Welsh housing plans receive mixed reaction from Propertymark

Propertymark has responded to the Welsh government’s housing white paper consultation and expressed support for some measures – but warns about the impact on PRS investment.

The white paper outlines proposals to improve affordability and quality in the private rented sector, alongside long-term goals for better housing across all tenures in Wales.

The government is aiming for a balanced, evidence-based approach to delivering housing which considers resources and devolution.

Propertymark voiced its disappointment at the lack of detail on achieving better housing but supports enshrining it as a human right.

Inquiry into the PRS

The organisation’s policy and campaigns officer, Tim Thomas, said: “The White Paper comes at the same time as the publication of the Local Government and Housing Committee’s recommendations into their inquiry into the private rented sector.

“While there is some duplication, both reports have some good proposals that will improve the private rental sector in Wales.”

He added: “Our key message that we will continue to convey to the Welsh government is that they must consider the impact proposals will have on supply in the private rental sector.

“Given the potential impact, we are pleased that the Welsh government has ruled out rent controls until rental data is improved in Wales.

“We will continue to make the case on more positive methods to increase supply and achieve affordability.”

Growth policies, not rent controls

Propertymark is advocating for pro-growth policies, not rent controls, to address affordability, a key UN housing measure.

The government’s separate Green Paper consultation reveals insufficient evidence for rent controls, a decision Propertymark applauds.

It says it will continue opposing rent controls, suggesting improved, localised data for market rent comprehension and affordability assessments.

The white paper includes measures to enhance rental data, potentially through Rent Smart Wales collecting rent information from agents and landlords.

That’s a move supported by Propertymark which says there’s a need for clear communication about data collection purposes and integration with agents’ systems.

It also suggests utilising Annual Property Check records to improve data on participating landlords and raise standards, which would depend on increased Rent Smart Wales resources.

Regarding pets in rentals, Propertymark supports removing barriers for tenants with animals, suggesting a deposit cap for pets alongside guidance on pet rejections and promoting references.