Political parties take different paths on housing policy

With the party conference season now over for another year, a property firm says the main political parties are taking different approaches to housing policy.

According to Inventory Base, while some parties are setting ambitious housebuilding targets, others are focusing on deregulation in the housing market.

Labour repeated its manifesto commitment to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament, while the Conservatives focused on abolishing stamp duty for primary residences.

Focus on housebuilding targets

The firm says Labour focused on housing reform during its party conference, announcing what it described as the biggest shake-up of the homebuying system in decades.

Under the proposals, which aim to cut costs and stress for homebuyers, sellers and estate agents will be required to provide buyers with vital information about a property upfront, including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and any chains of people waiting to move.

In his conference speech, Housing Secretary Steve Reed also reiterated Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes and unveiled plans to launch 12 new towns.

The Liberal Democrats also focused on housebuilding targets with a pledge to build 380,000 homes per year and deliver 150,000 social homes annually.

Conservatives pledge to abolish stamp duty whilst Reform focuses on deregulation

However, the Conservatives moved away from setting housebuilding targets, instead focusing on measures to support first-time buyers.

The Conservative Party announced a £5,000 “First Job Bonus” in the form of a National Insurance rebate for first-time buyers, with couples eligible for up to £10,000. They also pledged to abolish stamp duty on the purchase of primary residences but not additional homes under a future Conservative government.

Inventory Base said Reform UK placed greater emphasis on deregulation, proposing streamlined planning processes and improved infrastructure funding. The party also prioritised brownfield development and linked its broader goal of reducing net migration to easing pressure on the housing market.

During the general election last year, Reform pledged to abolish Section 24 for landlords.

The Green party instead focused on stricter regulations for the private rented sector with plans to abolish landlords, introduce rent controls, scrap Right to Buy, and levy business rates on Airbnbs.

A defining moment for housing policy

Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, says ahead of the Autumn Budget next month that political parties are setting out starkly different approaches to housing.

She said: “While some parties are willing to set hard targets and tackle systemic issues head-on, others are leaning on deregulation and fiscal levers to let the market decide.

“Either way, this is a defining moment for housing policy.

“The industry is ready to deliver, it’s strong policy that needs to catch up. What happens next, including the impact of the Budget next month and consultations on the homebuying and selling process, will determine whether ambition or autonomy wins out.”

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