As part of its ongoing and partnership with the Welsh Government, Propertymark has produced a fact sheet on the Building Safety (Wales) Bill.
The guide aims to help property agents in Wales understand new rules and how they impact freeholders, leaseholders, renters, home buyers and sellers.
The Welsh Government is implementing requirements for buildings at the occupation phase that go substantially further than the Building Safety Act 2022.
Proposals extend to all multi-occupied residential buildings, regardless of height.
The Building Safety Act 2022 issued provisions for devolved nations to implement their own regulations on building safety.
While the Building Safety Act 2022 does include a number of provisions that apply to Wales, the Welsh Government is now establishing its own Building Safety Bill for both the design and occupation phase of multi-occupied buildings.
Currently, the Building Safety (Wales) Bill will be introduced by July 2025, and will impact the way in which building safety is managed at the occupation stage of a building’s lifecycle.
The legislation affects property agents are responsible for entire blocks of flats, and those working with management agents when managing individual tenancies.
Agents must be conscious of how the new rules impact freeholders, leaseholders, renters, homebuyers and sellers.
There are key differences between the English and Welsh legislation which the new Welsh fact sheet breaks down.
For example, the Welsh fact sheet explores areas such as the role of the Building Safety Regulator that is tasked with the registration and regulation of the building control profession.
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “We are very pleased to have worked with the Welsh Government in putting together our guidance for our members, and for all agents in Wales.
“Given the seriousness of fire safety, it’s vitally important that property agents understand their roles and responsibilities and where devolved regulations apply.
“This Fact Sheet will provide agents in Wales a good understanding of the legislative changes that have taken place since the Building Safety Act passed in 2022 and the forth coming legislation planned by the Welsh Government.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said: “I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to collaborate on this Fact Sheet with Propertymark to provide an overview of Building Safety in Wales.
“In Wales we already have an extensive programme of work underway to address both external and internal fire safety issues, ensuring residents in Wales can feel safe and secure in their homes.”
