New requirements will be implemented for buildings at the occupation phase that go substantially further than the Building Safety Act 2022 and proposals extend to all multi-occupied residential buildings, regardless of height. The Building Safety (Wales) Bill is expected to be introduced by July 2025 and will impact the way in which building safety is managed at the occupation stage of a building’s life cycle.
What this means for agents
The legislation will affect managing agents who are responsible for entire blocks of flats and letting or sales agents looking after individual properties within a building. Agents must be conscious of how the new rules impact freeholders, leaseholders, renters, homebuyers and sellers.
There are important differences between the English and Welsh legislation which our fact sheet specifically breaks down, for example, the role of the Building Safety Regulator in the registration and regulation of the building control profession, and the ways in which the Welsh Government intends to take a different approach to building safety compared to Westminster.
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 forthcoming legislation planned by the Welsh Government.
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.
Fact sheet: Building Safety
The Welsh Government has been taking steps to introduce new requirements for buildings at the occupation phase that go significantly further than the Building Safety Act 2022. The proposals extend not only to multi-occupied residential buildings of 18+ metres, but also multi-occupied residential buildings of less than 18 metres (with some exceptions).
