ELECTION SPECIAL

The biggest housing issues — and where the parties stand on them

As polling day approaches, we look at the main parties’ positions on property

Which of the main political parties has the strongest foundations on housing? (Property shown: East Donyland Hall in Rowhedge, near Colchester in Essex, on the market for £4.95 million via Jackson-Stops and Strutt & Parker)
Which of the main political parties has the strongest foundations on housing? (Property shown: East Donyland Hall in Rowhedge, near Colchester in Essex, on the market for £4.95 million via Jackson-Stops and Strutt & Parker)
Melissa York
,
Martina Lees
,
David Byers
,
Carol Lewis
The Times

The housing crisis is one of the most crucial political issues in the UK, with all parties aware that it is at the forefront of voters’ minds.

Housing affordability — particularly for the young — is a key issue, as well as tenants struggling to pay spiralling rents, and aspiring buyers, movers and remortgagers grappling with high mortgage rates. For older voters, the lack of suitable properties for downsizers is gumming up the market. Meanwhile, for landlords, higher taxes are causing a slowdown in investment.

What will the election announcement mean for the housing market between now and July 4? Some will hold off moving home, according to Richard Donnell, the executive director of the property platform Zoopla. He said: “The election announcement is likely