This is Money Podcast

What next for house prices in 2026?

10 snips
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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INSIGHT

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.
ANECDOTE

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.
ADVICE

Use Top Cash ISA Rates Now

  • Act quickly to open or top up cash ISAs while top rates (above 4%) remain available.
  • Compare current deals (e.g., Trading 212, Atom Bank, Investec) and pick a flexible, FSCS-protected option if needed.
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