Property complaints across the UK have risen by over 50% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from The Property Ombudsman (TPO). This increase reflects a significant change in how disputes are being raised and resolved within the property sector.
The surge is attributed to several factors, including increased consumer awareness of their rights, ongoing housing reform, and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create detailed complaint submissions. The Renters’ Rights Act is also noted as a contributor to greater transparency and accountability in housing.
TPO reports that it is increasingly receiving complaints that are professionally presented, supported by legislative references, and accompanied by extensive correspondence. While AI tools enable consumers to produce these detailed submissions, they can also present challenges by potentially overlooking facts or misunderstanding legal principles, requiring adjudicators to focus on evidence over presentation quality.
The Property Ombudsman anticipates that complaint numbers will not stabilise in the near term. This trend signifies a structural shift in dispute resolution for the UK property sector, necessitating adaptation from businesses, consumer organisations, and ombudsman schemes.