Just a few hours until the polls close #GE2017

With only a few hours left of voting in the general election, the balance of power will have a major impact on the private rented sector and on the choices that private landlords have to make.

From taxes and varying levels of regulation to housebuilding proposals and a potential ban on letting agent fees paid by tenants, this election offers major difference between the political parties, and for buy-to-let investors there are some clear choices and an opportunity to vote in a way that directly impacts on the future of the PRS.

So make sure your voice is heard before polls close tonight. 

Housing policies at-a-glance: 

Conservatives 

The Conservatives has pledged to build up to 1 million new homes (2015-2020) and an additional 500,000 by 2022, free up land for new homes, boost the supply of council housing, continue with the Help to Buy scheme to support those struggling to buy a home until 2027, and maintain existing protections on Green Belt and in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Labour 

Labour has vowed to build over 1 million new homes by the end of the parliament, including at least 100,000 council and housing association homes a year for affordable rent or sale, give councils new powers to build properties, offer local people buying their first home first refusal on new homes built in their area, suspend Right to Buy, extend Help to Buy until 2027, prioritise brownfield sites and protect the Green Belt.

Liberal Democrats 

The Liberal Democrats want to deliver 300,000 new homes annually by 2022, including 500,000 affordable and energy-efficient homes, lift borrowing cap on Local Authorities (LA) so they can build council and social housing, and give them the option to end Right to Buy, scrap exemptions for affordable homes on smaller developments, create at least 10 new Garden Cities, and enable LA’s to implement levy of up to 200% council tax on second homes.

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