Google Trends (http://www.google.com/trends) might be a useful tool to get an insight into the current housing market. It would be great if we could get a thread started on this.
Take a look at the volume of UK searches with the term 'estate agent'.
What can clearly be seen is the seasonal fluctuation in housing market. November and December are particularly quiet months. Since 2004 year on year the volume of searches has declined with no significant sign of an increase for 2009. The volumes for 2008/2009 are also very low.
Have a go!