Landlord and agent General Election votes are still ‘up for grabs’

There’s a large proportion of property professionals who say they are yet to decide their political vote for the upcoming General Election, a survey reveals.

The research from Goodlord and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) of more than 1,000 participants, comes as the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced there would be an election on 4 July.

The survey found that almost half of the landlords and letting agents are either unsure of their voting preference or could be swayed before the election. The study found:

• 45% of landlords and 39% of letting agents have already chosen their preferred party
• 27% of landlords and 19% of letting agents could be persuaded to change their vote
• 19% of landlords and 26% of letting agents are currently undecided.

‘How many property professionals are still ‘up for grabs”

Goodlord’s chief executive, William Reeve, said: “With an election just around the corner, it’s interesting to see how many property professionals are still ‘up for grabs’ politically.

“And while neither landlords nor estate agents have the most favourable media image, there are around 3 million of them in the UK.

“It’s a constituency no politician should ignore.”

He added: “This report shows that, in addition to the critical issues of the day around the economy, cost of living and NHS, property professionals are paying keen attention to the party positions on the private rented sector.”

Consider the specific policies of the political parties

The joint survey also highlights that 81% of landlords and 70% of letting agents will consider the specific policies of the political parties when deciding their vote.

This suggests that parties addressing industry concerns could potentially gain a significant number of votes from the private rented sector (PRS).

When asked about the PRS policy areas that would influence their vote, responses included:

• 24% would vote for a party that reinstated tax relief for landlords under section 24
• 22% would be inclined to vote for a party that retained Section 21 which is due to be abolished under the Renters (Reform) Bill.

Despite the importance of PRS policy, other areas such as the cost of living crisis and the general economic competence of the government were identified as top priorities for agents and landlords.

Both parties can win landlord support

The NRLA’s chief executive, Ben Beadle, said: “With British politics in a state of flux in the run-up to the General Election, these findings reveal how both parties, with the right approach, can win landlord support for policies which will help build a stronger private rented sector.

“This data shows how landlords and agents are eager to support a party which promises to put in place the foundations of a successful rental market.”

He adds: “We urge the government to continue to engage with key stakeholders across the sector to ensure the legitimate concerns of both groups are taken into account.”

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