This is Money Podcast What next for house prices in 2026?
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Jan 3, 2026 The property market is experiencing a mixed bag, with looser lending rules helping first-time buyers despite recent stagnation in house prices. A concerning trend of declining values in flats post-COVID due to lifestyle changes is discussed. Listeners also benefit from tips on retiring at 50, including practical financial planning. In more quirky news, the struggles of Costa amid rising coffee prices prompt a debate about consumer preferences for independent coffee shops. Finally, advice on appealing parking charges rounds out the episode.
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2025 House Prices Largely Static
- House prices were broadly flat in 2025, rising just 0.6% and showing a static market overall.
- Mortgage rule loosening helped first-time buyers despite weak overall movement, easing affordability constraints.
Flats Fall Out Of Favor
- Flats underperformed, with prices down and reduced buyer appetite post-COVID.
- First-time buyers increasingly prefer properties with outside space like semi-detached houses.
Building A Local Market Heatmap
- Lee describes building a neighbourhood heatmap tool and recounts data re-crunching to publish local market hotspots.
- He notes hot areas can flip quickly and gives local examples like Houlton, Oldham and Malden.
