In partnership with

Hi reader! Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter.

Welcome to your weekly briefing on important things affecting the housing market.

As a subscriber, the facts hit your inbox first. BUT it is always worth tuning into the live stream, as there may be a couple of last-minute additions. Find the live stream here (it happened at an unusual time today - midnight last night!):

Remember: If you’ve recently rented, bought or sold a home, please report your price to the BestAgent Public House Price Index.

This week’s top 5 housing market facts:

1. Telegraph shows extensive data supporting coming house value slide
   https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/f0e08f86dd9d6cb9

2. Zoopla glosses over lacklustre market with flat prices falling, demand 10% down on last year, and London supply up 14% https://assets.ctfassets.net/02vwvgr6spsr/1eDTZHeKo43ch4fFSTEi98/d0ab2b99a94839a80f2c7f04d9518861/Zoopla-House-Price-Index-January-2026.pdf

3. Home Builders Federation shills for more government money to prop up flailing sales, but there are compelling reasons it shouldn’t ever happen again. If they want government money, they should build social homes that the government pays for and owns. https://x.com/moving_charlie/status/2016443171216003572?s=20

4. Government spins £250 Ground Rent Cap as delivering leasehold reform, before it is delivered. But if they do deliver it in 2028, it’s big news, although it’s too much for freeholders and not enough for leaseholders https://x.com/moving_charlie/status/2016441120918495388?s=20

5. Government gives Landlords small reprieve, cuts landlord spending cap and pushes 2028 deadline to 2030, easing the cliff edge that was looming on rental supply https://www.nrla.org.uk/news/epc-c-government-cuts-landlord-spending-cap

Thought of the Week:

2026 Housing: it’s business, but not as usual

Averages. They make everything look as though it’s normal, but actually they cover up all the unusual things happening.

The national ‘average’ price doesn’t appear to be moving much in any direction, yet around the country (mostly in the south) we know there are major price movements in certain markets, mostly downwards.

Average transaction volumes also appear relatively ‘normal’ which is being misinterpreted by the usual property pundits as “everything’s fine”. But actually, transaction volumes in some markets are up, (eg FTB numbers are at a record) while in other areas, nothing is selling.

So, the national averages tell us that prices and transaction volumes are normal. But what’s happening out there on the street is anything but.

And the activity we are seeing is highly unusual, but average data is covering it up.

It’s like this: a busy rush hour is normal. But when the same number of people are rushing around in unusual directions, the number of people moving is normal, but why and where they’re moving is anything but - a bit like people rushing to get away from a forest fire approaching a town.

The mean conceals the extremes, but the extreme informs the mean, I heard someone say this week (I think it was Tim Ferriss) which struck a chord with me.

I wonder if that makes any sense at all. Have a great weekend everyone.

In case you missed anything this week…

How to get your low offer accepted in a buyers market

Q&A with Harry Scoffin on the government’s claimed progress

Most viewed post this week on X:

Most viewed video this week on TikTok:

@movinghomewithcharlie

Buying a home to make money is a HUGE mistake.

What Will Your Retirement Look Like?

Planning for retirement raises many questions. Have you considered how much it will cost, and how you’ll generate the income you’ll need to pay for it? For many, these questions can feel overwhelming, but answering them is a crucial step forward for a comfortable future.

Start by understanding your goals, estimating your expenses and identifying potential income streams. The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income can help you navigate these essential questions. If you have $1,000,000 or more saved for retirement, download your free guide today to learn how to build a clear and effective retirement income plan. Discover ways to align your portfolio with your long-term goals, so you can reach the future you deserve.

Get The Guide

That’s all for this week!

Thank you so much for subscribing. Please do give me any feedback you have by replying to this email.

Have a great weekend, lots of love and luck to you all.

Charlie