Where policies align with Propertymark priorities
Our manifesto focuses on increasing housing supply across all tenures, improving affordability, supporting the PRS, reforming property taxation, and raising standards through professional regulation.
Across all parties, there is broad agreement that more homes must be built and that affordability pressures need to be addressed. There is also recognition of the role of planning, empty homes, and energy efficiency in improving the housing system. However, some parties prioritise regulation and tenant protections, while others focus on reducing barriers to development and encouraging investment.
Propertymark continues to call for:
- Increased housing supply across all tenures
- Support for investment in the private rented sector
- A focus on affordability, not rent controls
- Regulation of property agents
- Improved enforcement and access to justice
These priorities are rooted in the need to create a balanced housing system that supports consumers, agents, and investors alike. We will continue to work with all parties to promote policies that support a professional, sustainable, and accessible housing market across Wales.
Green Party Wales: strong regulation and tenant protections
A more interventionist approach is proposed, including a rent freeze followed by rent controls and the introduction of Rent Pressure Zones. The party also plans to build 60,000 social homes over ten years and create a national housing developer.
Additional measures include ending no-fault evictions and strengthening tenant rights, alongside improving housing quality and energy efficiency.
While we support increasing supply and improving standards, Propertymark has consistently highlighted that rent controls can reduce investment and limit supply in the PRS. Any reforms must be carefully designed to avoid unintended consequences for tenants and landlords.
Read the Green Party Wales Manifesto
Plaid Cymru: structural reform and public investment
Plaid’s approach focuses on reforming the housing system through changes to taxation and increased public investment. The party proposes measures to bring land and property into use and to expand social housing provision, alongside wider economic reforms linked to affordability.
This echoes Propertymark’s focus on increasing supply and making better use of existing assets. However, we continue to emphasise that increasing supply requires a mix of public and private investment. Policies must support landlords and agents as well as public sector delivery to ensure the housing system functions effectively.
Read the Plaid Cymru Manifesto
Reform UK: deregulation and market-led growth
The party proposes planning reform and fewer restrictions to increase housing supply, alongside targeted controls in areas such as Houses in Multiple Occupation. Their approach reflects a belief that regulation has constrained supply and increased costs.
There is alignment with Propertymark’s calls to increase supply and review barriers to development. However, we continue to emphasise the need for a balanced framework that supports growth while maintaining standards and consumer protection.
Read the Reform UK Manifesto for WalesWelsh Conservatives: supply-first approach and planning reform
Priority is given to increasing housing supply and promoting home ownership. Their plans include building 40,000 homes by 2030, expanding Help to Buy, restoring Right to Buy, and removing Land Transaction Tax on primary residences.
Planning reform is central to their approach, with proposals to incentivise faster decision-making and penalise developers who fail to deliver homes. They also outline measures to tackle homelessness and improve housing standards.
We support efforts to ensure that homes with planning permission are delivered. However, as with all supply-focused approaches, maintaining standards and ensuring sustainable delivery will be key.
Read the Welsh Conservatives' Manifesto
Welsh Labour: investment-led approach with stronger tenant protections
The manifesto builds on the party’s record in government, highlighting the delivery of more than 20,000 social homes and continued investment in affordable housing. It also focuses on improving housing quality through energy efficiency upgrades and expanding support for home ownership through Help to Buy Wales.
There is a strong emphasis on tenant protections, including proposals to improve access to renting through measures such as a guarantor scheme, alongside action to bring empty homes back into use.
This aligns with Propertymark’s calls to increase housing supply and improve standards. However, the focus on regulation and tenant protections highlights the importance of ensuring that landlords and agents are also supported to maintain investment in the PRS over the long term.
Read the Welsh Labour Manifesto
Welsh Liberal Democrats: local delivery and access to housing
Improving access to housing and increasing supply at a local level is at the core of manifesto proposals. There is limited detail on specific housing policies, but there is a clear emphasis on affordable housing, community-led solutions, and tackling homelessness.
This aligns with our priorities around access and supply. However, as with other parties, the detail will be critical. A successful housing strategy must consider all tenures and ensure that policies support long-term investment across the sector.
