Welcoming the Labour Government: A New Chapter for the Housing Sector

As the general election results come to a close, The Property Institute (TPI) extends its congratulations to the Labour Party on their resounding landslide victory. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of a new chapter for our nation, and we wish our new Government every success. TPI will work with the new Government to advance the property management sector and improve practices and policies for the wider housing market.

The Labour Party's support for key legislation, such as the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024, has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a safer, more transparent, and equitable experience for those living in multi-occupied buildings. However, these legislative endeavours are not without their challenges. Regrettably, important amendments proposed during the opposition were overlooked as the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024 was hurriedly passed through Parliament just as it was adjourning. Now that our new Government is in power, addressing these issues should be a priority.

Labour's election manifesto pledges reflect an ambitious plan to tackle the critical challenges faced by the housing sector. The headline commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes over five years is a bold step towards alleviating Britain's housing shortage. Key pledges also include the largest increase of social and affordable housing delivery in a generation, immediate planning reform, enhanced tenant rights, and support for first-time buyers.

Labour’s commitment to ‘get Britain building again’ is commendable and necessary. Whilst TPI supports Labour's stance on homeownership as a cornerstone of security, it also advocates for the new Government to broaden its focus beyond simply providing homes, to encompass quality and living experience in new supply and improving the standards and energy efficiency of our existing housing stock. Moreover, in the aftermath of Grenfell, it is imperative that the new Government prioritises our country’s numerous outstanding building safety concerns without delay.

As the new Government prepares to introduce an additional 1.5 million homes, it is more critical than ever that the millions of residents in these ‘vertical villages’, regardless of tenure, reside in safe, secure, and well-managed homes, have access to the right information about their home, and are served by competent, ethical, and regulated property managers. Improving the lives of residents in multi-occupancy buildings must be high on the agenda of this Government.

Andrew Bulmer, Chief Executive of TPI, said: “We support many of Labour's election manifesto pledges; however, it is time for the Government to demonstrate firm commitment. The housing market has weathered incessant changes in housing ministers, siloed policymaking, and delayed responses to emerging housing market challenges. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive and consistent approach to policymaking, as well as a robust collaboration framework between industry stakeholders, government departments, and ministers.

“We urge the new Government to build on the momentum of recent leasehold legislation and introduce practical and proportionate regulation, including the implementation of regulation of property managers and improving transparency for leaseholders. Residential communities and complex buildings deserve competent, professional management, while leaseholders should be fully informed about their rights and responsibilities. Good quality housing and well-connected communities are the foundation of positive societal outcomes.”

“The Government needs to urgently fund and fix the thousands of unsafe buildings, ensuring leaseholders and residents are safe in their homes, and protected from excessive costs related to remediation and safety defects.”

“Further steps should be taken to remove barriers to decarbonising leasehold blocks and to make fair provisions for retrofits and energy efficiency improvements. This will help lower energy bills for leaseholders and support the country's net-zero goal.”

“Do these four things – and they will ensure that residents feel the benefit of an empowered choice, transparency, safety and wellbeing, leading to a secure and sustainable living environment in the long term.”

TPI is the professional voice for the residential property management sector. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with the new Government to foster a thriving and secure housing sector that meets the diverse needs of all residents. Read more about TPI’s Manifesto asks for the new Government here.