Guy Grainger, UK CEO at JLL comments: “A continued focus on fiscal prudence and deficit reduction will ensure that bond yields and debt costs remain low, providing support for the investment market, the housing market and the wider economy. However, the real challenge for the next government is to focus on medium-term measures to improve productivity, which has lagged behind countries such as the US, Germany and France, despite our remarkable rates of job creation. This will need to include further investment in infrastructure and skills. But there is a balance needed here; the danger is that ring-fencing health spending, for example, while attempting further fiscal retrenchment, would leave little left for the vital measures that could help our economy become more sustainable.
“While most in business will be reassured by the continuity of the Conservative economic plan, there are concerns regarding the planned referendum on British membership of the EU in 2017. British businesses will remain committed to a strong position within the European Union and will need to engage in the reform debate to see if a referendum can be avoided.
“However the continuity of main policy objectives for the past five years will be very helpful for investors and developers in the housing market. Residential markets will benefit from a legacy of supportive policy from the Coalition Government. We expect markets to continue to grow in line with stronger economic prospects, particularly in the regional cities and the South East.
“The clear plan to improve supply through National Planning Policy Framework changes, which will be upheld for another five years – nevertheless will be a real need to introduce measures to ensure more housing gets built. The dearth of housing supply in the UK is not just a social problem – it is an economic problem, and one that is sure to intensify over the coming parliamentary term. Employers are increasingly concerned about the ability of their younger staff to find homes within commutable distance of work.”
Adam Challis, Head of Residential research at JLL added: “These results provide an even stronger Conservative mandate than under the previous parliament. This is good news for the housing market, particularly in London.
“We expect an immediate boost to the Capital, where Labour policy ideas were acting as a drag on activity. Price growth this year should hold at circa 5-6%.
“The real job that begins today is to set out a clear plan to boost new home supply. A stronger housebuilding sector is the only way to solve the UK’s housing crisis, while also adding construction jobs.
“Continuity of housing policy will strengthen the chances that the UK will make strides to solve the housing crisis. This election result is a win for struggling renters, aspirant first-time buyers and even the bank of mum and dad.”