Brokers - what is your wishlist for the new housing minister?

The number of housing ministers that have come and gone over the last decade without any consequences is now beyond a joke. There is hardly a reason for landlords and renters to be optimistic that the next one will be of any consequence as the revolving door of housing ministers turns once more. For a sector like ours that thrives on certainty and wants to see a long-term plan for the housing market, such discontinuity in leadership is a significant concern and actively undermines investment and long-term commitment across the board. Maclean had only been in post for barely nine months, and we are back to Lee Rowley who was Truss' infamous 49-day Housing Minister. The government has to get a grip on the housing crisis – it is screaming for urgent action to help landlords and tenants alike. We need continuity, the development of a strategic plan and the certainty that ensures housing is planned, designed and built to meet the needs of current and future communities across the country.

The UK is never going to gain the much-needed traction in housebuilding with a change at the top coming so frequently, so my wish would be for some longevity in post - and then you consider the looming election and wonder..........................

I believe that the newly appointed housing minister should prioritise the availability of more affordable housing options, especially in light of the current higher interest rates. The rising cost of rent in the rental market has posed significant challenges for many first-time buyers, making it increasingly difficult for them to step onto the property ladder.

I feel the government consider implementing a mortgage guarantee scheme for lenders, enabling them to offer 100% mortgages. Such an initiative would not only provide a crucial lifeline for first-time buyers but also stimulate activity in the housing market. By reducing the barriers to entry, this measure has the potential to encourage more individuals to consider homeownership, ultimately fostering a healthier and more inclusive property market.

Lee Rowley, like his predecessors, is unlikely to be in post for very long. But long-term, we need a complete change of mindset around housing. We line the pockets of private landlords every year to the tune of billions of pounds in housing benefit, discretionary income has been slashed, homelessness and food banks are on the increase and the economy is stagnating. All off the back of the 'rising house prices are good' mantra. That may be true for the Tories benefactors, the banks and house builders, but the consequences for the rest of us are devastating.

The remedy is not rocket science. Build social housing at massive scale, stop Right to Buy, and include house prices in the 2% inflation target. Those three things alone would make a huge difference.

Try and hold onto the position until after the Christmas presents have been opened. This role is the poisoned chalice, we have had more ministers for housing since 2010 than we have had Chelsea managers. The task is very simple, build more affordable houses, and make the planning process more simple.

Stability would be a key one, just look at Watford Football club you cant keep changing who is in charge every 5 mins and expect to be in the premier league (sorry watford fans). With house builders slowing, affordable housing slowing, interest rates have risen the market is currently in a mess and needs someone to come in and take it by the scruff of the neck and sort it out, but they are going to need time, is alex fergerson free?

Stop screwing things up with big changes. If you need to make changes, schedule them over a certain amount of time and be transparent. The general public need stability. Make gov rental contracts be more acceptable to lenders. So instead of 2 year AST, maybe go with 6 monthly, so lenders can be happier with the agreement.