Christopher Pincher has been announced as Esther McVey’s replacement as housing minister, with speculation now building over what his top priorities will be.

It will be hard for Pincher to immediately make the role his own, given the extensive list of promises that were made in the Queen’s Speech, just three months ago. The government will likely have a strong focus on affordable housing and the rental market, with demand for implementation of the Renters’ Reform Bill heating up.

In addition, phase two of the Grenfell Tower inquiry began in January, and this sensitive topic will continue to influence policies behind the scenes when it comes to safety frameworks and building standards.

With the budget fast approaching, here are the top five issues that should be at the top of Christopher Pincher’s list in his new role as housing minister.

The Renters’ Reform Bill

The Queen’s Speech ramped up pressure to create a fairer and more sustainable rental market as the odds continue to stack up against those saving for a first home. Promised initiatives, such as the lifetime deposit scheme and the abolition of no-fault evictions, have generated a lot of media attention, but whether significant progress will be made remains to be seen.

The Renters’ Reform Bill has been designed to help those on both sides of a rental agreement, as tenants are promised improved security and landlords are given more rights to regain possession of their property when there is a legitimate need. The long-awaited bill has no publicly agreed timetable, and greater clarity over this will be a positive step forward for the housing market.

First-time buyer schemes

Pincher will undoubtably be keen to make his mark with, especially as the Conservatives work to broaden their appeal to a wider group of the electorate in the coming months.

With Help to Buy ISAs now closed to new savers, the government’s flagship policy in this regard appears to be the newly proposed 30% discount scheme for ‘local’ first-time buyers. Who will be subsidising the 30% price reduction of these properties? What criteria must one meet to constitute a ‘local’ buyer? If the plan is to get the buy-in it will need to make it through Parliament, these answers need to come soon.

Property Agents

The Regulation of Property Agents: Working Group is tasked with advising the government on a new regulatory framework for property agents, with members including RICS, IRPM and Citizens Advice. The group’s final report was issued last summer, but we are yet to see any substantial changes. Findings called for greater regulation on the credentials of individuals working as property agents, among other measures.

The group has been largely operating behind the scenes to date, but it will fall to Pincher and his team to ensure these recommendations result in meaningful change for the housing market.

Affordable housing

Affordable housing plays a starring role in manifestos of both the left and right, and it’s unlikely that Pincher will dial-down the new government’s attentions in this area.

There is a significant stock of unused housing, however, previous schemes to refurbish and remarket these homes have fallen flat.

Current spending demands made by the housing coalition for the creation of housing are comparable to those in the 1950s, when housebuilding increased at a significant rate to resolve the post-WW2 housing crisis. However, with limited space available and increased regulation, it may be difficult to replicate this level of construction.

Building regulations

The renovation of buildings to fit new regulations is of vital importance and continuing to occupy significant governmental time and spend. A crucial, albeit sensitive topic, building regulation will be high on the new minister’s list.

As tighter regulations take hold, there may be a new age of ‘mortgage prisoners’, who are unable to remortgage due to living in non-compliant buildings, and whose home valuation is significantly affected. New build developers will also be feeling the pressure of tighter guidelines, which will then in turn affect the homebuying market as valuations increase for these sites, to maintain developer margins. Having appropriate processes in place to protect against this should be a top priority.

Overall, Pincher’s in-tray does not look all that different to McVey’s. The pressing issues affecting the housing market have been on the government’s agenda for some time, but progress in addressing them has been stagnant. These are simply five promises that have been made time after time, but for the government to make significant strides to assist the overall property market they need to begin fulfilling promises and developing long lasting legislation.

For a number of years private companies have been left to solve issues within the market. Some initiatives are making great strides and the evolution of technology certainly helps but without rules enshrined in law that set out a consistent process to support homeowners and renters, the market uncertainty will continue.

Pincher is the 10th housing minster in the last decade. The short terms of housing ministers have resulted in little substantial change being accomplished and left many skeptical that change will arrive. As murmurs of discontent grow louder, it is important Pincher acts quickly to deliver progress for homeowners, buyers, renters and developers alike.