Aspiring first-time buyers crucial in General Election

That was the view of north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman Jeremy Leaf, who suggested the incoming government needs to put first-time buyers’ needs at a forefront from now on.

Aspiring first-time buyers crucial in General Election

The hopelessness felt by young people priced out of the housing market is a key reason they turned out in droves to back the Labour Party yesterday.

That was the view of north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman Jeremy Leaf, who suggested the incoming government needs to put first-time buyers’ needs at a forefront from now on.

Early reports suggest 72% of 18-24 year olds turned out to vote yesterday, up from 66% in 2015, with the vast majority backing Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour.

Leaf said: “If there is one message that has come out of this election, it is that the young have voted overwhelmingly for change.

“Politicians will have to consider the needs of the young more than they have in the past which could mean more help for first-time buyers, perhaps extending Help to Buy so that it covers older properties as well as new build, dealing with affordability issues and more help on stamp duty.

“One thing all the parties agree on is that we need more housing so it has to be a priority for whichever formal or informal coalition is created.”