As Wales prepares for the 2026 Senedd elections, the leading voices in the Welsh property sector have united to demand that housing moves from a political afterthought to a foundational mission for the next government.
The Welsh Estate Agency Awards (WEAA), in partnership with exclusive Feature Sponsor Dezrez, have today published a “Manifesto for Change.” It warns that without urgent intervention; the Welsh housing market faces a “compliance cliff-edge” and a chronic supply failure that risks leaving a generation of Welsh families in limbo.
The call to action comes as industry data reveals a sobering reality: while buyer demand remains resilient, the time to complete a house sale in Wales has ballooned to a near-decade high, and new home completions remain at historic lows.
The Sector’s “Three Pillars” for the 2026 Manifestos:
- A National Housing Delivery Strategy: With Wales facing a significant shortfall in housing supply, the sector is calling for all parties to commit to a cross-tenure of a significantly higher target of new homes annually and radical planning reform to unblock local development backlogs.
- Rental Market Stability & Green Incentives: Following a “landlord exodus” sparked by increasing regulation, the manifesto demands that tax incentives and retrofitting grants, rather than punitive measures be implemented to ensure that good landlords are not driven out of the sector.
- Digital Property Passports: To slash transaction times, the sector is calling for a Senedd-backed mandate for “Digital Property Passports,” ensuring material information is digitized at the point of instruction to prevent the high fall-through rates currently plaguing Welsh transactions.
“The 2026 Welsh Estate Agency Awards will celebrate the best in the business, but even the most talented agents cannot overcome unsurmountable odds,” said Wesley Skene, Founder of the WEAA. “We are seeing incredible resilience, but agents are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs due to policy. We need a government that views the property sector as a professional partner, not a target for regulation.”
Richard Price, Managing Director of Dezrez, added: “The technology exists to make moving home in Wales faster and fairer. What is missing is the political will to match it. Whether it’s EPC reform or transaction transparency, the next Senedd must move from sentiment to execution. We are challenging every candidate: How will your party ensure that moving home in Wales is easier in five years than it is today?”
The WEAA ceremony, taking place at the Hilton Cardiff on April 23rd, will serve as a final industry assembly before the May elections, where these issues will take centre stage.
