% of mortgage interest relief to be claimed.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “With a General Election on the horizon, the UK Government have an opportunity to support landlords, tenants and property agents with the impact of the cost of living through welfare reform, bring down energy bills through improving the energy efficiency of homes and reducing the tax burden on landlords and investors to tackle the demand the crisis in the private rented sector.”