Housing Priority for Voters in UK Election

A recent survey by Leeds Building Society reveals that housing is a top priority for voters in the UK election, with more than one in four voters saying it must be one of the top priorities for the next government.

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.

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.