Key Learnings from Propertymark One 2026

Here at Jeremy Swan, we believe that good estate agency is about far more than simply listing homes. It’s about giving clear advice, understanding the direction of the market, keeping up with legislation, and helping or clients make confident decisions at every stage of their move.

This is why we recently attended Propertymark One, one of the leading property events for property professionals in the UK. The conference bought together estate agents, policymakers, legal experts and industry leaders to discuss the future of buying, selling, letting and managing property.

For our clients in Great Missenden and the Chilterns, the day offered valuable insight into the reforms, technology and market changes that could shape the way people move home in the months and years ahead.

Technology is Changing How Buyers Search for Homes

One of the key themes from the conference was the growing role of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in property search.

With major portals such as Rightmove introducing new AI-led search features, buyers are increasingly able to search in a more conversation and lifestyle-led way. Rather than simply filtering by price, bedrooms and location, buyers may soon be searching around how a home feels, what it offers, and how well it matches their lifestyle.

For sellers, this matters.

It means property listings need to do more than state the basics. They need to clearly highlight:

• The location and surrounding amenities
• Local schools, transport links and lifestyle benefits
• Unique features of the property
• Scope for improvement or future potential
• What makes the home stand out from similar properties

At Jeremy Swan, this reinforces our belief that strong, thoughtful property marketing is essential. A good listing shouldn’t simply describe a house – it should help the right buyer understand why it could be the ideal home for them.

Location, Lifestyle and Detail Are Becoming Even More Important

The way buyers make decisions has changed. Many movers are willing to comporomise on some of their original criteria if they find a property that offers the right lifestyle, setting or future potential.

For sellers, this makes it even more important to present a home in its best possible light. Details such as a short walk to the station, proximity to independent shops, countryside access, garden orientation, flexible living spaces, parking, character features or renovation potential can all influence buyer interest.

This is especially relevant in areas such as Great Missenden, Ballinger, Little Kingshill, Prestwood and the surrounding Chiltern villages, where buyers are often looking for more than just square footage. They are buying into a lifestyle: village community, green space, good transport links, excellent schools and a more balanced way of living.

Our role is to identify those selling points and communicate them clearly, both online and during viewings.

Home Buying and Selling Reform: What Could Change?

A major topic at Propertymark One was the future of the home buying and selling process.

The current system is often described as slow, uncertain and expensive, with transactions sometimes falling through late in the process. Government representatives and industry bodies are continuing to explore ways to make moving home more transparent and efficient.

One of the key areas of focus is the use of better digital information earlier in the process. This could include clearer upfront material information, improved property data, and more transparent communication between buyers, sellers, agents and solicitors.

For buyers, this has the potential to provide greater clarity before making an offer, in an ‘eyes wide open’ approach.

For sellers, it may mean having more documentation and information ready earlier, helping to reduce delays once a buyer is found. Its something we already have in place here at Jeremy Swan, through digital platforms that help us to facilitate smoother sales. We know that a well-prepared sale is more likely to progress efficiently and we work closely with our clients to help keep transactions moving.

What Sellers Should Take From This

If you’re thinking of selling your home, the message is simple: preparation matters.

Before going to market, it is worth considering:

• Is the property presented as well as possible?
• Are the key selling points clearly identified?
• Is the pricing strategy realistic and well supported?
• Are important documents and property details ready?
• Is the marketing tailored to attract the right buyer?

In a changing market, sellers need more than just a listing. They need advice, positioning and a clear strategy.

A home that is marketed well from the beginning is more likely to attract serious buyers, generate stronger viewing interest and support a smoother sale.

What Buyers Should Take From This

For buyers, upcoming changes in the property market should be seen as an opportunity to become better informed.

Clearer property information, improved search tools and more transparent processes could help buyers make more confident decisions. However, it is still important to work with an estate agent who understands the local market and can provide practical insight beyond what appears online.

When viewing a property, buyers should consider:

• The immediate location and surrounding amenities
• Transport links and commuting options
• School catchments and local facilities
• Running costs and energy efficiency
• Potential for improvement or extension
• Likely resale appeal in the future

A good agent can help you understand not just what a property is, but what it could become.

Keeping Up with Lettings and Rental Reform

Although we’ve mostly focused on buyers and sellings, lettings reform was another major theme at Propertymark One.

The Renters’ Rights Act and future phases of rental reform will continue to affect landlords, tenants and the wider housing market. Topics discussed included compliance, communication, possession rules, rent increases, pets and the future Private Rental Sector database along with a Landlord Ombudsman.

For landlords and buy to let investors, this highlights the importance of understanding compliance obligations and the need for professional guidance to remain compliant and protect long-term investment value.

Legal, Tax and Compliance Changes Remain Important

The conference also covered wider legal and tax topics affecting the property sector, including stamp duty, council tax and future taxation changes for higher-value homes (mansion tax), highlighting the importance of compliance across both sales and lettings.

As with all policy areas, details can change and proposals may be subject to consultation before becoming law. However, buyers and sellers should be aware that property decisions do not happen in isolation. Taxation, regulation, mortgage conditions and market sentiment can all influence timing and strategy.

At Jeremy Swan, we keep a close eye on these developments so that we can help clients understand what may be relevant to their property decisions. Where specialist legal, tax or financial advice is needed, we will always recommend speaking to the appropriate qualified professional.

Balancing Technology with Personal Service

Another important theme of the day was the future of estate agency itself.

Technology, data and AI will continue to play a greater role in how properties are searched, marketed and managed. Used well, this can improve efficiency, communication and insight.

However, property is still a people-centred business.

Buying or selling a home is emotional as well as financial. It involves hopes, plans, negotiations, uncertainty and often major life changes. Technology can support the process, but it cannot replace experienced advice, local knowledge and human judgement.

At Jeremy Swan, we believe the best estate agencies combines both; modern tools and marketing methods, supported by personal service, professional standards and genuine care.

Our Commitment to You

Attending Propertymark One 2026 reinforced just how important it is for estate agents to remain informed, adaptable and committed to professional development.

For our clients this means we are continually strengthening our understanding of:

• Home buying and selling reform
• Buyer behaviour and property search trends
• Digital marketing and AI-led property discovery
• Lettings reform and landlord compliance
• Legal and regulatory developments

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a long-loved family property, downsizing, relocating or investing, our aim is to provide clear, honest and well-informed advice.

If you’ve thinking of moving or selling, we’d be delighted to help. Get in touch with us today for friendly, informed advice about your next move.

Read Abbey's blog on the day here