"Confidence in the current Labour Government’s approach to housing is at rock bottom"
- Marc von Grundherr - Benham and Reeves
Public confidence in the Government’s response to the housing crisis remains exceptionally low, according to new research from London lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves.
The company’s latest market insight reveals that only 10% of respondents expressed any confidence that the Government is taking the right steps to address the issue.
The nationwide survey asked members of the UK public for their views on current housing policy, the areas they believe should be prioritised, and whether housing influences their political choices.
Confidence in housing policy at record low
When asked about the current Government’s performance on tackling the housing crisis, 64% of respondents said they had little or no confidence in Labour’s strategy, with only one in ten expressing support.
Among those surveyed, the protection of existing green belt land emerged as the top priority for housing policy, selected by 29% of respondents. This result may reflect wider scepticism about Labour’s recent decision to reclassify certain areas of green belt as grey belt land for future development.
Delivering new homes to meet demand was the second most popular choice at 21%, indicating that many voters want to see the imbalance between supply and demand addressed before further incentives are introduced to stimulate buyer activity.
Stamp duty cuts appeal, but not the main concern
The Conservative Party’s recent proposal to abolish stamp duty continues to draw attention, ranking third among voter housing priorities at 19%. While the measure appears attractive to some, the research suggests that the electorate views structural reform as a more pressing issue than temporary tax changes.
Overall, 64% of respondents said housing policy influences who they vote for. A further 42% stated they would be more likely to vote for a party whose housing policies align with their views, even if they had not supported that party previously. Another 33% said they remain undecided.
Public prioritises sustainable, long-term reform
“Confidence in the current Labour Government’s approach to housing is at rock bottom, but while the Conservatives’ pledge to scrap stamp duty may sound appealing on the surface, voters are clearly more concerned about the long-term issues affecting supply, sustainability and affordability,” said Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves.
“Protecting the green belt and delivering more homes are seen as more pressing priorities than policies designed to stimulate short-term market activity,” von Grundherr continued. “Housing remains one of the defining issues for millions of households across the country, and as this research shows, it will be a key battleground for voter support in the months ahead. However, quick-fix pledges designed to grab headlines won’t be enough to win back confidence unless they’re accompanied by genuine progress on housing delivery.”
