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Landlords want to vote Conservative in the next election, but many are undecided because they feel neither party represents their interests, according to a LandBay survey.
Nearly a third (31%) of homeowners plan to vote Conservative, while just over one in ten (12%) say they will choose Labour.
However, two in five (40%) are currently undecided about who they will vote for in the general election scheduled for July 4th.
One landlord said: “Labour governments have traditionally been unfriendly to landlords. The Conservative government’s policies in recent years have also been too harsh on landlords.”
Another said: “Everyone is against landlords. We’re being scapegoated while there’s a shortage of affordable housing. They’ve increased our taxes and compliance burden. The left is making it worse.”
“Now that the election has been called, it’s clear that landlords need further assurances about Labour’s plans for government and its policies for the property industry,” Landbay founder and chief executive John Goodall said.
“The UK needs a strong private rented sector that supports investment and has the capacity to scale up to provide homes for millions of families.”
“We therefore call on Sir Keir Starmer to clarify his plans for housing and how the party recognises the vital role of landlords and the private rented sector in the UK’s housing mix.”
Among those undecided, the largest proportion (35%) are landlords who own between four and 10 properties, while a quarter own 20 or more properties.
The majority of undecideds operate as limited companies (69%).
Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, added: “With the majority of landlords still undecided, the survey results show there is a huge opportunity for all political parties to engage with landlords, address their concerns and give them a reason to vote for their party.”
“Given that recent politics have been so anti-landlord from all sides, this is a welcome change.
“The possibility of a change in government naturally raises concerns, and indeed we are seeing this concern across a range of industries and sectors as we try to anticipate what changes in policy, regulation and central government funding, for example, might mean for us.
“Landlords should remember that the rental housing market has weathered countless crises, changes of government and new governments. Moreover, the rental market has continued to thrive with lenders ready and willing to lend and capable intermediaries who can help landlords seize the opportunities that still remain.”