Housing workforce under severe pressure as CIH Cymru publishes pre-Senedd election sector snapshot report

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Cymru’s latest sector snapshot report highlights how high workloads and reduced funding affect the mental health and wellbeing of housing professionals in Wales. Twenty-one per cent of respondents said ongoing pressures had a major negative impact.  

CIH Cymru surveyed frontline housing professionals in Wales during November and December 2025, with the sector snapshot report outlining these findings. The survey found that 67 per cent of housing professionals are motivated to work in the sector to make a difference. However, 74 per cent of respondents also stated that their mental health and wellbeing was negatively impacted by external pressures, including high workloads, a lack of funding and difficulty in recruiting into the sector.

Respondents from the sector identified one clear priority for Welsh government: they want to be listened to, with 28 per cent listing this as their number one priority.  

Commenting on the survey, Matt Dicks, CIH Cymru national director, said: “It is encouraging to see that the majority of respondents to our survey are motivated to work in housing as they want to help people, make a difference and have a positive impact. Yet it is also concerning that the continuing trend from respondents is that their mental health and wellbeing is getting worse due to the pressures the sector is facing from high workloads and a lack of funding. This is why one of our key asks in our 2026 manifesto, A plan for housing in Wales, is for the next Welsh government to commit to a professional and resilient workforce in Wales.

“Housing, in line with other key professions, should be seen as a key pillar to the delivery of public services in Wales. This must include the development of a workforce strategy for housing professionals in Wales aimed at supporting the communities we serve and ensuring an equitable housing system where everyone has the legislative right to a safe, suitable and affordable home. This must include investing in and supporting our workforce. Now is the time to ensure our housing workforce is truly valued and recognised for their expertise.”