Burnham announces housing reforms targeting landlords

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined a series of housing policy measures at the Labour Party Conference, including reforms to first-time buyer schemes, leasehold legislation, and new powers for local authorities to address empty and substandard properties.

In his first conference speech as Prime Minister, Burnham criticised previous governments for treating housing as a market of “winners and losers” rather than an essential need. He announced the Your First Home scheme, which will reduce deposit requirements for first-time buyers entering the property market.

Local authority powers and property standards

The Prime Minister pledged to grant councils powers to take control of empty homes and return them to public housing stock. He also outlined measures targeting landlords who rent out low-quality accommodation, stating they would receive warnings to improve properties or face acquisition by local authorities.

“We don’t let people who sell food damage health, so why do it with homes,” Burnham said during his speech.

The announcement follows the government’s confirmation of mandatory licensing for property agents earlier in the day, marking a broader regulatory shift in the property sector.

Leasehold reform timeline

Burnham committed to introducing leasehold reform legislation before Christmas, addressing longstanding concerns from leaseholders. “To the millions of leaseholders, you have my word, the days of you being squeezed for every penny are coming to an end,” he stated.

The regulation of leasehold managing agents has been a key issue for property owners facing escalating service charges and ground rents.

The government also plans to increase council home construction and reform the Right to Buy scheme, though specific details were not provided. Burnham indicated a 10-year plan for housing would be published later this year.

The proposed reforms represent a significant policy shift that could impact landlords, property investors, and first-time buyers across the UK housing market. The measures come at a time when mortgage approvals have reached a 32-month low, indicating ongoing challenges in market accessibility.