Surveys suggest only a small minority of landlords voted Labour in the General Election – but most of those who did, won’t be repeating the choice.

A new study by Landbay, a buy to let lender, claims 80% of landlords who voted Labour wouldn’t have done so if they had known Chancellor Rachel Reeves would increase stamp duty on investment properties.

Some 19% of landlords reported that they had voted Labour last July.

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, says: “Good landlords far outweigh the bad and the rental market is remarkably robust and thriving. Demand continues to outstrip supply with many tenants ready and willing to rent across the country. As long as house prices are high, affordability will remain a real challenge for residential buyers.

“We are finding that, while some disaffected landlords are sitting on their hands, others are exploring investment opportunities across the country.  There is always a place for decent, sensibly priced rental properties.

“What the buy-to-let sector really needs now is a confidence boost. With encouragement and support, the sector can continue to play an important role in helping solve the housing crisis.”

Some 63% of landlords responding to Landbay claim to be unimpressed with the government’s housingpolicies so far.

A landlord told Landbay: “Where is the incentive to invest? Who will take up the displaced tenants when private landlords, most of whom only have two or three properties, dispose of their properties?”

Another added: “I shan’t stop buying properties, but how and what kind remains to be seen.” And a third said: “It feels like typical landlord bashing from a Labour government.”