Housing Priority for Voters in UK Election
As the UK election approaches, a recent survey by Leeds Building Society has revealed that housing is a top priority for voters. In fact, more than one in four voters say that housing must be one of the top priorities for the next government.
Image: UK Parliament
The survey, which polled 2,000 people, found that housing was chosen as the fourth most important issue overall, behind only the health service, the economy, and immigration. There was a clear split in importance between voters of the two main parties, with 33% of Labour voters saying housing is a priority compared to just 17% of Conservative voters.
The Cost of Housing
Six out of 10 voters (62%) said the cost of housing is important to them, and 26% said it was likely or very likely to impact how they vote, including almost one in five (19%) of those who are undecided on who they will support.
Image: Housing Costs
Solutions for the Next Government
Building more affordable homes rated highest among solution areas for the next government, with 41% of respondents choosing it as a priority. Giving support to first-time buyers through government incentive schemes like Help to Buy was the second favourite individual priority, chosen by 26% of voters.
Image: New Homes
The Homeownership Crisis
Leeds Building Society chief executive Richard Fearon said: “We’re dealing with a homeownership crisis which has been decades in the making and our research shows voters want it addressed by the next government.”
Image: Homeownership Crisis
He urged all political parties to articulate how they would realistically help more people achieve the dream of owning a home and create stronger communities as a result.
Housing-Related Issues
The cost of renting (50%) and house prices (49%) were chosen as the top two housing-related issues facing the country, followed by the cost of mortgages (41%) and saving a deposit (33%).
Image: Renting vs Buying
Younger voters are more likely to view housing as being important, with 40% of under-35s selecting it as a priority compared to 29% of 35-54 year olds and 16% of those aged 55-plus.
Respondents living in private or social rented homes intending to buy in the next five years were most in favour of housing being a top priority (46%) followed by those planning to buy living with family (39%).
Image: First-Time Buyers
The survey highlights the importance of addressing the housing crisis in the UK and the need for the next government to prioritize housing in their policies.
