Housing supply must be top priority of Senedd agenda, says Propertymark
Its response to the committee’s consultation focused on delivering more homes, maintaining the private rented sector and raising standards among property agents.
Propertymark has urged the Senedd’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee to make increasing housing supply its top priority.
Its response to the committee’s consultation on its future work programme focused on delivering more homes, maintaining the private rented sector and raising standards among property agents.
Data showed that Wales has an existing shortfall of 9,400 homes and needs about 8,700 additional properties each year over the next five years.
However, 4,631 new homes were completed in 2024–25.
Propertymark also called for scrutiny of planning policy, taxation and regulation to support development and investment.
It said higher rates of Land Transaction Tax on additional residential properties could discourage landlords from investing in rental homes.
Research commissioned by Propertymark found that 95% of letting agents in Wales believed rent controls would reduce the supply of homes to rent.
The trade body also called for Local Housing Allowance rates to be permanently restored to at least the 30th percentile of local market rents.
It asked for a pause on further major legislation while the private rented sector adapted to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
A Propertymark focus group involving 10 Welsh property agent businesses raised concerns about ending Section 173 possession notices, introducing rent controls and imposing new energy-efficiency rules without enough support.
Participants said these measures could lead more landlords to sell or leave the sector.
Most agents reported that their landlord portfolios dropped over the past three years.
Additionally, Propertymark called for Rent Smart Wales to publish a strategic plan, measurable targets and regular information about its performance and enforcement work.
It also supported stronger qualification requirements and ongoing training for property agents.
The trade body also called for a Welsh housing survey to provide detailed data on property conditions, affordability, energy efficiency, tenure and consumer experiences.
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