Wales: NRLA calls for low-cost landlord loans

Landlords need access to low-cost lending if they are to meet ambitious Government energy efficiency targets.  

We have told the Welsh Government that, without adequate support, landlords could be forced to sell up, decimating the pool of available properties and forcing up rents.  

We are making the call in our budget submission to the Senedd ahead of the publication of the Welsh Government's Draft Budget 2026–27 on 14th October.   

Funding call 

The UK Government has proposed raising the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to EPC Band C by 2030, with a proposed cost of up to £15,000 per property. 

Stressing that next year’s elections are a vital opportunity to protect rental housing supply in Wales – at a time of huge regulatory change – we are calling on the Government to work with the Development Bank of Wales to provide low interest retrofit loans to support PRS landlords. 

This will not only ensure there are enough rental homes to go round, but will also reduce tenants’ energy bills while improving housing quality. It also aligns with the Welsh Government’s recognition that UK-wide policy shifts must be supported with financial measures.   

In addition, we want cash investment to help local authorities meet new commitments introduced under the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation Bill and the Building Safety Bill, arguing it is vital that statutory duties are matched with dedicated, long-term funding to ensure that local authorities - and fire services – are properly equipped to meet their responsibilities.  

Provision of long-term homes   

Elsewhere we are asking for a full rebate of the 5% Land Transaction Tax (LTT) levy on additional residential properties, if they are made available to rent through the Leasing Scheme Wales (LSW) scheme.  

An evaluation of the first phase of the scheme, which sees landlords commit to long-term leasing arrangements with local authorities, found there is currently little to encourage landlords of higher quality homes to take part. 

We argue a LTT rebate will directly encourage landlords with well-maintained properties to participate, increasing supply and improving outcomes for tenants.  

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