Housing Policy Polling 2026
Public opinion on housebuilding, renters’ rights and property taxation. The housing crisis is the defining issue for voters under 45.
Build 1.5 Million Homes Pledge
52% supportPolling question: “Do you support the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over this parliament?” Source: YouGov, April 2026 (n=1,818).
Building on the Green Belt
34% support, 52% opposePolling question: “Do you support or oppose allowing new homes to be built on parts of the green belt near existing towns and cities?” Source: Ipsos, March 2026.
Labour’s “grey belt” policy of releasing low-quality green belt land faces majority public opposition. The policy has been a factor in several by-election losses in suburban seats — particularly in the South East where green belt protection is a voter priority.
Renters’ Reform
64% supportPolling question: “Do you support the government’s Renters Rights Bill, which would abolish no-fault evictions and strengthen tenant protections?” Source: Survation, April 2026.
Help to Buy Revival
48% supportPolling question: “Would you support reintroducing a Help to Buy scheme to assist first-time buyers with deposits?” Source: YouGov, March 2026.
Inheritance Tax on Property
38% support, 49% opposePolling question: “Do you support changes to inheritance tax rules that would mean more family homes are subject to inheritance tax?” Source: Ipsos, April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do voters support Labour’s 1.5 million homes target?
52% of UK voters support the government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over this parliament, according to YouGov polling from April 2026. Opposition stands at 28%. Support is significantly higher among younger voters (18–34) where housing affordability is a defining concern. See the housing issue tracker for full detail.
Do voters support renters’ reform and abolishing no-fault evictions?
Yes. 64% of UK voters support the Renters Rights Bill, which abolishes no-fault (Section 21) evictions and strengthens tenant protections. Opposition is relatively low at 19%, making this one of the most popular housing policies in Labour’s programme. It commands majority support across all parties except among Conservative identifiers.
Do voters support building on the green belt?
No. 52% of voters oppose building new homes on the green belt, with only 34% in favour. This creates a significant political obstacle for Labour’s planning reforms, which include releasing “grey belt” land. Green belt opposition is particularly strong in the South East, South West and suburban areas.