VIDEO: Housing is a “second order” issue to voters in the general election, behind health and the economy.
However it ranks as a significant issue among 18-24-year-olds, specifically those in London.
These insights were part of an extensive analysis of voter behaviour heard at Estates Gazette’s London Question Time debate on 29 April, held at the new West End development Fitzroy Place, W1.
Joe Twyman, head of political and social research at YouGov, told an audience of 200 that Labour had majority backing on the basis of its housing policy, with 61% of voters supporting its mansion tax, compared to only 28% of voters who believe the Conservatives’ flagship right-to-buy policy is a good idea.
Twyman was on the panel with Ben Stirling of Aviva Investors, Stephen Down of Savills, Amlan Roy of Credit Suisse, Steve Jude of Citibase and Eleanor Kelly of Southwark council.
The business leaders were drawn on which political party would be most advantageous to the property industry following the 7 May election, but there was no consensus.
Roy said both parties had failed to provide affordable real estate for the younger generation, while Jude described the campaign as the “most boring election ever”.
Twyman hinted at a Tory victory, saying the Conservatives were ahead in the polls on the issue of the economy. “It is very unusual to come behind from this to win an election,” he said.
See Twyman’s full presentation below.
