The first All-Wales Agent Forum will be taking place next week on November 20 at 1pm, after lobbying and engagement from Propertymark with the Welsh Government.   

The property professional body has been leading on this issue and campaigning for agent focussed meetings and more specific engagement from the Welsh Government with letting agents.  

Campaigning on this issue started after Propertymark made a Freedom of Information request on local authority landlord forums, which proved that Welsh local councils are more active in holding local landlord forums than their English, Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts. 

Conversations then extended to Welsh Government officials and the previous Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Julie James MS. 

Although there has always been positive engagement regarding the warm welcome agents receive at landlord forums, Propertymark has consistently said that agents require a separate space to interact with stakeholders separate from possible landlord clients.   

Tim Thomas, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Propertymark, says: “Propertymark is delighted to see that an All-Wales Agent Forum has been organised for the first time ever, and it is something that we hope to see replicated elsewhere. Letting agents provide a hugely valuable service to both landlords and tenants, serving as intermediaries and ensuring a positive experience for both parties. 

“This Forum will provide a unique opportunity for agents to engage with the Welsh Government and Rent Smart Wales, share ideas and best practice, as well as understand the legislative landscape in Wales and how it will impact their business.”