Most landlords who voted Labour say they won’t do it again, a survey from buy-to-let lender Landbay has revealed.
Some 80% of those who voted Labour wouldn’t vote the same way again if they had known that the Chancellor would increase stamp duty on second homes and investment properties.
Some 19% of landlords reported that they had voted Labour, a 7% rise on the 12% who said they had intended to vote Labour in our last survey in the spring.
Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said: “Good landlords far outweigh the bad and the rental market is remarkably robust and thriving. Demand continues to outstrip supply with many tenants ready and willing to rent across the country. As long as house prices are high, affordability will remain a real challenge for residential buyers.
“At Landbay, we are finding that, while some disaffected landlords are sitting on their hands, others are exploring investment opportunities across the country. There is always a place for decent, sensibly priced rental properties.
“What the buy-to-let sector really needs now is a confidence boost. With encouragement and support, the sector can continue to play an important role in helping solve the housing crisis. As a buy-to-let lender we remain committed to doing our bit to help, innovating to meet the needs of landlords.”
Some 63% of all landlords said they were unimpressed with the government’s housing market policies so far.
A landlord told Landbay: “Where is the incentive to invest? Who will take up the displaced tenants when private landlords, most of whom only have two or three properties, dispose of their properties?”
Another added: “I shan’t stop buying properties, but how and what kind remains to be seen.”
A third said: “It feels like typical landlord bashing from a Labour government.”