As the upcoming general election has recently been confirmed to be held on 4th July, recent data from Goodlord and the NRLA has revealed that party policies relating to the PRS will influence landlords’ vote.
According to the ‘Renting Done Right’ joint report — which surveyed over 1,000 landlords and estate agents — 73% of landlords said that party policies relating to the PRS would influence who they vote for in the general election.
In particular, 24% would be more inclined to vote for a party that reinstated tax relief for landlords under section 24, while 22% would vote for a party that retained section 21 no-fault evictions.
In addition, 43% of landlords cited the general economic competence of the future government as the leading policy area likely to influence their vote.
Other policy areas of interest that could sway landlords and estate agents into voting for a specific party include those relating to the NHS and taxation.
Overall, nearly half of landlords and letting agents remain undecided about how to cast their vote or are open to changing their minds ahead of the national poll.
“With British politics in a state of flux in the run-up to the general election, these findings reveal how both parties, with the right approach, can win landlord support for policies which will help build a stronger PRS,” said Ben Beadle, chief executive at the NRLA.
“This data shows how landlords and agents are eager to support a party which promises to put in place the foundations of a successful rental market.
“We urge the government to continue to engage with key stakeholders across the sector to ensure the legitimate concerns of both groups are taken into account.”
William Reeve, CEO at Goodlord, commented: “With an election just around the corner, it’s interesting to see how many property professionals are still ‘up for grabs’ politically.
“This report shows that, in addition to the critical issues of the day around the economy, cost of living and NHS, property professionals are paying keen attention to the party positions on the PRS.”
However, Oli Sherlock, managing director of insurance at Goodlord, stated that the upcoming general election has now cast doubt over the progression of the Renters Reform Bill.
“This will be deeply frustrating for the whole industry, which is desperate for clarity — should the bill not be pushed through as part of the wash-up, we will be back to square one.
“The best we can hope for is that the next government, whoever it's led by, puts housing and the PRS at the heart of their agenda."
