Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSimon EnglishThursday 25 June 2026 14:34 BSTAndy Burnham sworn in as Makerfield MPBerkeley Group, London's largest housebuilder, has called for "strong political leadership" and "decisive intervention" to address the capital's failing housing market.The company warned that London is currently delivering less than 10 per cent of its annual government housebuilding target, with apartment building completion times increasing significantly.Rob Perrins, Berkeley's executive chairman, urged the government to cut stamp duty to three per cent for new homes and to zero for first-time buyers to unlock demand and attract investment.Berkeley claims these measures would enable London to meet its housing targets, boost tax revenues, and increase GDP by one per cent.The intervention comes as Andy Burnham is expected to become prime minister, with plans to shake up housebuilding policy and boost social housing.In fullMajor housebuilder urges Burnham to ditch stamp duty and slash red tape if he becomes PMThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in