Compliance guide for real estate professionals
Wales shares the same primary legislation as England but has some devolved housing powers. Trading Standards Wales enforces consumer protection. Rent Smart Wales regulates lettings. The Welsh Government has additional guidance on property advertising standards.
Criminal prosecution under CPRs: unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment. Rent Smart Wales can revoke landlord/agent licences for misleading practices.
Wales has official bilingual status. For properties in predominantly Welsh-speaking areas, or when marketing to Welsh-language audiences, consider providing disclosure in both Welsh and English. 'Dodrefn rhithwir' (virtual furniture) or 'Lluniau wedi'u newid yn ddigidol' (digitally altered images) are appropriate terms.
Trading Standards Wales applies the CPRs with the same rigour as England. Providing original, unedited photographs alongside staged versions demonstrates transparency and reduces the risk of misleading practice allegations. Include them in your Rightmove/Zoopla galleries.
Welsh properties often feature period characteristics (stone walls, exposed beams, traditional fireplaces). Never digitally alter these features—stage with furniture that complements the property's character without misrepresenting its condition or style.
Include written disclosure in property particulars (printed and online), on your website, in social media posts, and in portal listings. Consistency across all channels is essential—Trading Standards Wales can investigate any misleading marketing touchpoint.
If using virtual staging for rental property marketing, be aware that Rent Smart Wales regulates letting agents and landlords. Misleading marketing practices can result in licence review. The same disclosure standards apply to sales and lettings.
"Images have been virtually staged to illustrate the property's potential. Furniture and décor shown are digitally rendered and are not included with the property. Please refer to the original photographs for an accurate representation of the property's current condition."
"This property features virtual staging to help you visualise its potential. The furniture shown is digitally added and not physically present. Book a viewing to see the actual space. #VirtualStaging #PropertyMarketing"
"This listing includes virtually staged photographs. Digital furniture and décor have been added to help you visualise the space. These items are not present in the physical property. Unstaged photographs are available upon request."
"VIRTUALLY STAGED – Furniture shown is digitally rendered"
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