Homeowners trust Tories to run UK housing market

British homeowners have the most confidence in the Conservative Party to run the nation's housing market.

A survey of almost 4,500 homeowners, carried out by PropertyPriceAdvice.co.uk, has revealed that 46% of respondents trust Theresa May's party to fix the housing crisis.

A higher proportion of respondents say they prefer the Labour Party's housing policies, however the Tories come out on top when it comes to trustworthiness.

However, over half of those taking part say that the existing government - along with the Conservative-led coalition between 2010 and 2015 - have not done as much to help people on to the housing ladder when compared with the previous Labour administration.

Despite housing often being identified as a key political battleground, 69% of survey participants say that the housing policies proposed by the main parties will have zero impact on who they vote for on Thursday.

Over half say that choosing a prime minister to lead Brexit negotiations is their primary reason for voting in this week's General Election.

Recent polls have suggested that Jeremy Corbyn has cut Theresa May's lead to as little as three points. However, Property Price Advice's research indicates that the Tories still have a significant lead over Labour - by up to as much as 20 points.

“Despite the Conservative Party’s pledge to deliver one million new homes by 2020 (or 1.5 million by 2022), the party has shown very little evidence of achieving anywhere near those numbers," says Peter Sherrard, Managing Director at Property Price Advice.

“We’ve seen Labour narrow the gap on the Tories since engaging younger voters with proposals including the abolishment of university tuition fees and raising the minimum wage.”

He says, however, that he believes British homeowners will be backing the Conservatives on Thursday. 

You can read Estate Agent Today's in-depth preview of Thursday's General Election here.

*Graham Norwood is on annual leave until June 19. Conor Shilling will be undertaking editorial duties in his absence. Please send any press enquiries to press@estateagenttoday.co.uk.