Propertymark welcomes new First Minister for Wales

Propertymark has welcomed the appointment of the new leader of Welsh Labour and subsequently First Minister for Wales Vaughan Gething.

The agency trade body has urged him to help boost property supply.

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “We welcome Vaughan Gething into his position as Leader of Welsh Labour and subsequently the First Minister of Wales and look forward to continuing to champion the role of property agents and ensure there is investment and support for all housing tenures.

“Gething must look to boost the supply of private rented sector properties to give more affordable housing options to the most vulnerable contract holders, until levels of social housing catch up.  This should be achieved by rejecting rent controls, reducing Land Transaction Tax for additional properties for landlords, and providing additional support to make empty properties become future homes.

“The new First Minister, as part of his Government, should use the review of Rent Smart Wales to encourage further professional standards for property agents and look towards the Scottish system of legislation which encourages greater professional development through qualifications.  There should also be a pause on any further legislation to allow property agents and landlords to be fully compliant and understand the Renting Homes Wales Act.

“We welcome Vaughan Gethin’s pledge to build more affordable and social homes, which we called for as part of our Senedd Manifesto. However, we would further welcome greater clarity on how he will increase supply in the private rented sector and encourage homeownership in Wales.”