Survey Highlights Landlords’ Discontent with Labour’s Stamp Duty Plans

A new survey by Landbay has revealed strong dissatisfaction among landlords regarding recent government housing policies, particularly Labour’s proposed Stamp Duty increase on second homes and investment properties.

Key Survey Findings

• 80% of landlords who voted Labour expressed regret, citing the Chancellor’s Stamp Duty plans as a significant factor.
• 19% of landlords reported voting Labour, an increase from 12% in a similar survey conducted earlier in the year.
• 63% of landlords expressed dissatisfaction with government housing policies across party lines.

Landlords’ Perspectives

Landlords expressed concerns about policy impacts on their businesses and the broader rental market:

• A landlord questioned the Government’s strategy:
  

  “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 landlord remarked on the uncertainty of investment plans:
  

  “I shan’t stop buying properties, but how and what remains to be seen.”

• Others criticised the policies as unfair, with one commenting:
  

  “It feels like typical landlord bashing from a Labour Government.”

The survey also noted that many landlords feel wrongly associated with rogue operators, overshadowing the contributions of responsible investors.

Industry Expert’s View

Rob Stanton, Landbay’s sales and distribution director, emphasised the critical role of the private rental sector:

• Robust Rental Demand:
  

  “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.”

• Housing Affordability Challenges:
  

  “As long as house prices are high, affordability will remain a real challenge for residential buyers.”

• Call for Confidence and Support:
  

  “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.”

Landbay’s Commitment

Stanton assured landlords that Landbay remains focused on supporting the sector:

“As a buy-to-let lender, we remain committed to doing our bit to help, innovating to meet the needs of landlords.”