Why Kirstie Allsopp is Wrong: The Housing Market is Not “Dead”

Kirstie Allsopp’s Housing Market Claims Miss the Mark

Kirstie Allsopp has never been one to hold back her opinions on property. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, she declared that the housing market is “dead.” While it makes for a dramatic headline, it is both misleading and counterproductive.

Sensationalism Does Not Help Buyers or Sellers

Allsopp cites rising house prices, stretched affordability, and higher mortgage rates as evidence that the market has ground to a halt. These are indeed challenges, but calling the market “dead” is not only inaccurate, it is irresponsible.

Such statements can have real consequences. First-time buyers, already hesitant due to economic uncertainty, may be scared off entirely. Sellers might lose confidence in listing their homes, fearing a lack of demand. Investors could delay decisions, convinced that property is no longer a viable asset class. This is not “telling it like it is”; it is talking the market down.

The Reality: A Market That is Evolving, Not Dead

The data tells a very different story from Allsopp’s grim narrative. While the housing market is undoubtedly facing headwinds, it is far from lifeless. Consider the following:

• House Prices Are Still Growing: Nationwide, house prices have continued to rise, albeit at a slower pace. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average UK house price increased by 2.6% in the year to August 2025. Knight Frank forecasts a further 3.5% rise by the end of 2025.
• Regional Strength: While London’s market has cooled, regions like the North West and the Midlands are thriving. In Manchester, house prices rose by 5.2% over the past year, and Birmingham saw a 4.8% increase, according to Zoopla.
• Rental Yields Remain Strong: Investors are still seeing healthy returns. Average rental yields across England and Wales stood at 7.4% in Q1 2025, with some areas, such as the North East, offering yields as high as 9.1%.
• Transaction Volumes Are Resilient: HMRC data shows that 1.1 million property transactions were completed in the 12 months to August 2025. While this is lower than the pandemic boom years, it is still a robust level of activity.

This is not a “dead” market. It is a market that is adjusting to new conditions. The days of double-digit annual price growth may be behind us, but the fundamentals of property as a long-term investment remain intact.

Why Allsopp’s Pessimism Misses the Bigger Picture

Kirstie Allsopp has built her career on helping people navigate the property market, which makes her recent negativity all the more surprising. Yes, affordability is a challenge, and yes, we need more homes to be built. But these are structural issues that require policy solutions, not reasons to declare the market finished.

By using such absolute language, Allsopp risks discouraging the very people who need encouragement most — first-time buyers trying to get onto the property ladder. According to Halifax, first-time buyers accounted for 52% of all home purchases in 2024, showing that despite the challenges, many are still finding ways to make it work.

A More Constructive Conversation

Rather than writing the housing market’s obituary, we should focus on solutions and opportunities, such as:

• Encouraging Buyers to Think Strategically: Expanding search areas, considering fixer-uppers, and focusing on long-term value can help buyers navigate affordability challenges.
• Supporting Investors: With rental demand at record highs, investors can still achieve strong returns by balancing income and capital growth.
• Advocating for Policy Reform: Pressuring the government to deliver on planning reform and increase housing supply is essential for addressing affordability in the long term.

The housing market is not “dead.” It is adapting to higher interest rates, shifting demand patterns, and more cautious buyers. This is a sign of resilience, not collapse.

Confidence, Not Alarmism

Kirstie Allsopp is right to highlight the challenges facing the market, but her doom-laden language does more harm than good. Buyers and sellers need confidence, clarity, and constructive advice, not alarmist headlines. The housing market is evolving, and with the right approach, it remains full of opportunity for those willing to adapt.