In response to the Welsh Government’s call for evidence, Propertymark has shared members’ views on the impact of the legislation on their operations and business practices. We recognise that Rent Smart Wales (RSW) has achieved some progress in regulating and improving the private rental sector (PRS) and have made specific recommendations for how the Senedd can build on this going forward.

Propertymark has called on the Welsh Government to think differently from the UK Government and keep Land Transaction Tax (LTT) relief for multiple dwellings as well as maintaining the 6-dwelling rule. Now that the relief is not available in England, the Welsh private rented sector (PRS) could appear more attractive to investors and Ministers should consider other policy approaches to encourage this.

The Welsh Government is consulting on ways to improve its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme after its 2022-23 report revealed relatively low take-up from households that would potentially be entitled to support. The proposals include linking Universal Credit and the CTR scheme to allow proactive identification of eligible residents.

The cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (LUHCC), chaired by Clive Betts, MP, is gathering evidence on the stumbling blocks to improvements, and has highlighted a lack of transparency around conveyancing services, ‘referral fees’, and the regulation of estate agents as key areas of focus. Propertymark has submitted written evidence to the LUHCC and our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, spoke to the Committee in person on 13 May 2024.

Trading Standards is examining the impact of Rent-to-Rent and Guaranteed Rent (R2R) schemes on the private rented sector (PRS) in England, with the aim of identifying and evidencing areas of good practice, and issues of relevant non-compliance or emerging concerns. Propertymark was invited to provide input to an exploratory consultation as an interested party.

The Department for Communities (DfC) is refreshing it's proposals for reform of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) which were first published in 2017. In response to their stakeholder survey, Propertymark has urged the DfC to prioritise increasing housing supply, regulating property agents, and taking a carefully considered approach to energy efficiency targets.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities intends to boost standards in social housing by requiring senior managers and executives to have, or be working towards, a relevant qualification. Propertymark has strongly challenged the decision not to extend this requirement to all property agents in the UK, and questioned why private tenants should not expect the same protections as those in the social sector.

HM Land Revenue (HMLR) provides vital information for agents listing properties to let and sell and completing the sales process. Quick, cost-effective access to these services is more important than ever as the industry adjusts to the latest material information guidance.

Propertymark is encouraging the UK Government to explore all viable methods of increasing the delivery of homes, however, the approach must not lose sight of the importance of creating decent homes that people want to buy in the places they want to live. In our consultation response to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) we suggest improvements to their proposals that will help avoid unintended consequences.

Every two years, the European Commission assesses the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing affecting both the EU internal market and cross-border activities. As a member of CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professionals, we work with them to provide the perspective of the UK market.

Propertymark supports Welsh Government proposals to extend the time allowed to apply for refunds and exemptions to land transaction tax (LTT) higher residential rates for taxpayers affected by fire safety defects or emergency restrictions but calls for the Covid-19 restrictions to be included.

The UK Government’s detailed proposals for the 2025 Future Homes and Buildings Standards will amend existing legislation to set new minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings in England. Most changes will apply to new homes and non-domestic buildings and should ensure no further work will be needed for new buildings to produce zero carbon emissions as the electricity grid decarbonises.

The Scottish Government has set out proposals for how homeowners and landlords can meet energy efficiency targets and reconfirmed its intention to ban polluting heating systems from 2045. Whilst Propertymark welcomes the ambition, we believe enhancements are needed to make the plans achievable.

Proposed changes to legislation in Northern Ireland would expand the definition of anti-social behaviour to include provisions around housing, putting it on a par with other parts of the UK. However, absolute grounds for possession are limited to the social rented sector, and the measures will not avoid the remaining difficulties with evicting troublesome tenants that are still seen in England and Wales.

A proposed voluntary scheme from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) invites landlords from the private and social sectors to commit to standards which go beyond the minimum required by law and aims to help tenants recognise and identify a good landlord. Whilst Propertymark welcomes these aims, we believe the scheme would be strengthened if agents were also considered for membership.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) carried out a first consultation on the implementation of the levy which closed on 7 February 2023. The current technical consultation concentrates on the methodology for levy calculation, the collection process, disputes and appeals and further exemptions.