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The government proposes to transform the housing market by regulating ground rents, simplifying lease extensions, and enhancing transparency in service charges. These reforms could boost flat sales by addressing key barriers like mortgage constraints and high repair costs. However, potential pitfalls remain, such as the continued risk of significant service charge increases.

The government's new consultation on the energy performance of buildings could impose significant costs on residential landlords. Proposed changes include a new scoring system and potentially reducing EPC validity periods, necessitating frequent renewals. Landlords may face substantial financial burdens to meet these evolving standards.

The government is projected to miss its 1.5 million housebuilding target by 388,000 homes, despite potential planning reforms. This shortfall could exacerbate housing affordability problems in England, where the average home costs 8.6 years of household income. Meanwhile, the government and local authorities are clashing over housing targets.

Rental growth remains strong as we close out 2024, but the outlook is much less clear for sales.