Landlords on the fence ahead of general election

More than 40% of landlords are still undecided on who to vote for in the upcoming general election, according to a new survey.

A report by Landbay, reveals, 41% of landlords haven’t made up their minds. Among those who have, 31% back the Conservatives, while a mere 12% support Labour. The Liberal Democrats barely register at just over 5%, and 10% are opting for ‘Other’.

The survey also found that nearly half of landlords (48%) have concerns about a potential change of government.

Everyone is anti-landlord

Respondents in the survey criticised Labour as “anti-landlord” and a potential government offering “too many unknowns”, with many of the policies of the two main parties seeming closely aligned.

Others said that their vote will go to the party that will reduce the heavy tax burden facing landlords.

One landlord said: “A Labour government will be traditionally landlord unfriendly. Conservative policies of recent years have also been far too punitive to landlords.”

Another landlord expressed frustration saying: “Everyone is anti-landlord. With a lack of affordable housing, we are the scapegoats. They have increased our tax and compliance burden. The left is making it worse.”

UK needs a strong private rental sector

John Goodall, founder and CEO of Landbay, says Labour needs a clear plan to support landlords and the private rented sector.

He said: “Now that the election has been called, it is clear that landlords still need further reassurance from Labour about their plans for government and their policy for the sector.

“The UK needs a strong private rental sector that can support investment and has the ability to scale in order to provide housing to millions of households.

“We therefore urge Sir Keir Starmer to make clear his plans on housing and how his party will recognise the critical role of landlords and the private rental sector in the UK’s housing mix.”

Political parties need to engage with landlords

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, adds all political parties need to take action to support the private rented sector.

He said: “With a large proportion of landlords still undecided, these findings show the huge opportunity that is out there for all parties to engage with landlords, address their concerns and give them a reason to vote for their party.

“Given that much of recent politics from all sides has been anti-landlord, this would be a welcome change.”

Share This Article