A recent Foxtons survey indicated that the forthcoming General Election's outcome will have little effect on landlords' plans to either expand or sell their property portfolios.

Most landlords surveyed stated that the election results would not influence their property management strategies, regardless of which party wins.

This survey, encompassing over 1,000 landlords from Foxtons’ 28,000-property portfolio, aimed to assess how the election might impact their operations.

Results showed that 59% of landlords felt a Labour Government would not change their plans for their portfolios, and this figure increased to 76% if the Conservatives were to win.

Landlords expressed doubt about the level of support from major political parties for the private rental sector (PRS).

Only 9% of respondents strongly agreed that the Conservative Party supports the PRS, with 28% slightly agreeing.

The Labour Party received even less support, with only 7% strongly agreeing and 14% slightly agreeing that it backs the PRS.

Regarding voting intentions, the survey emphasized that policies affecting the private rented sector are important for many landlords.

Around 37% of respondents said these policies were very important, with another 37% considering them somewhat important.

On the other hand, 15% viewed them as not very important, and 11% felt they had no impact on their voting choices.

Additionally, 63% of landlords believed that legislating against market rents would negatively impact their financial calculations and cause potential disruptions.

Landlords identified the need to increase the supply of social housing as a top priority, with 30% considering it the most important change needed in the PRS.

In contrast, reforming land development was seen as the least important issue.

Gareth Atkins, managing director of lettings at Foxtons, commented: “The upcoming election is set to have a significant impact on the private rental sector, with landlords closely monitoring party policies and their potential effects.

“Our survey indicates that a considerable number of landlords are concerned about the implications of legislating against market rent with the majority of landlords thinking it will have the potential to disrupt landlord calculations.

“Overall, it seems that most landlords will not be altering their approach to investing in, owning and renting their properties.

“This should also be seen as most welcome from the point of view of tenants too in that it is unlikely that landlords will be running for the exits on Friday – no matter what happens.”