Housing leaders have been reacting to Rishi Sunak’s unexpected decision this evening to call a general election for 4 July, with many expressing hope the poll will provide much-needed certainty over the direction of housing policy.

Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), said the election “provides an opportunity to place housing at the centre of the public discourse”.

Referencing the CIH’s 10-point plan to increase housing delivery and improve existing homes, Smart said “there is a blueprint for a new government to adopt that will help address the housing crisis.” The CIH’s plan includes more investment in social homes, measures to improve the planning process, more decent homes funding and measures to improve conditions in the private rented sector.