2026 is set to be a year of change and focus for Property Managers. Here we look at what we expect to be the priorities in our sector next year with major regulatory change, increasing emphasis on how we demonstrate sustainability credentials, and a continued focus on resident safety.
Reform response
Following our submission to the Strengthening Leaseholder Protections over Charges and Services consultation in October, we now wait to see how this shapes the secondary legislation.
As the UK’s largest managing agent, with a diverse portfolio across all types of developments, we have been working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to provide a comprehensive perspective on how to build a fairer and more workable system for everyone.
We have summarised our key takeaways from the consultation, along with the potential implications and our view on what must happen next to ensure the reforms meet their intended goals.
We expect the government to prioritise several areas, including the introduction of a standardised budget and service charge demand templates aimed at improving transparency. At FirstPort, we’ve already begun laying the groundwork to respond to this, including undertaking a comprehensive review of how we share information with residents, including estimates, invoices and year-end accounts, and introducing new explainer documents on information we share with residents.
Another area we predict will be an immediate focus is professionalisation of managing agents, particularly in terms of qualifications. As a business, we have responded positively to this, and by the end of last quarter, over 1,051 of our colleagues had achieved their TPI Level 2 qualification, with further investment planned for 2026.
Heat Networks and the Energy Act
Ofgem has now been appointed as the official regulator for heat networks under the Energy Act 2023, although its full regulatory powers will not come into force until January 2026.
These changes are designed to ensure fairer, more efficient communal heating systems and to support the UK’s net zero commitments.
With more than 450 colleagues involved in overseeing developments with communal heating and over 100 energy centres under management, our responsibilities in this area are significant.
As we move into 2026, property managers will need to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how each energy centre operates, performs, and incurs running and maintenance costs. This involves managing assets to ensure value for money while maintaining consistent compliance and transparency through strong record-keeping and effective contractor oversight. A critical part of this approach is monitoring energy consumption and system efficiency to identify potential issues early and prevent costly failures.
Throughout 2025, we have been preparing for the transition by ensuring all our networks are registered with Ofgem and equipping colleagues to meet the new requirements. This includes launching a comprehensive training programme to build the confidence and technical capability needed for regulatory compliance.
We have recently received the draft guidance from government, and we are preparing the information and systems required to monitor performance, control costs, and remain compliant. We’ve built a dedicated Energy Team which combines technical and financial expertise to meet these regulatory expectations.
Sustainability focus
In 2026, property managers will need to place even greater emphasis on sustainability, not only to support clients and meet legal obligations, but also to demonstrate that we have the right expertise and credentials to deliver long-term value.
A particular focus will be on compliance with emerging sustainability-related disclosure requirements, while also strengthening trust with our colleagues, our customers, and the communities where we work.
We will be prioritising progress towards achieving Net Zero by 2040, supporting sustainable living by expanding green building initiatives in partnership with clients and customers, and delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits within local communities.
Underpinning this will the promotion of a strong culture of corporate responsibility across the organisation and working closely with freeholders and building owners to assess what needs to be done to ensure buildings contribute to Net Zero targets.
Resident-focused safety
At the end of 2025, we updated our company-wide health and safety strategy, strengthening our resources and policies, systems, and processes to develop a forward-thinking, risk-based approach. Our objective is to empower colleagues to anticipate and mitigate safety challenges, encourage meaningful conversations with clients, and build stronger partnerships around shared safety priorities.
A major focus for 2026 will be managing risk in residential property management. This encompasses both physical risk—building condition and resident safety—and financial resilience, including understanding shared duties under fire and building safety regulations.
One legislative change arriving in April 2026 that property managers will need to plan for is the legal requirement for Personalised Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for certain residents and in specific residential buildings.
A defining period
In a year marked by significant change and heightened scrutiny, managing agents will need to demonstrate greater agility, transparency, and professionalism than ever before.
As a business, we are preparing to ensure our colleagues, clients, and customers are fully supported through what promises to be a defining period for the property management sector.
