A new PM with a clear housing philosophy
Andy Burnham entered Downing Street on 20 July 2026. No major housing policy statements have followed in the weeks since, which is not unusual for a new administration finding its feet. But Burnham is not an unknown quantity on housing. His years leading Greater Manchester produced a consistent and well-documented approach, and that record is the most useful guide we have right now.
A structural view of the housing shortage
Burnham has long argued that the UK faces a structural housing shortage, not a temporary blip. His position has been that the gap between supply and demand cannot be closed by the private market alone. During his time as Mayor, he pushed hard for an expansion of council and genuinely affordable homes, favouring long-term investment in social rented housing over short-term fixes.
If that thinking shapes national policy, you might expect to see higher targets for social and affordable housebuilding, greater pressure on local authorities to use their land and borrowing powers, and a renewed focus on homes that are affordable in the ordinary sense of the word rather than simply discounted from open-market prices. None of this is confirmed, but it follows logically from his stated position over many years.
The Good Landlord Charter and what it could mean nationally
One of the more distinctive things Burnham introduced in Greater Manchester was the UK's first Good Landlord Charter. The charter was a voluntary scheme designed to encourage landlords to go beyond the minimum legal requirements on property standards, communication, and tenancy security. Landlords who signed up could use the accreditation as a mark of quality.
The scheme attracted attention nationally because it took a carrot-based approach rather than relying solely on enforcement. If Burnham's team looks to apply something similar at a national level, landlords could face a new framework that rewards higher standards with lighter-touch inspection or preferred status in local housing schemes. Whether that would be voluntary or linked to licencing is the key question, and one we cannot answer yet.
What is already clear is that the private rented sector is absorbing considerable change. The Renters' Rights Act is working its way through implementation, bringing with it the abolition of fixed-term tenancies, changes to possession grounds, and a new ombudsman. At the same time, the EPC upgrade agenda is pushing landlords to think seriously about the energy performance of their properties. Adding a new quality framework on top of that would require careful timing from any government.
Planning reform and a pro-development stance
Burnham's tenure as Mayor was broadly pro-development. He worked to attract significant property investment to Greater Manchester, supported major regeneration schemes, and did not shy away from backing new homes in and around the city. That stance helped shift the perception of Manchester as a place where large-scale development could actually get done.
Applied nationally, a similar philosophy could mean genuine planning reform that makes it easier to build on underused land, clearer timelines for decisions, and less tolerance for long delays in the system. Developers and housebuilders will be watching closely to see whether the appetite for reform at the national level matches what Burnham achieved regionally. Again, this is what his record suggests, not what has been announced.
What this means for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants
For buyers, a pro-development agenda and focus on affordable supply could gradually improve choice, particularly at the lower end of the market, though any policy change takes time to produce homes on the ground.
For sellers, broad market conditions will continue to depend on mortgage rates, local demand, and economic confidence, none of which a single policy shift changes quickly.
For landlords, the combination of the Renters' Rights Act, EPC requirements, and a possible new quality framework means the next two to three years will require active management of your portfolio. Speak to our team if you want to understand where your properties stand.
For tenants, a government focused on affordable supply and landlord standards is broadly positive, though the benefits depend on how quickly and effectively policy is translated into practice.
Stay informed as policy develops
Burnham's housing record gives a clearer starting point than many incoming Prime Ministers offer. But track records and confirmed policy are different things, and the detail always matters. Cooke and Co will keep you updated as announcements are made. Sign up to our newsletter to receive housing policy updates, local market insight, and practical advice for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants as the picture becomes clearer.
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