Almost half of estate agents cannot name a single political party they trust most to sort out the housing crisis, new research has suggested.

It revealed that this was the case for a total of 43% of estate agents.

The findings were published in an annual report called The Voice of the Agent, which this year garnered responses from more than 350 agents.

Political stability

The report was compiled by marketing guru Simon Leadbetter, (pictured), who explains that politics and economics has become a key part of the housing market.

Leadbetter says: “Politics and economics now shape estate agency as much as marketing, technology or portals.

“Agents aren’t looking for ideology. They’re looking for stability, credible housing policy and economic competence.”

Agents are looking for stability, credible housing policy and economic competence.”

It is perhaps unsurprising that agents – and home buyers – are looking for stability from politicians in the housing market, given the high turn over of not only Prime Ministers but Housing Ministers in recent years.

Leadbetter adds: “The profession remains optimistic about its own future, but remarkably sceptical that any political party currently has the answers to Britain’s housing challenges.”

The research looked into business confidence among agents, which has increased from 7% to 16% during the 12 months to July 26.

Business growth

Again, almost half – this time at 47% – of agencies expect their businesses to continue growing, according to the report.

The report concludes that while the market is becoming more stable, agents increasingly believe success will depend on a number of variables.

These include understanding interest rates, inflation, politics and international markets alongside traditional agency skills.