Following news of Keir Starmer’s resignation, industry figures have warned that political uncertainty must not derail momentum in housing policy or weaken confidence in the mortgage and housing markets. They highlight the importance of maintaining support for first-time buyers and sustaining progress on housing reform, affordability and supply, even through periods of political transition.
Richard Dana, Founder and CEO of mortgage and savings platform, Tembo:
“Political uncertainty is rarely good news for people making major financial decisions. Buying a home is one of the biggest commitments most people will ever make, and confidence matters.
Whoever forms the next government, the focus on first-time buyers cannot be allowed to slip. The challenges are well known: unaffordable housing, insufficient supply and outdated support schemes such as the Lifetime ISA. These issues are too important to be put on hold.
While the market remains difficult, there are reasons for optimism. Over the past year, we’ve seen improving mortgage affordability, greater stability in rates and growing optimism among aspiring homeowners.
It is important that momentum is not lost. First-time buyers need certainty that support schemes and housing policies will be improved and modernised, not delayed or axed by political change.
There are encouraging signs that housing will remain high on the political agenda, with proposals around large-scale housebuilding and wider reform of property taxation likely to feature prominently in the debate.
However, so much remains unknown. Increasing housing supply and creating a fairer path to homeownership should be priorities for any government.
The UK’s housing challenges are bigger than any one political leader. What matters now is maintaining a clear, consistent commitment to helping the next generation build financial security and achieve homeownership.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, comments:
“Housing must remain at the heart of the political agenda. Landmark reforms continue to progress through Westminster, and they must deliver on their promises.
We have seen some of the most significant changes to the rental sector in over 30 years with the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, alongside a commitment to build 1.5 million new homes to meet growing demand.
Meeting future housing requirements requires clear political ambition and consistent leadership, especially as we embark on further reforms to the home-buying and selling process.
Propertymark will continue working closely with the UK Government to help deliver positive change for current and future generations. However, concentrating on the ‘here and now’ and ensuring consistency must be the core priority as any leadership transition proceeds.”
Reuben Thompson, VP of innovation, at mortgage CRM platform Acre:
“The political landscape is changing, and that uncertainty is likely to move the markets and gilts, with knock-on effects for everyday people. The immediate impact this morning has been slightly higher gilt yields, but the full effect will take months to assess.
Right now, everyone is weighing the risks. If the succession looks orderly and fiscally credible, gilts and sterling could stabilise quickly; if it looks messy or borrowing-heavy, mortgage pricing could remain under pressure.
The true litmus test will be how the markets view Andy Burnham’s commitment to borrow and renationalise – will they see this as a pathway to economic stability or just more debt on the balance sheet? If the latter, that instability will trickle down to lenders and mortgage holders.
For now, it’s a watch-this-space moment. Those with mortgage renewals coming up or looking to secure new products should certainly not press the panic button.”
Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, says:
“Starmer’s resignation comes as no surprise, reflected in the marginal change in Swap rates – which underpin the pricing of mortgages – with a small rise of 1 to 2 basis points following the announcement.
With Wes Streeting now apparently backing Burnham, it seems a coronation rather than a contest will happen, which will hopefully be smoother.
Burnham has previously made comments about not being a slave to the bond markets, but we suspect he will have to row back on that once he is Prime Minister.
If talk of further borrowing in his speeches comes to pass, gilts and bonds will become more expensive, leading to higher Swap rates and, accordingly, mortgage rates.
The markets will also be nervous about the next Chancellor. They are comfortable but should a more left-leaning PM and Chancellor be installed, this will have an upward impact on pricing.”
Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, says:
“I am sure what Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer could agree on is the importance of additional activity in the housing market, which is not only good for property but the wider economy in view of its multiplier effect.
The key element which has been holding back activity has been lack of confidence and instability. After a promising start, unfortunately Starmer seems to have lost touch with what people on the ground want and need from their housing.
What we are looking for is the shortest possible handover of power to reduce that instability and transition towards a more growth-oriented agenda where prospective owners and tenants can more readily aspire to homeownership and better rentals.
Unfortunately, the lack of direction has prompted too many people to sit on their hands rather than get on with their lives when it comes to their properties.”
