Speeding up the development process
The investment is designed to remove barriers that often stall housing development, such as site remediation and infrastructure work. By funding these enabling works, the Government aims to speed up the delivery of homes in areas where demand is high, contributing significantly to the 2,000 homes it has committed to delivering by the next Senedd election in 2026
Propertymark recently welcomed UK Government proposals to simplify the planning system and support SME builders across England, recognising the need to stimulate housing delivery and make better use of underutilised land. While housing policy is devolved, the Welsh Government’s approach aligns with the same principles — tackling viability barriers and speeding up supply through targeted investment.
Further planning reforms and SME builder support to stimulate housing delivery
The UK Government has unveiled a major plan to get Britain building by backing small and medium-sized housebuilders with funding, regulatory reform, and new guidance aimed at speeding up completions. Keeping pace with housing demand remains an incredibly challenging ambition to achieve, and it is vital that reforms identify areas of potential housing need and deliver a streamlined process that supports the provision of sustainable housing.
Progress balanced with environmental impact
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS, said the programme will support the building of good-quality homes while aligning with Wales’s climate and nature goals. He emphasised that this approach ensures developments are not only viable, but sustainable.
The announcement also highlights the Welsh Government’s ongoing commitment to delivering 20,000 new low-carbon social homes for rent during this Senedd term. Since the start of the programme, 3,300 homes have been built.
Welsh Government incentivises development of affordable housing
The Welsh Government has committed £90 million in low-interest loans to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to support the delivery of affordable housing and improve existing homes across Wales. The funding aims to help RSLs manage the rising borrowing costs while ensuring the continued development of much-needed affordable homes. The latest round of loans will contribute to the delivery of 277 new homes, with 119 expected to be completed within the current Senedd term.
Key projects receiving funding include:
- Former quarry land in Torfaen, where 400 homes could be delivered
- A brownfield site in Rhondda Cynon Taf with potential for over 100 homes
- A regeneration site in Newport to support more than 200 homes
The Land Division works with local authorities, housing associations and the private sector to bring forward land that would otherwise remain undeveloped. The aim is to ensure sites are “development-ready” by providing upfront funding for critical groundwork.
Supporting members
Agents have an important role to play in the marketing and selling of new-build homes on behalf of home builders, including maintaining high levels of customer service and ensuring compliance with the Consumer Code of Conduct for Home Builders, which protects the rights of purchasers by ensuring that they are fully informed about their purchase before and after they sign a contract.
Propertymark worked in partnership with the Consumer Code to produce a code compliance starter kit for agents and home builders. This useful tool aids compliance, including model terms between agents and builders, links to useful resources, and a handy checklist to help make sure you have covered the Code’s requirements.
For full transparency, agents are required to display the Consumer Code logo in their offices, as well as in marketing materials and recommended to be displayed on the website.
Consumer Code of Conduct for Home Builders
The Consumer Code for Home Builders has produced a new code compliance starter kit for agents and home builders, in partnership with Propertymark which is now available to download.
