Just over 40% of landlords are still undecided on who to vote for in the upcoming general election on July 4th, while nearly half have concerns over a potential change in Government, the latest Landbay survey reveals.
When asked about their voting intentions, 41% said they are uncertain. Nearly a third (31%) plan to vote Conservative, while just over one-in-ten (12%) support Labour. Slightly more than 5% intend to vote for the Liberal Democrats, and one-in-ten chose ‘Other’.
Among the undecided, the largest group consists of landlords with portfolios of 4-10 properties (35%), while those with 20 or more properties make up a quarter. A majority of the undecided operate within a limited company (69%).
The survey also found that nearly half of landlords (48%) are concerned about a potential change in Government. Respondents described Labour as “anti-landlord” and a potential government offering “too many unknowns”, with many policies of the two main parties appearing closely aligned. Some landlords indicated their vote would go to the party that reduces the heavy tax burden they face.
One landlord commented: “A Labour Government will be traditionally landlord unfriendly. Conservative policies of recent years have also been far too punitive to landlords.”
Another said: “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.”
The findings are part of Landbay’s latest survey questioning landlords on various topics to determine their attitudes and intentions. The survey highlighted key factors facing landlords and their thoughts on upcoming regulation and the future of the buy-to-let market.
John Goodall, founder and CEO of Landbay, 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.”
Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, added: “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.
“It’s only natural for a potential change in government to raise concerns. In fact, we’re seeing this across lots of different industries and sectors as we all try and predict what changes in policy, regulation and central funding, for example will mean for us. It’s important for landlords to remember that the buy-to-let market has survived countless crises, regime changes and new governments. Furthermore, it has continued to thrive with lenders ready and willing to lend, and talented brokers able to support landlords in seizing the opportunities that are still out there.”
