Labour could ban estate agents from selling new builds to homeowners to give first-time buyers ‘first dibs’

ESTATE agents would be banned from selling new builds to anyone who has previously owned a home under controversial plans drawn up by Labour.

First time buyers to be given “first dibs” on new properties, but the plans have been questioned as unworkable and unfair.

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Labours plans to make it easier for first time buyers to get on the property ladder have been branded as unworkable and unfair by critics[/caption]

Yesterday Sir Keir Starmer said “giving first time buyers first dibs on developments – will support the aspiration of hard working young Brits and make their dream of home ownership a reality.”

But quizzed about the policy on TV yesterday, Labour’s Election boss Shabana Mahmood was unable to explain how it would work in practice.

She was asked by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “Why would a first time buyer, maybe with no kids, no dependents, or nobody they’re caring for, get priority over a family that might be crammed into a tiny flat and desperately needs a bigger house?”

And the presenter also said: “So, if you go to the estate agent as a first time buyer, do they say, ‘oh, yes, sure, you’re going to be able to buy this house more easily than someone who might be offering £5,000 more’?”

But Ms Mahmood merely replied that “it’s about ensuring that people can actually get on the housing ladder. And first time buyers, as we know, are particularly struggling. So, the point around the first dibs policy is actually to try and tilt the system in favour of those who simply cannot get a home.”

She insisted “it’s a big intervention” that would require a change to the law.

Last night the Tories branded the plans muddled and unworkable.

They hit back: “Labour are taking the latest political opportunity to shout from the sidelines on housebuilding – forgetting their record on building homes is abysmal and the hypocrisy of their own shadow levelling up secretary who called for housing targets to be scrapped in her own constituency.

“The Conservatives have built over two million homes since 2010, delivering the opportunity of homeownership to millions of young people.”