Manifestoes Are Not Promises: Expectations vs. Reality in Housing

As the dust settles from recent elections, the suggested housing targets set by the UK’s major political parties have sparked widespread response. Historically, campaign promises have are largely never fully realised.

Despite decades-long assertions, annual home construction in the UK has not exceeded 300,000 homes since the 1960s. Yet, the Conservative government continues to aim for this number by the mid-2020s. Last year's output stood at only 233,000 homes, the highest since the '60s, starkly highlighting the disconnect between manifesto-suggested aspirations and tangible achievements.

On the Labour front, Sir Keir Starmer has eclipsed previous nonachievements, producing an even grander vision. Over his five-year term, 1.5 million new homes are to be built, of which 150,00 will be social housing. This doubtful goal is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the UK's housing market and overhaul a cumbersome planning system.

Do these promises inspire hope or just prompt scepticism about their practicality? We can base our answers on a long history of unmet objectives.

Beyond the numbers, the focus is also intensively on the quality and affordability of housing. The UK struggles with housing conditions lagging behind other developed countries, where many residents are burdened by disproportionate housing costs.

Concerns from landlords, particularly highlighted by readers of Property118, focus on the feasibility of reforms like the abolition of Section 21. Landlords worry that such changes might lead to prolonged disputes and complicate property management. Overburdened courts already have serious issues. With a significant increase, this will lead to inefficiencies and injustice.

Transforming these housing promises into reality requires careful handling of both the housing market reform and ensuring economic stability. Successful policy introduction depends on more than just promises to end unfair practices. It also needs a sustainable, effective strategy and a commitment to ongoing discussion among all stakeholders, aiming to create a balanced housing system.

Our PROPERTY MATTERS podcast, usually scheduled for 3:00 PM, has been moved to 2:30pm tomorrow for this week, when we will discuss housing live on LinkedIn. The episode "When Truth Emerges: Any Real Gains in Housing?" will feature Rowan Waller , the propertywaller himself, an experienced Estate Agent from College and County , and our regular chair, Gareth Wax from Many Purple Hats Ltd will attempt to keep the hostility at bay. Examining the feasibility of meeting housing targets and the broader implications around housing policies.

This discussion takes place against the backdrop of a conveyancing system in turmoil, with regulatory bodies at odds and a looming vote of no confidence within the Law Society. This adds complexity to the already intricate landscape of housing law and regulation. With Labour’s bold plan to build 150,000 social homes annually, key questions about funding and execution remain prominent.

Join us for an intriguing discussion, looking into the policies and get you thinking about some serious issues. Your ideas, before, after, or during, will add to the conversation. Can we shed light on the practical realities of housing policy in the UK? You may even have ideas for future podcasts. Do get in touch if you would like to be one of our guests, too.

Remember, if you can’t catch the live session, you can still watch the recording afterwards—perhaps while awaiting the final election results. This is an engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!

Tune in tomorrow at 2:30 PM for our exploration of the UK's housing policy. See you there!