Housebuilders want a Labour government
An overwhelming majority of housebuilders would prefer a Labour government, according to a poll by Knight Frank.
The survey of 50 housebuilders revealed that 70% would prefer a Labour government, owing to “mounting frustrations” with government concessions to anti-development MPs and the rapid turnover of housing ministers.
Charlie Hart, head of development land at Knight Frank, said: “There is clearly mounting frustration among housebuilders, and growing demand for practical solutions over political promises.”
An overwhelming majority of housebuilders would prefer a Labour government, according to a poll by Knight Frank.
The survey of 50 housebuilders revealed that 70% would prefer a Labour government, owing to “mounting frustrations” with government concessions to anti-development MPs and the rapid turnover of housing ministers.
Charlie Hart, head of development land at Knight Frank, said: “There is clearly mounting frustration among housebuilders, and growing demand for practical solutions over political promises.”
There have been 15 housing ministers since David Cameron took power in 2010, while local housing targets are now only advisory, rather than mandatory, for councils.
Only 30% of respondents said the Conservatives would be mostly likely to enhance the land and development market, while none of the respondents believed the Liberal Democrats would have a positive impact on the land and development market.
Of the 70% of respondents who said they thought Labour would be most capable of enhancing the country’s land and development market, 70% were large volume housebuilders and/or big London developers.
Of the remaining 30% of respondents who said they thought the Conservatives would be most capable of enhancing the country’s land and development market, 64% were smaller/regional/SME housebuilders who deliver up to 50 units a year.
Hart added: “Housebuilders are facing planning and political constraints right now and, unfortunately, there’s a lack of trust in the current system due to the absence of coherent long-term strategy and insufficient land supply. Ahead of this year’s election, housebuilders will be looking for the party that can offer strong leadership and support increased housing delivery through planning reform, industry engagement and addressing nimbyism.”
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