Public confidence in the Government’s handling of the housing crisis has fallen sharply, with just one in 10 voters expressing any faith that the right steps are being taken, according to new research by London estate agent Benham and Reeves.

The survey of UK adults found that 64% had little or no confidence in the Labour Government’s current approach to solving the housing crisis, while only 10% expressed support.

When asked which housing policy should take priority, the protection of existing green belt land topped the list, chosen by 29% of respondents.

The finding comes amid controversy over Labour’s decision to reclassify parts of the green belt as “grey belt” to make more land available for development.

HOUSING SUPPLY

Increasing housing supply ranked second, with 21% of respondents calling for more new homes to meet demand.

By contrast, 19% backed stamp duty cuts, the policy recently pledged by the Conservative Party, placing it third among voters’ priorities.

The findings suggest that while stamp duty reform remains politically popular, voters are more concerned with structural reform to address long-term supply, affordability and sustainability challenges.

The research also indicates that housing has become a decisive political issue for many.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said housing policy influences how they vote, and 42% said they would consider switching allegiance to a party whose housing stance aligns with their own, even if they had not supported that party before.

ROCK BOTTOM

Marc von Grundherr (main picture, inset), director of Benham and Reeves, said confidence in the current Government’s housing strategy was “at rock bottom”.

He added: “While the Conservatives’ pledge to scrap stamp duty may sound appealing on the surface, voters are clearly more concerned about the long-term issues affecting supply, sustainability and affordability.

“Protecting the green belt and delivering more homes are seen as more pressing priorities than policies designed to stimulate short-term market activity.

KEY BATTLEGROUND

“Housing remains one of the defining issues for millions of households across the country, and as this research shows, it will be a key battleground for voter support in the months ahead.

“However, quick-fix pledges designed to grab headlines won’t be enough to win back confidence unless they’re accompanied by genuine progress on housing delivery.”